Top 10 greatest IPL wicketkeeper-batters of all time ft. MS Dhoni, Sanju Samson
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), few roles are as critical as that of the wicket-keeper, especially in the high-pressure, fast-paced T20 format. A skilled wicket-keeper not only enhances a team's strength with precise glove work but also can play a vital role with the bat, anchoring innings or accelerating when needed.
Since its inception, the IPL has been graced with some of the finest wicketkeeper-batters, whose contributions have often made the difference between victory and defeat. Among these players, a few have managed to make a lasting impact with their remarkable skills both behind the stumps and with the bat.
From legends like MS Dhoni, who has set a high standard for wicket-keeping in the IPL, to new talents like Rishabh Pant, each player on this list has left their mark on the tournament’s history.
On that note, here are the top 10 greatest IPL wicketkeeper-batters of all time, who have excelled both with the bat and behind the stumps.
Top 10 greatest IPL wicketkeeper-batters of all time
#10 Parthiv Patel
Veteran keeper Parthiv Patel has represented six different IPL teams, including Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. With 122 games as a wicketkeeper-batter, Parthiv has scored 2,583 runs and recorded 81 dismissals, showcasing his resilience and adaptability across franchises.
#9 Wriddhiman Saha
Though not part of the T20 international setup, Wriddhiman Saha has been a dependable wicket-keeper in the IPL. Known for his memorable 115-run knock in the 2014 IPL final for Punjab Kings, Saha has made 113 dismissals and scored 2,733 runs, securing his place among the league's top wicket-keepers.
#8 KL Rahul
KL Rahul has become one of the IPL’s top scorers in recent years, captaining both Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants as well. Though not always behind the stumps, Rahul has played 74 matches as a wicketkeeper-batter, amassing 3,010 runs and making 63 dismissals, displaying his versatility as a batter and wicket-keeper.
#7 Quinton de Kock
The South African wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock has been a reliable opener in the IPL, with significant contributions to teams like Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants. With 2,824 runs and 81 dismissals from 91 matches as a wicketkeeper-batter, de Kock remains a valuable overseas player known for his aggressive batting and fine skills behind the stumps.
#6 Rishabh Pant
Former Delhi Capitals explosive wicketkeeper-batter, Rishabh Pant, has quickly risen to prominence with his hard-hitting style and impressive glovework. Pant has played 101 games in the IPL as a wicketkeeper-batter, scoring 3,086 runs and making 95 dismissals, establishing himself as one of the top young talents in the league.
#5 Adam Gilchrist
The Australian great Adam Gilchrist is celebrated for leading the Deccan Chargers to their maiden IPL title in 2009. Besides Dhoni, Gilchrist is the only other wicketkeeper-captain to have lifted the IPL trophy. Across 80 matches as a wicketkeeper-batter, he scored 2,069 runs and completed 67 dismissals, cementing his legacy in the league's history.
#4 Sanju Samson
Current Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has impressed with his leadership and consistent performances. With 109 games as a wicketkeeper-batter, Samson has scored 2,921 runs and made 75 dismissals, proving himself a valuable asset both as a player and a captain in recent seasons.
#3 Robin Uthappa
A seasoned player and a wicket-keeper, Robin Uthappa had his best IPL years with the Kolkata Knight Riders, especially during their title-winning seasons in 2012 and 2014. With 114 matches as a wicketkeeper-batter, Uthappa has accumulated 3,011 runs and registered 90 dismissals, placing him third in this list in terms of impact.
#2 Dinesh Karthik
Dinesh Karthik may not always get the recognition he deserves, but his consistency as a wicketkeeper-batter in the IPL is undeniable. Over 238 matches as a wicketkeeper-batter across multiple teams, including Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Daredevils, Mumbai Indians, and Royal Challengers Bangalore, Karthik has scored 4,469 runs and made 174 dismissals, ranking just behind Dhoni in the most number of dismissals.
#1 MS Dhoni
The former captain of Chennai Super Kings, MS Dhoni, is widely regarded as the greatest wicketkeeper-batter in IPL history. Known for his sharp instincts and cool-headed decisions, Dhoni has played 258 IPL matches as a wicket-keeper, amassing 5,125 runs and completing 190 dismissals. His game-reading ability and swift glovework have consistently made him a class apart.