5 most successful wicket-keepers in IPL history

IPL has, over the past 10 years, provided the fans with some of the best cricket that has ever been witnessed. With players from all over the world coming together to play against and with each other, we have witnessed various new alliances as well as on-field rivalries between some of the all-time greats in cricket.

The likes of Shaun Marsh, Kieron Pollard, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya used IPL as a platform to catapult themselves into their country's national sides.

While batting and bowling styles have seen various changes and innovations over the years in IPL, it is the wicketkeeping skills that have improved the most in the decade-long history of the IPL. The new wicket keeping techniques and skills have not only added more interest to the game at all level, but it has also increased the respect for the wicketkeepers throughout the world.

Over the years, several world-class wicketkeepers have managed to leave an impression in the IPL with their extraordinary glove work behind the stumps. As a tribute to such legendary stumpers, we take a look at 5 wicketkeepers with most dismissals in IPL history.

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#5 Parthiv Patel

Still special behind the stumps

Parthiv Patel holds the unique distinction of playing for 6 different franchises in only the first decade of the IPL. Famous for his quick glove work behind the stumps as well as his aggressive batting at the top order, Patel has always been an asset for whichever franchise he plays.

Despite his short structure, Patel has been one of the most successful wicketkeepers in Indian history and will keep the wickets for Royal Challengers Bangalore this time.

In the 119 matches he has played so far in the IPL, Patel has kept the wickets in 102 innings. In those 102 innings, Patel was involved in 71 dismissals of the opposition batsmen, which includes 57 caught behinds and 14 stumpings.

Patel was at his best while keeping the wickets for Chennai Super Kings as well as the last team he played for, Mumbai Indians.

#4 Naman Ojha

One of the most underrated wicketkeeper

Naman Ojha simply doesn't get enough respect and recognition for his exemplary work behind the stumps at the domestic level. Unlucky to have played during the time when MS Dhoni was India's first-choice wicketkeeper, Naman Ojha was always at his best when he was keeping the wickets in the IPL, which is quite evident from his record as the wicketkeeper of three different franchises.

Naman Ojha has, so far, played 112 matches in IPL and has kept the wickets in 111 innings till date. In those 111 innings, Ojha was involved in 65 caught behinds and 10 stumpings of the opposition batsmen, taking his overall dismissal tally to 75. Naman Ojha will be playing for Delhi Daredevils this time out and will be a vital asset for the team behind the stumps.

#3 Robin Uthappa

Always the Bridesmaid

Despite not being a specialized wicketkeeper, Robin Uthappa has kept the gloves for 4 different franchises throughout his IPL career and has been mighty successful for each team.

While he has always been India's second choice wicketkeeper throughout his career, Uthappa excelled as a wicketkeeper during his tenure with the Kolkata Knight Riders, which saw him evolve as one of the best stumpers in the IPL.

Playing a total of 149 matches for four different teams, Robin Uthappa was given the keeping responsibility 114 times. He was involved in 58 caught behinds and 32 stumpings, which is an IPL record giving him a cumulative total of 90 dismissals in 10 years.

With Dinesh Karthik also part of KKR this year, Robin Uthappa will make way for him as the first choice stumper of the team.

#2 Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Best in the world

There is clearly no doubt in the wicketkeeping abilities of MS Dhoni. The man is so proficient and near-perfect behind the stumps that his exceptional glove work has won a lot of matches for the teams he has played for.

Although it may come as a surprise that MS Dhoni is not on the top of this list, he is not that far behind from the leader and could certainly overtake him to become the most successful wicketkeeper in the IPL as well.

Dhoni has played 159 matches in his IPL career so far and has donned the gloves for his times in 152 of those matches. With 72 caught behinds and 30 stumpings to his name, MS Dhoni has a cumulative total of 102 dismissals to his name, which is just 4 shy of the all-time record.

With MS Dhoni returning to his old fortress in Chennai, expect him to make an impact once again with his impeccable glove work.

#1 Dinesh Karthik

The numero-uno

wicket keeper

in IPL

This might come as a surprise to a lot of fans of the IPL, but Dinesh Karthik is actually the most prolific wicketkeeper in the history of IPL. Having played for 5 different franchises throughout the decade, Karthik was the first choice stumper for all those franchises and was mighty successful in his work behind the stumps.

It was due to the stunning glove work that he was bought at a whopping 12.5 crores by Delhi Daredevils in 2014.

So far in his IPL career, Karthik has played 152 matches and was given the responsibility of keeping the wickets in 126 innings. He has taken a record 80 catches behind the stumps and has also affected 26 stumpings, taking his overall tally to 106, 4 more than MS Dhoni.

Since he has been chosen as the captain of KKR for the upcoming season, Karthik will have more responsibilities on his shoulder and will be looking to play at his best as the wicketkeeper and captain of KKR.