Ranking the 5 best overseas wicketkeeping options in IPL 2025 auction ft. Phil Salt
Overseas players have always been top attractions in the Indian Premier League (IPL). While Indian players remain the core of teams, overseas players add global appeal and flair to the league.
Over the years, several top foreign players have made their mark in the league, becoming household names. From batters, bowlers, all-rounders, and wicket-keepers, big names will be available at the IPL 2025 mega auction this time around.
Given each of their skills and value as players, they are certain to ignite bidding wars between franchises. Several top overseas players will be in high demand, making it all the more interesting.
Talking about wicket-keepers, there are many teams who are in need of wicket-keeping options, making this an exciting category at the auction. While the likes of KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Ishan Kishan are among the big names in the Indian wicket-keepers list, the overseas list is equally star-studded.
Ahead of the mega auction, let us look at who are the five best overseas wicket-keeping options teams will be after.
Ranking the 5 best overseas wicketkeeping options in IPL 2025 auction
#5 Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Dynamic Afghanistan wicket-keeper batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz has made significant strides in international and franchise cricket with his performances in the recent past.
Gurbaz has established himself as a fine opening batter, who is known for his positive intent and willingness to take the attack to the opposition up front.
While he has not achieved success in the IPL as a batter yet, his quick-scoring ability and aggressive intent as an opener add to his credentials. With many teams looking for an opener and a wicket-keeper, Gurbaz could be a perfect choice.
#4 Josh Inglis
Australian wicket-keeper batter Josh Inglis has been on the rise and is another exciting name on this list. Inglis has never played in the IPL but has impressive numbers in international cricket and other franchise leagues.
His T20I strike-rate of 156.88 and Big Bash League (BBL) strike-rate of 140.54 showcase his ability to score at a quick pace. Along with his wicket-keeping skills, his ability to bat anywhere in the batting order brings flexibility, which could be a big plus for many teams.
Inglis comes with enough international experience and has also played in leagues like BBL, Vitality Blast, and the Men's Hundred.
#3 Quinton de Kock
Quinton de Kock is among the household names in the IPL, having already played several seasons and proven his ability, both with the bat and the gloves. He has played for teams like Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Mumbai Indians, and the Lucknow Super Giants.
While he did not have a great outing with the bat last season, he is still a top-quality opening batter, who can single-handedly change the course of a game on his day.
His wicket-keeping skills are unquestionable and the South African is certain to be among the most sought-after wicket-keepers at the auction.
#2 Phil Salt
English wicket-keeper batter Phil Salt has raised his stock with his recent brilliant performances at the international level. He recently scored his third T20I hundred for England and is a fearless batter at the top of the order.
His T20I strike-rate of 165.32 and T20 strike-rate of 155.64, along with having scored plenty of runs as well, and with the experience of having played in various leagues, makes him a player to watch out for at the auction.
Salt, who played for the Kolkata Knight Riders last year, also had an impressive season, scoring 435 runs from 12 games with a strike-rate of 182, contributing to their title-winning run.
#1 Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler is probably among the biggest overseas names at the auction this time around. Teams looking for a dynamic and aggressive opener who is also a seasoned campaigner will certainly be after Buttler.
Buttler has scored 3,582 runs in the IPL with a strike-rate of 147.53 along with seven hundreds as well. Over the past few seasons, he has been a consistent run-getter for the Rajasthan Royals at the top of the order.
Buttler won the Orange Cap in 2022, where he amassed 863 runs in a single season. He is undoubtedly expected to be among the top players that teams will go after in intense bidding wars.