Ranking the Best Wicket keeper in IPL- Behind the Stumps, Beyond the Stats
Since its inception, the Indian Premier League has witnessed some unthinkable spectacles in the realm of T20 cricket, and many of them have come from behind the stumps. Whenever we talk about the best wicketkeeper in the IPL, MS Dhoni’s name is the first that surfaces in most of our minds.
One of the most successful cricketers when it comes to winning trophies, Dhoni has been a catalyst in Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) five title triumphs. However, it is not just his charismatic leadership or hard-hitting batting style. Many times, his flashy stumpings and run-outs have changed the tide in his side’s favor.
As IPL 2025 looms on the horizon, let’s explore some of the best glovemen who have done a remarkable job behind the stumps in the world’s biggest cricket league.
MS Dhoni – The undisputed king of IPL
Matches so far: 264
Total dismissals – 190
Catches – 148
Stumpings – 42
It would be an injustice to talk about the IPL without mentioning MS Dhoni. The former Indian captain not only stands tall as the best wicketkeeper in IPL history, but he is also its heartbeat. His lightning-fast stumpings, unbelievable runouts, and ability to guide the bowlers from behind the stumps make him unparalleled.
The former Indian captain’s sheer ability to read the game, maintain his composure in high-pressure situations, and finish the game with his willow makes him one of the most influential wicket-keepers of all time.
While the forthcoming IPL season looms on the horizon, Thala is once again geared up to roar in the yellow jersey for his fans as the whistle podu army eagerly awaits for another trophy in their cabinet.
Dinesh Karthik – The underrated match winner
Matches so far: 257
Total dismissals – 174
Catches – 137
Stumpings – 37
It would not be wrong to say that Dinesh Karthik has been one of the most consistent wicket-keepers in the IPL. Throughout his long IPL stint, the former Indian International donned the jersey of various franchises and proved his value from time to time.
A player who has constantly evolved throughout his career, the Karnataka-based player reinvented himself as a death over specialist during the last stage of his career. His ability to finish games has made waves, sending out a clear message that wicket-keepers could be game changers as well.
Wriddhiman Saha – The Silent Warrior
Matches so far: 170
Total dismissals – 113
Catches – 87
Stumpings – 26
The game mantra of Wriddhiman Saha is quite simple – grab fewer headlines but remain invaluable. Another legend of this beautiful game, Saha’s wicket-keeping skills are textbook-perfect. But what makes him truly stand out is his quick hands, neat and clean glovework, and a remarkable ability to judge the turn and seam of the leather.
Saha will always be remembered for his centurion knock of 115 runs in the IPL 2014 final against Kolkata Knight Riders. Though his side failed to lift the title, Saha’s incredible batting and resilience won the heart of every cricket fan. Additionally, his role in the Gujarat Titans’ title triumph of IPL 2021 can not be forgotten.
While needed with the bat or gloves, the West-Bengal based player always stepped up for his side whenever needed. Though he did not possess the charisma of Rishabh Pant or the leadership style of Dhoni, Saha will always be remembered as the best wicket-keeper in IPL history.
Rishabh Pant – Another Indian legend in the making
Matches so far: 111
Total dismissals – 95
Catches – 72
Stumpings – 23
Rishabh Pant is not your ordinary wicket-keeper batter. He is an entertainer, a skill-honned man, and a game-changer. There has been no doubt that his glove work has significantly improved over the years; it’s his batting that makes him a true asset.
Additionally, what makes Pant special is his ability to bounce back more aggressively whenever he has some ups and downs with the gloves. His capability to pull off one-handed stunners and lightning-fast stumpings has brought him into the elite’s club in IPL, and the stats are enough to justify this point.
Starting his IPL career with the Delhi Cpaitals (DC), a big turnaround in Rishabh Pant’s life came during IPL 2025 when Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) brought him for a staggering amount of INR 27 cr, the biggest in the tournament’s cash-rich history.
While we head for another IPL season, one thing is sure – the best is yet to come for Pant. If he keeps going with the same pace, no wonder he will reach higher in this chart.
Robin Uthappa – Safe hands and some match-winning knocks
Matches so far: 205
Total dismissals – 90
Catches – 58
Stumpings – 32
Though not a regular wicket-keeper, Robin Uthappa’s contribution as a gloveman can not be overlooked, and the stats are evidence. Despite not being the quickest behind the stumps, his fast hands and the ability to adapt under any situation made him a big asset for whatever franchise he represented.
His most memorable season of IPL came in 2014, when the right-handed batter won the Orange Cap, scoring 660 runs and playing a crucial part in KKR’s title-winning campaign. Though he honed the wicket-keeping gloves in over half the matches of his IPL career, he was able to make a crucial impact for his team. Uthappa will always be hailed as one of the most complete players to ever feature in a grand cricketing extravaganza like the IPL.
Conclusion
The role of wicketkeepers in T20 cricket, particularly in a fast-paced tournament like the IPL, has evolved dramatically. They are no longer silent spectators behind the stumps. Rather, they act as silent assassins who can change the direction of the game within a flash.
While the excitement for the IPL 2025 remains palpable, it would be an exciting competition between the next generation of wicket-keepers like Rishabh Pant, Ishan Kishan, and many more.
