Indian Premier League is the most widely followed T20 league across the globe. As the brand value of the IPL grew leaps and bounds over the years, all credit goes to the phenomenal cricketers who showcase their optimum skills on the cricket field. While IPL is characterized as one of the most action-packed events, wicket-keepers behind the stump play a significant role in changing the course of the match within a fraction of a second. There is always a debate around who is the best wicket keeper in IPL?
Donning the gloves behind the stumps, wicket-keepers need to be agile and flexible throughout the match. Therefore, it goes without saying that the world’s most lucrative league, IPL demands some of the best wicket-keepers to play their roles to perfection for the respective teams. Since the inception of the IPL in 2008, stalwarts like Kumar Sangakkara, Adam Gilchrist, MS Dhoni and many more have left an indelible imprint in the hearts and minds of fans of the game. Their contributions are unmatched and unparalleled.
Therefore, fans wondering ‘who is the best wicket keeper in IPL’ must read this article to find out the answers. Here’s a list of 5 wicket-keepers with the most dismissals in IPL history:
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Who are the Wicket Keepers with most Dismissals in IPL history?
5. Wriddhiman Saha – 79
Catches – 59, Stumpings – 20
Wriddhiman Saha debuted for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2008. The wicket-keeper batsman has proven his worth behind the stumps umpteen number of times. Although, he was quick to jump from one ship to another as he donned the jerseys of Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders followed by Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The Bengal-based cricketer has drawn the spotlight for his athletic catches behind the stumps during the IPL season. In total, Saha has recorded 79 dismissals as a wicket-keeper in the lPL till now. He has grabbed 59 catches including 20 stumpings from behind the wicket. As a result, Saha has been up there with the best in the business.
4. Parthiv Patel – 81
Catches – 65, Stumpings – 16
Born in Gujarat, Parthiv Patel was revered as one of the best wicket-keeper batsmen in India. The 36-year-old cricketer boasts a profound and impactful IPL career. In a 12-year IPL stint, Patel plied his trade for as many as six teams. Starting his career with Chennai Super Kings in the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008 to playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 12th edition, Patel gained immense experience over the years.
Talking about his wicket-keeping skills, he was always regarded as someone who could make difficult catches look easy. As far as the stats are concerned, the southpaw contributed to 81 dismissals during his career. It included 65 catches and 16 stumpings to his name. The current Talent Scout with Mumbai Indians, Parthiv finds himself fourth in the all-time list of most dismissals by wicket-keepers in the IPL.
3. Robin Uthappa – 90
Catches – 58, Stumpings – 32
Robin Uthappa kickstarted his career from Kolkata Knight Riders in 2008. Eventually, he drew the limelight and went up for massive bids in various intervals of his IPL stint. From KKR to Mumbai Indians and then RCB, Uthappa has proven his mettle both with bat and the gloves. Having represented India at the highest level, he did not get the opportunity to keep behind the stumps, but he is often found doing his duties in the IPL.
He has performed persistently well and took precarious catches. Eventually, he attempts to play his role to perfection till today. Having played 189 matches in IPL, Robin has picked up 58 catches and stumped as many as 32 times. While he's no more a regular wicket-keeper for his IPL team, Uthappa's tally of 90 dismissals still sees him in the top-3 for the most dismissals by a wicket keeper in the IPL.
2. Dinesh Karthik – 145
Catches – 114, Stumpings -31
Dinesh Karthik has been a huge match-winner for most of his IPL teams since 2008. The Tamil Nadu player has been a regular feature in the IPL as a first-choice wicket-keeper in the playing XI. He's known for his acrobatic skills behind the wickets that have helped him grab some one-handed stunners to eventually change the course of the games on most occasions.
In the 204 matches that he has played, Karthik has effected 145 dismissals including 113 catches and 31 stumpings. He continues to play in the IPL in the 14th edition for Kolkata Knight Riders. He might be placed second on the list of most dismissals by a wicket keeper in the IPL but could potentially grab the No.1 spot in this elite list. Now 36, Karthik surely will consider playing for a few more years in the IPL to allow him an opportunity to displace MS Dhoni from the numero uno position.
1. MS Dhoni – 153
Catches – 114, Stumpings – 39
Mahendra Singh Dhoni has arguably been the best wicket keeper in the history of IPL. The former Indian skipper is known for changing the course of the match with his impeccable skills behind the stumps. Moreover, Dhoni has laid a strong foundation for Chennai Super Kings since 2008, helping them to three IPL trophies under his leadership. His leadership prowess coupled with excellent wicket-keeping skills adds immense power to the ‘Men in Yellow'.
Dhoni has a total of 153 dismissals to his name – the most for any wicket-keeper in the history of the league. He has been a constant behind the stumps with his mesmerizing glove-work. Despite being unorthodox, the former Indian skipper has been highly effective in his job behind the stumps. His tally includes 114 catches to go along with his 39 stumpings.
His presence behind the stumps is a comforting sign for most spinners. He's an astute thinker of the game and his invaluable inputs from behind the stumps do a lot of good to his bowlers.
