The IPL has witnessed explosive batting, fiery bowling, and gravity-defying fielding, but wicketkeeping records have a special place. In all 18 seasons, just one player has achieved the impossible: five dismissals in one match as keeper. Step forward Kumar Sangakkara, who accomplished this on April 14, 2011, captaining Deccan Chargers against Royal Challengers Bangalore at Hyderabad’s iconic venue.
Chargers set the tone by rattling up 175/5, thanks to Chipli’s match-winning 61* off 35 deliveries. Sangakkara (36), Sohail (38), and Duminy (22) provided solid support. Zaheer Khan’s three-for kept them in check, but RCB’s chase imploded. Kohli’s 71 was a lone hand amid ruins—Pujara 25, Agarwal 16, and the rest in single digits, all out for 142/9.
Behind the stumps, Sangakkara was a predator, snapping up Dilshan, de Villiers, Tiwary, van der Wath, and Ninan. His vigilance triggered RCB’s collapse, securing a convincing 33-run win. Steyn and Gony’s 3/3 hauls, plus singles from Sharma, Christian, and Mishra, sealed the deal.
Sangakkara’s record highlights his razor-sharp reflexes and tactical acumen. As captain, he not only led from the front with the bat but dominated with the gloves. This singular achievement underscores the rarity of such prowess in T20’s frenetic pace, cementing his legacy in IPL folklore.