IPL 2019: Top 5 wicket keepers with most dismissals in IPL history

The Indian Premier League (IPL) season is back again. The most-awaited T20 tournament of the year is nearing, and fans cannot wait to witness its 12th edition. The tournament is set to kick-off on the 23rd of May between the Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. This South-Indian Derby is one of the most-awaited matches in the tournament. As we build up for this epic encounter, we will look at the all-time record of dismissals for a wicket keeper in the IPL. Number 3 and Number 1 in this list will surprise you, so stay tuned to the post till the very end!

#5 Parthiv Patel

Patel has played for as many as 6 IPL teams

At number 5, we have the pint-sized superstar from Gujarat, Parthiv Patel. The 34-year-old is one of the most talented wicket keepers in the country. Being short has worked as an advantage for him in the wicket-keeping section. As a reason, Patel is quick with his glove work against the spinners. Currently, he plays as an opening batsman for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. In the past, he has represented as many as five other teams: Chennai Super Kings, Deccan Chargers, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad. In the 125 matches that he has played so far in IPL, Parthiv has effected 74 dismissals in total. He has 60 catches and 14 stumpings to his name, and his dismissal rate is a healthy 0.685 dismissals per innings. RCB will be hoping for a good form from Parthiv in the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League, both in the batting and the wicket-keeping departments.

#4 Naman Ojha:

Naman Ojha is currently part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad

At number 4, We have the flamboyant wicket keeper-batsman from Madhya Pradesh Naman Ojha. Ojha’s artwork behind the stumps is exemplary, to say the least. Unfortunately, he was unsold in the IPL auctions 2019. He last played for the Sunrisers team from Hyderabad and in the past, he has also represented Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). In the 113 IPL matches that he played, Naman Ojha has as many as 65 catches and 10 stumpings, taking his total tally to 75 dismissals. His dismissal rate is 0.675 per innings, a number which even surpasses the likes of Mark Boucher and Quinton De Kock in the IPL. He will be hoping to get an opportunity in the upcoming IPL in case of any replacements or injuries. He can also be drafted into any side midway into the tournament, courtesy the new transfer window in the IPL.

#3 Robin Uthappa:

Robin Uthappa was part of the RCB in the initial years

We have a surprise at number 3 - it is the talented batsman from Karnataka, Robin Uthappa. This comes as a surprise, because Robin did not begin his career as a full-time keeper. But with time, considering the needs of the team, he developed the skill and has done more than a satisfactory job for the teams he represented. He currently plays for the Knight Riders based out of Kolkata. Uthappa has effected more dismissals than even someone like Adam Gilchrist in the IPL. He has a total of 90 dismissals to his name, that comprises of a mammoth 32 stumpings and 58 catches. His dismissal rate is also quite impressive, at 0.789 dismissals per game. He is a crucial player for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL since he also plays a vital role with the bat, and had even won the orange cap in the past, while representing the same team. Uthappa will be raring to go in the upcoming IPL season, as he looks to make a comeback after a long gap.

#2 MS Dhoni:

Dhoni's artwork behind the stumps is exemplary

MS Dhoni is an obvious inclusion to this list, due to his well-known prowess in this department. The Chennai Super Kings captain ranks second in the all-time list of wicket-keepers with most dismissals in the IPL. Apart from successfully leading his side into the playoffs in each of the nine seasons that he captained them (which included entering the finals seven times), his artwork behind the stumps has been second to none. Dhoni has been expeditious behind the stumps and the recent series against Australia stands testimony to the same. In 175 appearances, Dhoni has recorded a stunning 116 dismissals. He has 83 catches to his name and a total of 33 stumpings, which created a new record in the IPL. His dismissal rate is an impressive 0.690 dismissals per game. His team will no doubt be aiming to get the coveted title once more in the upcoming 12th edition of the IPL.

#1 Dinesh Karthik:

Dinesh Karthik will have to play a vital role for KKR in the upcoming IPL

At number 1, we have the latest finisher for Team India in the T20Is - Dinesh Karthik. The Tamil Nadu Batsman and the captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders has surpassed even MS Dhoni in the IPL, as far as the number of dismissals is concerned. Karthik has a record-breaking 124 dismissals (94 catches and 30 stumpings) and has played crucial roles for various sides over the years, before donning the captaincy role for the KKR team. DK, as he is popularly known, has a staggering dismissal rate of 0.815 dismissals per innings.

In IPL, Karthik has played for as many as six teams. He has been a part of Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Gujarat Lions, Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, and Royal Challengers Bangalore. In the upcoming season, he will be vital for KKR’s success and he has to play a major role if KKR has to win the elusive title.