The legendary MS Dhoni has added yet another remarkable milestone to his unparalleled cricketing career. During Chennai Super Kings’ Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 clash against Lucknow Super Giants on Sunday (April 14) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Dhoni became the first player in IPL history to register 200 fielding dismissals.
MS Dhoni creates history with 200 fielding dismissals in IPL
The record-breaking moment came when he showcased his signature lightning-quick glovework to stump Ayush Badoni. It was a moment that not only shifted momentum in CSK’s favour but also symbolized Dhoni’s enduring brilliance behind the stumps. Apart from his brilliance with the gloves, Dhoni was once again instrumental with the bat. Coming in during a tense chase, he smashed an unbeaten 26 off just 11 deliveries, guiding CSK to a five-wicket victory. His innings included vintage strokes and calm under pressure, traits that have defined his legendary career. Thanks to Dhoni’s finishing touch, CSK successfully chased down the 167-run target with three balls to spare, ending their five-match losing streak in emphatic fashion.
IPL’s leading fielders: Top 5 with most dismissals
1. MS Dhoni: The unmatched titan of IPL wicketkeeping (201 Dismissals)
No name is more synonymous with precision behind the stumps than Dhoni. The CSK icon became the first and only player to record over 200 fielding dismissals in the history of the Indian Premier League. His landmark 200th came in IPL 2025 when he stumped Badoni with his trademark lightning-quick reflexes, further solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest wicketkeepers the sport has seen. Dhoni’s tally now stands at 201 dismissals, including 151 catches and 46 stumpings – all but four of which came while donning the wicketkeeping gloves.
2. Dinesh Karthik: The consistent craftsman (182 Dismissals)
If Dhoni was the heartbeat, Dinesh Karthik was the ever-reliable rhythm of the IPL’s wicketkeeping narrative. With 182 fielding dismissals, Karthik stands second on this all-time list, a testament to both his longevity and craft. Across his career spanning 16 IPL seasons and several franchises, Karthik maintained elite standards behind the stumps. His total includes 137 catches and 37 stumpings, all from the wicketkeeping position. Even in his final season in 2024, Karthik’s glove work remained sharp, and his situational awareness on the field never wavered.
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3. AB de Villiers: The overseas dynamo (126 Dismissals)
At number three, AB de Villiers holds the unique distinction of having the most fielding dismissals by a non-Indian player in the IPL. Known more for his explosive batting, AB’s contributions in the field were equally invaluable. He effected 126 dismissals, which include 36 as a wicketkeeper – featuring 28 catches and 8 stumpings – while the majority came through his dynamic presence in the outfield. Whether leaping full stretch at point or taking skiers under pressure, AB’s athleticism and safe hands were vital assets for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) during his peak years.
4. Robin Uthappa: The underrated wicketkeeping asset (124 Dismissals)
Robin Uthappa might be best remembered for his fluent batting at the top, but his impact behind the stumps is often understated. With 124 dismissals, Uthappa ranks fourth in the list, having served as wicketkeeper for various franchises during the early and middle phases of his IPL career. His glove work, especially in crunch moments, offered tactical flexibility to his teams. While his keeping duties reduced toward the latter half of his career, his earlier consistency ensured he remains among the top five in this elite wicketkeeping list.
5. Wriddhiman Saha: The quiet guardian of the gloves (118 Dismissals)
Completing the top five is Wriddhiman Saha, widely regarded as one of the technically finest wicketkeepers India has produced. Accumulating 118 dismissals across different franchises – from Kolkata Knight Riders to Gujarat Titans – Saha’s style was always neat, composed, and efficient. Though not flashy, his solid glove work, particularly in Test-like conditions or low-scoring thrillers, proved decisive. His catch-taking technique and stumping precision made him a reassuring figure behind the stumps, especially when bowlers needed unwavering support.
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