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There is no doubt that a wicketkeeper is like a guard who keeps a close watch on the game. They have the most comprehensive view of the game from their position. Players must constantly be on their toes, as an opportunity can arrive at any time, and they must be ready to take it. Hands behind the stumps can turn the game on its head by converting chances into dismissals if there are hands behind the stumps. When it comes to the finest of the best, the Indian Premier League has had some of the most intelligent goalkeepers on the field. There are more batters in the playing XI since T20 cricket, especially the Indian Premier League, became very popular. It is also essential for a wicketkeeper to prove his worth as a batsman. Many innovative wicketkeeping techniques have also been, such as running outs without looking at or guiding the spinner. Here we will look at the most successful wicketkeepers in the history of the Indian Premier League and discover who has picked up the most scalps in their gloves!
MS Dhoni – 170 Dismissals
It’s no surprise to see this man at the top. Among the finest keepers to have ever been behind the wickets, former Indian captain and current CSK skipper MS Dhoni sits at the top spot with 170 dismissals! In his IPL career, he has taken 131 catches and 39 stumpings. His fast hands and quick thinking are a benchmark for others, and we’ve all been impressed by his skills with the no-look hit, stumps and whatnot. His presence behind the stumps is comforting for most spinners. He’s an astute game thinker, and his invaluable inputs from behind the stumps do good for his bowlers.
Dinesh Karthik – 159 Dismissals
The only other wicketkeeper with over 100 dismissals in the competition is just behind. Dinesh Karthik has 159 layoffs in 212 innings. He is the only IPL player to take over 100 catches as a designated gloveman. His combined tally of 125 catches and 34 stumpings equals his second-most dismissals. Karthikkeeper’s expertise has been vital to the teams he’s played for over the years.
Rriddhiman Saha – 95 Dismissals
The right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman from Gujarat had a successful tenure in the IPL and the Indian Test team. Though he made his IPL debut in the inaugural season, he started being a consistent pick in 2014 for Kings XI Punjab in their best season. He scored a century in the IPL 2014 final before losing to KKR. Before an array of injuries pulled his career slow, he had a few successful seasons from 2014 to 2017 in the IPL. He made a triumphant return in 2020 after only four matches scoring 214 runs. In his IPL career, he has played 144 games and piled up 2427 runs with 95 dismissals behind the wickets. The 38-year-old is in the Gujarat Titans squad with a 1.90 cr price tag.
Robin Uthappa – 90 dismissals
There are only a few Indians who can bat explosively with classy technique. Robin Uthappa is just one of them. Even at 37, the Chennai-based wicketkeeper scores for the Chennai Super Kings. His most impressive IPL stint was with the Kolkata Knight Riders, where he was an inevitable piece of their 2012 and 2014 winning squads. He won the orange cap in 2014, scoring 660 runs, the highest by any wicketkeeper-batsman in the IPL. From 205 IPL matches, Robbie has 4952 runs with a strike rate of 130.35. He has been a fielder for some seasons and still claimed 90 dismissals as a wicketkeeper. It is the third-highest in the IPL.
Rishabh Pant – 69 dismissals
During his time with the Delhi franchise, Rishabh Pant has become an integral part of the team. Coach Ricky Ponting chose him over Shreyash Iyer as team captain. Delhi Capitals matches have taken on a new dimension since the explosive middle-order batsman clicked into gear. As a 24-year-old cricketer, Pant also has 69 dismissals from behind the stumps in the Indian Premier League, including 15 stumpings and 59 catches.