Catching is one of the most important parts of fielding in T20 cricket. A single catch can change the momentum of an IPL match, remove a dangerous batter and sometimes decide the result.
If you are looking for the most catches in IPL history, the answer is MS Dhoni. The former India and Chennai Super Kings captain currently leads the IPL’s all-time catches chart with 158 catches. Dinesh Karthik is second with 145, while Virat Kohli is the leading non-wicketkeeper among the top names with 122 catches.
This list includes wicketkeeper catches and outfield catches, because the official IPL “Most Catches” record combines them in one leaderboard.
Most Catches in IPL History
The latest official IPL records, updated on August 29, 2026, show MS Dhoni at the top of the overall catches list.
| Rank | Player | Catches | Primary fielding role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MS Dhoni | 158 | Wicketkeeper |
| 2 | Dinesh Karthik | 145 | Wicketkeeper |
| 3 | Virat Kohli | 122 | Outfielder |
| 4 | AB de Villiers | 118 | Outfielder/Wicketkeeper |
| 5 | Ravindra Jadeja | 110 | Outfielder |
| 6 | Suresh Raina | 109 | Outfielder |
| 7 | Rohit Sharma | 102 | Outfielder |
These figures are from the official IPL all-time “Most Catches” record table.
Who Has the Most Catches in IPL History?
MS Dhoni holds the record for the most catches in IPL history, with 158 catches. Dhoni’s position at the top is particularly notable because wicketkeepers have more catching opportunities than most outfielders. They stand behind the stumps for every delivery and can take catches from edges, gloves and deflections.
His record therefore reflects both his longevity in the IPL and his effectiveness as a wicketkeeper. Dinesh Karthik is second with 145 catches, while Virat Kohli has 122 and is the highest-ranked player on the current list who primarily fields in the outfield.
MS Dhoni — Most Catches in IPL
MS Dhoni leads the IPL catches leaderboard with 158 catches. His record is built around an unusually long IPL career and his role as a wicketkeeper. Behind the stumps, Dhoni has been involved in dismissals through catches and other wicketkeeping methods throughout his IPL career.
The official IPL record table lists Dhoni with 116 matches/innings in the relevant catches record and a maximum of four catches in an innings.
His ability to remain alert for every ball is one reason he has accumulated such a large total.
IPL catches: 158
Rank: 1st
Role: Wicketkeeper
Dinesh Karthik — Second on the IPL Catches List
Dinesh Karthik is second in the all-time IPL catches table with 145 catches. Like Dhoni, Karthik has spent a significant part of his IPL career as a wicketkeeper. This gives him more opportunities to take catches than an outfielder who may only be involved when the ball is hit toward his position.
His longevity across multiple IPL franchises has also contributed to his high career total.
IPL catches: 145
Rank: 2nd
Role: Wicketkeeper
Virat Kohli — Most Catches Among Top Outfielders
Virat Kohli is third overall on the current IPL catches leaderboard with 122 catches. What makes Kohli’s number particularly impressive is that he is primarily an outfielder rather than a wicketkeeper.
Fielding in positions such as the slips, inner ring or boundary requires different skills from wicketkeeping. Kohli’s high catch total demonstrates his consistency and athleticism as an outfielder.
He is also the current IPL’s leading run-scorer, making him one of the league’s most statistically significant all-round contributors even though he is primarily known as a batter.
IPL catches: 122
Rank: 3rd
Primary role: Outfielder
AB de Villiers — One of the Most Athletic Fielders
AB de Villiers is fourth on the current overall IPL catches list with 118 catches. De Villiers was known for his athleticism and versatility. He could field in the outfield and also keep wicket when required during his career. His 118 catches put him among the most successful catchers in IPL history.
IPL catches: 118
Rank: 4th
Ravindra Jadeja — One of the IPL’s Best Outfield Catchers
Ravindra Jadeja has taken 110 IPL catches, placing him fifth on the official all-time list. Jadeja’s reputation as an elite fielder is supported by his ability to react quickly, cover ground and throw accurately.
Unlike the wicketkeepers above him, Jadeja’s catches have primarily come from the field. That makes his position particularly notable when comparing him with players who spend much of their careers behind the stumps.
IPL catches: 110
Rank: 5th
Primary role: Outfielder/all-rounder
Suresh Raina — A Long-Time IPL Fielding Leader
Suresh Raina has 109 catches in IPL cricket, putting him just one catch behind Jadeja on the current leaderboard.
Raina was one of the most reliable fielders during the early and middle years of the IPL. His quick movement and ability to field inside the circle helped him collect catches over a long career.
His 109 catches remain among the highest totals in IPL history.
IPL catches: 109
Rank: 6th
Rohit Sharma — More Than a Successful Batter
Rohit Sharma has taken 102 IPL catches, according to the current official IPL records.
Although Rohit is primarily recognised for his batting and captaincy, his fielding record also places him among the IPL’s leading catchers.
Crossing the 100-catch mark is a significant achievement in a league where players frequently change fielding positions and where the number of matches played varies from player to player.
IPL catches: 102
Rank: 7th
Most Catches in IPL: Wicketkeepers vs Outfielders
A useful way to understand this record is to separate wicketkeepers from outfielders. Wicketkeepers have an inherent advantage because they are positioned behind the stumps for every ball. Outfielders, meanwhile, only have an opportunity when the ball comes toward them.
| Category | Leading player | Catches |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | MS Dhoni | 158 |
| Wicketkeeper | MS Dhoni | 158 |
| Wicketkeeper | Dinesh Karthik | 145 |
| Outfielder | Virat Kohli | 122 |
| Outfielder | Ravindra Jadeja | 110 |
| Outfielder | Suresh Raina | 109 |
This distinction is important when comparing fielding performances. A high overall catches total does not necessarily mean a player is a better outfielder than someone with fewer catches.
Most Catches in a Single IPL Innings
Career catches tell us about longevity, but catches in a single innings show how dominant a fielder can be on one particular day. The current official IPL catches leaderboard records a maximum of four catches in an innings for several of the leading players, including MS Dhoni, Dinesh Karthik and Ravindra Jadeja. Taking four catches in a T20 innings is unusual because there are only 20 overs and a limited number of chances.
Why four catches matter
A player taking four catches can have a direct impact on a large percentage of the opposition’s wickets. It is therefore a useful measure of a player’s peak fielding performance, although it should not be confused with the career catches record.
Who Has the Most Catches in IPL Without Being a Wicketkeeper?
Among the leading players in the official overall catches table, Virat Kohli is the highest-ranked primarily outfield player, with 122 catches. Ravindra Jadeja follows with 110 catches, while Suresh Raina has 109.
This makes Kohli’s record particularly interesting because his catches have largely come from fielding rather than wicketkeeping.
Why Are Catches So Important in IPL Cricket?
T20 cricket is a format where one mistake can have a large impact. A batter may be scoring at a very high rate, but a single catch can immediately end the partnership. Conversely, dropping a dangerous batter can give the opposition another 30 or 40 runs.
That is why fielding is not simply a supporting part of an IPL team. A strong fielding unit can save runs, create wickets and maintain pressure during important phases of a match.
What Makes a Great IPL Fielder?
The number of catches is useful, but it does not tell the entire story. A good IPL fielder generally needs several qualities.
Reaction speed
Close-in fielders have very little time to react when the ball comes off the bat at high speed.
Positioning
Being in the right place can turn a difficult chance into a straightforward catch. Good fielders anticipate where a batter is likely to hit.
Hand-eye coordination
T20 fielding involves high catches, low catches, diving attempts and balls travelling at different speeds. Consistent hand-eye coordination is essential.
Fitness and movement
Boundary fielders may need to cover considerable ground before attempting a catch. Speed and balance can determine whether a chance is completed or missed.
Concentration
A fielder may go several overs without seeing the ball. The ability to remain focused is particularly important in T20 cricket.
Most Catches in IPL vs Most Dismissals
It is important not to confuse catches with total dismissals. A wicketkeeper can dismiss a batter through a catch, stumping or run-out involvement. The “Most Catches” leaderboard counts only catches.
For example, MS Dhoni’s overall wicketkeeping record includes different types of dismissals, but his 158 figure in this article specifically refers to catches. This distinction matters when comparing IPL wicketkeepers.
Has Any Current Player Challenged MS Dhoni’s Catches Record?
As of the latest official IPL records update on August 29, 2026, MS Dhoni remains comfortably ahead with 158 catches. Dinesh Karthik is second with 145, while Virat Kohli is third with 122. The gap between Dhoni and Karthik is 13 catches, while the gap between Dhoni and Kohli is 36.
Because the record is accumulated over a long career, challenging it requires both consistent selection and a substantial number of future matches.
Most Catches in IPL: Key Statistics at a Glance
| Player | Catches | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | 158 | 1 |
| Dinesh Karthik | 145 | 2 |
| Virat Kohli | 122 | 3 |
| AB de Villiers | 118 | 4 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 110 | 5 |
| Suresh Raina | 109 | 6 |
| Rohit Sharma | 102 | 7 |
FAQs
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Conclusion
The answer to “Who has the most catches in IPL?” is clear: MS Dhoni, with 158 catches according to the latest official IPL records. Dinesh Karthik follows with 145, while Virat Kohli has 122 and leads the prominent outfielders on the list. AB de Villiers, Ravindra Jadeja, Suresh Raina and Rohit Sharma also rank among the IPL’s leading catchers.
However, a catches leaderboard should not be treated as a complete ranking of fielding ability. Wicketkeepers naturally have more opportunities, while outfielders depend on where the ball is hit. The best way to evaluate IPL fielding is to consider catches alongside positioning, athleticism, run-saving ability and consistency. For the specific statistic of most catches in IPL history, though, the record belongs to MS Dhoni.
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