But behind all the awesomeness of stroke-play and scintillating deliveries , the wicket keeper stands behind , swaying with every delivery, catching every off-throw of the fielders and performing those brilliant catches, stumpings and run-outs. It’s a tireless job and in the cruel reality, a thankless one.
So here we take out some time and acknowledge the great cricketers who work hard behind the 22 yards and do so tirelessly.
Here we present to you a list of the 5 best wicket-keepers right now in world cricket:
1.Mahendra Singh Dhoni
When it comes to captaincy, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has all the trophies in the world to show-off. When you talk about batting, his helicopter shot is enough to give nightmares to bowlers all around the world.But wicket-keeping is one aspect, which is never talked about much. Like in all award ceremonies and trophy-liftings, Dhoni stands behind , letting others soak in the spotlight.
But when you open the great book of numbers and statistics, they will reveal you Dhoni’s prowess behind the stumps. The rock-star from Ranchi is Fourth in the list of most number of dismissals in One-day International Cricket. In Test cricket though, he hasn’t enjoyed a similar success but in ODI’s and Twenty-20 Cricket, he is a legend. Dhoni’s tactic of waiting till the last moment before reacting to a throw has affected many run out dismissals in the Indian Premium League and thereafter in International Cricket. The best captain in the world and one of the most destroying batsman , is also our No. 1 Wicket keeper! Congrats!
2.Kumar Sangakkara
One of the finest batsmen that the game has ever produced, Sanga is also one of the best wicket-keepers in the world. Out of the current playing group of players, Sangakkara has the highest dismissals in World Cricket. He has affected more stumpings and run-outs than any other wicket keeper right now. Though age has started taking a toll on his wicket-keeping and hence he hasn’t been able to maintain the same standards that he created years ago in Cricket. In ODI’s he has not been his best, but in test cricket he still is one of the best in business.
- AB De Villiers
De Villiers is probably the most talented cricketer in the world right now. He is one of the best batsman in the world right now ; he is a gifted fielder and a brilliant captain. But even behind the stumps he is simply great with the glovework. Though critics have said that wicket-keeping is affecting his batting, but the fact remains that he still is the best to fill in the shoes of Mark Boucher.As they say, Boucher the Poucher, replaced by No-Sloucher!
- Brad Haddin:
Though age has taken its toll on the 35 year old, Brad Haddin is surely a tough nut to crack. He has a brilliant temperament on field and has led to many important dismissals for his team in the recent times. Matthew wade is being considered as a possible replacement for Brad Haddin , but he sure has some big shoes to fill. Displaying immense courage and dedication to the game always, Brad Haddin always will always be dearly loved.
- Brendon McCullum
With more than 240 dismissals to his credit, Brendon McCullum has always been an integral part of team New Zealand. But wicket-keeping is tough and he is not getting any younger with the passing days and though he may disagree to agree, but his performance behind the stumps has not been up to his standards. Still he is a great wicket-keeper and an important member of the team and some of his wicket keeping methods have been transformational for the game.
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