The 7 Best Wicket Keepers in World Cricket: A thriving cricket team needs an exceptional wicket-keeper batsman. They keep the wickets safe behind the stumps and assist bowlers in saving runs or trapping batters.
Mushfiqur Rahim is a phenomenal wicket-keeper for Bangladesh and his amazing skills have taken the game to the next level. However, there are several other outstanding wicket-keepers in the world.
1. MS Dhoni
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the former Indian captain, is one of the greatest wicket keeper-batsmen to have ever played the game. His exceptional skills and calmness under pressure have earned him worldwide acclaim. Dhoni’s achievements as a wicket keeper, especially in limited-overs cricket, have left an indelible mark on the world of cricket. He has revolutionized the role of a wicket-keeper and has led his team to numerous titles, including two World Cups.
The story of Dhoni’s rise to the top is a tale of rebellion, extraordinary merit, and perseverance. Initially, he was a football player who was making waves in the district circuit. But a chance encounter with coach Keshab Ranjan Banerjee pulled him away from football to keep wickets for his school team. He soon established himself as a wicket-keeper batsman, becoming a regular member of the Commando Cricket Club from 1995-1998.
He made his international debut in 2000 and established himself as a dependable player for India. He was a reliable lower-order hitter and a superb finisher with the bat. Dhoni’s ferocious innings against Pakistan in the 2011 World Cup final cemented his place in history. He absorbed pressure, stitched together a partnership, and hit the winning six, creating a spectacle that is still remembered to this day.
2. Quinton de Kock
Quinton de Kock has achieved more by his 21st birthday than most players do in their entire career. He has become a major star for South Africa not only because of his skills behind the stumps but also because of his flamboyant batting.
He made his mark in the game with the South Africa Under-19 team and earned a spot for the Proteas squad at the 2012 ICC World Cup. He played in the first match and did well to earn a place in the squad at one-day international and twenty20 international level.
De Kock struggled at the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup but returned to his best form in a series against England in January 2016. He then went on to become one of the most important batsmen in the Proteas side.
He also plays in the Indian Premier League for Sunrisers Hyderabad (now SRH) and Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils). De Kock opens the batting in T20s and ODIs for South Africa while he bats in the middle order in Test cricket. He is a crucial part of the batting unit and makes important decisions on review petitions. He is also the key wicket keeper for a team that is looking to win the 2019 ICC World Cup.
3. Matt Prior
When Geraint Jones and Chris Read flunked their chance to take the gloves during England’s shambolic Ashes campaign, Matt Prior took his place and launched Peter Moores’ period at the helm in some style. His 126 at Lord’s and 75 at Headingley were just the start of what was a fantastic series, highlighting his counterattacking batting and brilliant glovework.
He continued his fine form in the 2010-11 Ashes, swatting 23 catches and scoring his maiden Test ton against Australia at Sydney. It was his batting ability that really set him apart from the rest, as well as his ability to shift momentum with a few big hits behind the stumps.
A skilled keeper standing back, a pugnacious batsman in the traditional keeping spot of No 7 and a steadfast upholder of team ethics, Prior was an integral cog in the machine that took England into the top ranks of Test cricket. He has over 900 wicket keeping dismissals in both Test and ODI cricket. He is regarded as one of the best wicket keepers in history, alongside South Africa’s Mark Boucher and Australia’s Adam Gilchrist. He now uses the experience he gained as a world-class cricketer to build a business based on team work, strong values and an organisational culture.
4. Brendon McCullum
Brash and brutal, McCullum could bruise bowling attacks like few others in world cricket. He was also a fine player of spin but preferred to be on the front foot in all forms of the game.
He was a prolific batsman in all formats and scored many dazzling centuries for his country and domestically. His style of leadership was not only effective but he did so with a sense of fun and a disregard for convention, endearing him to New Zealanders of all ages.
In ODIs, he was often found at the top of the order and was responsible for some sensational totals. On 6 November 2009 he scored his second ODI century of 131 to elevate New Zealand to 303 and win the match to level the series against Pakistan at Abu Dhabi. On 16 February 2010 during the only Test match against Bangladesh, he scored 185, the highest ever wicket keeper score by a New Zealander in Test cricket.
McCullum hung up his gloves In Test cricket in 2011 due to the constant strain on his knees and back. He went on to play as a specialist batsmen in the format and has been successful in this role. He was the inaugural winner of the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal in 2014 and is one of the finest cricketers that New Zealand has produced.
5. Ian Healy
Healy is one of the finest wicket keepers to have ever graced the game. A legend behind the stumps, he was a master at handling spinners and quick bowlers alike. He was also a good batsman and a valuable member of the Australian team when it came to crisis situations.
He was a fine example of what a keeper-batsman should be, as he averaged more than 30 in both Test and ODI cricket. His prowess with the McScoop and the reverse sweep was an added bonus for the team, as he proved to be a great source of runs in tough conditions.
Healy made his Test debut in 1988 and continued to keep his place for the remainder of his career until 1999. In his 287 international matches he effected 628 dismissals to his name, which included 366 catches and 29 stumpings in Test cricket. His batting ability with the bat was quite good as well and he scored a total of 672 Test runs at an average of 24. Healy has retired now and continues to be involved in the game through commentary. He is a great role model for all the youngsters who are trying to make a mark in the world of cricket.
6. Adam Gilchrist
In a time when wicket-keeper batsmen were merely a support act to their team’s openers, Adam Gilchrist changed the perception of the role forever. A dasher of a batsman who could destroy both spin and pace, Gilchrist was a force to be reckoned with. He used to come in at number seven in Tests, but opened the batting in ODIs to take full advantage of fielding restrictions and formed an explosive partnership with Matthew Hayden.
Although he did not have Rod Marsh’s acrobatics or Ian Healy’s finesse, his superior batting skills made him an invaluable asset to Australia. He also affected a world record 99 stumpings in ODI cricket and gloved 383 catches. In his time, he was one of the most celebrated cricketers of his generation and a perfect role model for youngsters.
In 2004, Gilchrist was included in Richie Benaud’s All-Time Greatest Test XI alongside Sir Donald Bradman, Dennis Lillee and Shane Warne. He also captained the Australian side on a few occasions, most notably leading them to their first series win in India for 35 years in 2004. As a keeper, he reached the 200 and 300 dismissal milestones quicker than any other wicket keeper in history.
7. Kumar Sangakkara
Kumar Sangakkara is one of the most legendary wicket keeper-batsmen in the history of cricket. He was a dashing left-hand batsman who played for Sri Lanka during his illustrious career from 2000 to 2015. He has numerous achievements to his name and is widely considered as one of the best wicket keepers ever. He was a part of the formidable Sri Lankan batting unit alongside Mahela Jayawardene and the duo became the backbone of the team’s batting line-up.
He is a master behind the stumps and has over 678 dismissals to his name in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is combined. He has also made 153 catches and 99 stumpings in his international career. His World Cup record is even more impressive as he has 13 catches and stumpings in a single tournament.
He is a certified modern-day great of the game and has received massive acclaim for his captaincy as well as his batting. He was the first keeper to reach 600 dismissals and it is a remarkable achievement for any player. His consistent performances with the gloves and his batting are what makes him a true legend of the game. He is a must-have in every team’s squad.
