MS Dhoni – Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiant
Dhoni became the first wicketkeeper-batter to score 5,000 runs in IPL history, finishing with 5,243 runs and a record 190 dismissals from 264 matches. Five IPL titles. 47 stumpings. The standard by which every other keeper-batter in the competition is measured.
Rishabh Pant – Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Super Giants
Pant has scored 3,700 runs at a strike rate of 148.93, the highest among all wicketkeepers in IPL history, with more than 100 dismissals across his career. The most expensive signing in IPL history, his ability to take a match away from the opposition in a single over is unmatched.
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Quinton de Kock – Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Daredevils, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants
South Africa’s finest keeper-batter in IPL history. De Kock scored 2,824 runs and made 81 dismissals from 91 matches, combining aggressive opening batting with clean glovework. His 140 not out is the highest individual score by a keeper in IPL history.
Sanju Samson – Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Daredevils, Chennai Super Kings
Samson has scored 5,181 runs from 190 matches with five centuries and a strike rate of 139.05, making him one of only three keepers in IPL history to pass 5,000 runs. A consistent performer across multiple franchises for over a decade.
Dinesh Karthik – Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Lions, Kolkata Knight Riders
Karthik finished with 4,842 runs from 257 matches and 174 dismissals — the second most by any keeper in IPL history behind Dhoni. His death-hitting in the latter stages of his career, particularly at RCB, elevated him to a different level entirely.
Adam Gilchrist – Deccan Chargers, Kings XI Punjab
The original blueprint for the overseas keeper-batter. Gilchrist became one of only two keeper-captains to win the IPL title, leading Deccan Chargers to victory in 2009. His aggressive approach at the top of the order set the standard for every overseas keeper that followed.
Jos Buttler – Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Gujarat Titans
Buttler has scored 4,475 runs from 133 matches at an average of 39.25 with seven centuries, the second most by any player in IPL history. His 863 runs in 2022 remains the second highest total in a single season, including four centuries. A match-winner of the highest order.
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Heinrich Klaasen – Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad
Klaasen has scored 1,974 runs from 60 matches at an average of 42.91 and a strike rate of 166.44, with the highest strike rate of any player in this list. Leading the IPL 2026 Orange Cap standings with 555 runs, his case for the title of best keeper-batter in the game right now is hard to argue against.
Photo: REUTERS/Amit Dave
