Being a wicketkeeper is no easy job. It demands lightning-fast reflexes and exceptional agility. Some of the finest wicketkeepers in cricket history have not only excelled in their primary role but also contributed with the bat.
When the question “who is the best keeper in the world in cricket” arises, there are multiple names that come to mind. Legends like Mark Boucher, Adam Gilchrist, MS Dhoni, Kumar Sangakkara, and Ian Healy have redefined the art of wicketkeeping with their remarkable skills and consistency.
This article delves into the careers of these cricketers, highlighting why they are considered among the best wicketkeepers the sport has ever seen.
List of Top 5 Best World’s Best Wicket Keeper in Cricket
1. Mark Boucher – South Africa
Mark Boucher, who played from 1997 to 2012, is widely regarded as the world’s best keeper in cricket. During a career that spanned over 15 years, Boucher recorded 998 dismissals in 467 matches. He took 952 catches and achieved 46 stumpings and holds the record for the most Test dismissals by a wicket-keeper (555), with 532 catches.
One of the highlights of Boucher’s career was achieving six dismissals in an innings on multiple occasions, an impressive feat that underscored his consistency and reliability.
Boucher’s skill behind the stumps was complemented by his gritty batting, making him a valuable asset in both Test matches and ODIs. Boucher was a member of the South Africa team that won the 1998 ICC KnockOut Trophy, the only ICC trophy the country has ever won.
After his retirement from international cricket in July 2012, Boucher took on the role of a coach for various teams. In September 2022, Boucher was appointed the head coach of Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, before which he also coached the South African Cricket Team.
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2. Adam Gilchrist
Adam Gilchrist, who played from 1996 to 2008, revolutionized the role of the wicketkeeper with his impeccable glove work. Over his career, which spanned more than a decade, he amassed 905 dismissals in 396 matches. This included 813 catches and 92 stumpings.
Gilchrist was not only a world-class wicketkeeper but also an explosive batsman who could change the course of a match in a few overs. His ability to perform under pressure was crucial to Australia’s dominance in the early 2000s. Gilchrist was the first player to have hit 100 sixes in Test cricket, and scored several important knocks in all formats of the game.
Gilchrist was a member of the Australian team that won the 1999 Cricket World Cup, the 2003 Cricket World Cup, and the 2007 Cricket World Cup. He retired from international cricket in March 2008, and from all forms of cricket in 2013.
3. MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni, who played from 2004 to 2020, is a legend in Indian cricket. With 829 dismissals in 538 matches, he ranks third among wicketkeepers in terms of total dismissals. His 634 catches and 195 stumpings highlight his lightning-fast reflexes and sharp eye, which made him a nightmare for batsmen, especially on turning tracks. Dhoni also holds the record for the fastest stumping in cricket, which was done in 0.08 seconds.
In addition to his glovework, Dhoni also played a crucial role for India as a finishing batsman and a captain. Dhoni’s leadership qualities were unparalleled, leading India to numerous victories, including the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011 and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013.
During his illustrious international career, Dhoni scored 4876 runs in Test matches at an average of 38 and 10773 runs in ODIs at an average of over 50 in ODIs. In the shortest format, he achieved an average and strike rate of 37.6 and 126.23. Dhoni scored 16 centuries and 106 fifties across all three formats.
Dhoni’s glovework has been equally brilliant in the IPL, where he heads the list of wicketkeepers with most dismissals. In the IPL, he has recorded 190 dismissals including 148 catches and 42 stumpings.
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4. Kumar Sangakkara
Kumar Sangakkara, who played from 2000 to 2015, is celebrated not only for his elegant batting but also for his stellar wicketkeeping. With 678 dismissals in 594 matches, he is one of the top wicketkeepers in the history of the game. Sangakkara’s 539 catches and 139 stumpings reflect his proficiency and sharpness behind the stumps.
Sangakkara’s versatility allowed him to excel both as a wicketkeeper and a top-order batsman. His ability to balance both roles effectively made him a key player for Sri Lanka. Sangakkara is the second-highest run-scorer in all three forms of international cricket, with a total of 28,016 runs, including 63 centuries.
Sangakkara’s leadership and cricketing intellect were crucial in many of Sri Lanka’s triumphs during his career, making him a pivotal figure in their cricketing history. After retiring, he became a commentator for Sky Sports and served as President of the MCC from October 2019 to September 2021. In January 2021, Sangakkara took on the role of coach for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League.
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5. Ian Healy
Ian Healy, who played from 1988 to 1999, was a cornerstone of the Australian cricket team during the late 80s and 90s. With 628 dismissals in 287 matches, he set a benchmark for future wicketkeepers. Healy’s 560 catches and 68 stumpings highlight his excellent wicketkeeping skills. At the time of his retirement, Healy held the record for most Test dismissals by a wicket-keeper.
Healy was known for his meticulous preparation and exceptional glove work, which made him one of the best cricket keeper in the world. Healy’s contributions behind the stumps and his leadership qualities helped shape a dominant Australian team that continued to excel long after his retirement. Healy announced retirement from cricket in 1999.
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Conclusion
The role of a wicketkeeper is critical in cricket, requiring a blend of technical skill, mental toughness, and tactical awareness. The careers of Mark Boucher, Adam Gilchrist, MS Dhoni, Kumar Sangakkara, and Ian Healy exemplify the excellence and dedication needed to succeed in this demanding position. Each of these players set high standards for future generations of wicketkeepers.
Wicketkeepers are important players for any cricket side since they provide a lot of balance. They are also key players for fantasy cricket sides as they can score points with the bat and in the field. You can be part of fantasy cricket action with the WinZO fantasy cricket app.
