Top 10 Greatest Wicket keepers In Cricket History | All-Time Ranking

Not many cricketers are capable of perfecting the skill of wicketkeeping. In terms of cricket fielding positions, it’s the most important one. The wicketkeeper position is the most challenging position in cricket, as very few cricketers have excelled at this position. And now, we will take a look at the greatest wicket keepers the cricketing world has ever seen.

Legendary Australian cricketer and former captain of the nation Adam Gilchrist is surely the greatest wicketkeeper the cricketing world has ever seen. He recorded 379 catches and 37 stumps in international Test cricket and 417 catches and 55 stumps in ODI. Retired Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara and Indian cricketer MS Dhoni also deserve mentions among the greatest wicketkeepers of all time.

Here we discuss the top 10 greatest wicketkeepers in cricket history of all time. These superstars surprise the fans with their remarkable performances.

greatest-wicketkeepers-in-cricket-history

 

Greatest Wicket Keepers In Cricket | All-Time Ranking

Content Summery

We have recently reviewed the greatest fast bowlers and the greatest spin bowlers of all time. However, this game of cricket is incomplete without the players standing behind the stump to assist those bowlers. So, here are the greatest wicketkeepers of all time.

 

10. Denesh Ramdin (West Indies)

denesh ramdin

  • Jersey Number: 80
  • Matches: 74 (Tests) / 139 (ODIs)
  • Total Test Dismissal: 181 (Catches) / 7 (Stumps)
  • Total ODI Dismissal:  205 (Catches) / 12 (Stumps)

Denesh Ramdin is a West Indian cricketer who plays for the national team. His stint with the team began in 2005, and he has been successful during that time.

Trinidad-born Ramdin was born on 13 March 1985. Ramdin debuted for the West Indies National Cricket Team as a Test player in 2005.

The right-handed batsman makes plenty of runs for the teams, whether he plays domestically or internationally as a wicketkeeper-batsman. His great catching and stumping ability make him an essential player behind the stumps.

His extraordinary skills behind the stumps make him one of the greatest wicketkeepers from the West Indies, with 205 catches and twelve stumps.

Besides, he is also dubbed as one of the greatest fielders of all time. Ramdin’s career began on a high note after he toured Australia with the West Indies in October and November 2005.

His 71 runs in the 7th test proved to be an important one. A nine-match series with three tests, five ODIs, and one T20 game was played between the West Indies and New Zealand later that year.

During the ODIs, Ramdin scored 92 runs while only scoring 33 runs in tests. Even so, Ramdin was still considered a contender for captaincy and one of the essential members of the squad.

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9. Moin Khan (Pakistan)

moin khan

  • Jersey Number: 5
  • Matches: 69 (Tests) / 219 (ODIs)
  • Total Test Dismissal: 128 (Catches) / 20 (Stumps)
  • Total ODI Dismissal:  214 (Catches) / 73 (Stumps)

Former Pakistani professional cricketer Moin Khan specialized in wicketkeeping and batting. While playing for the Pakistani national cricket team, he also served as the team’s captain.

On 11 February 2014, Moin Khan was named head coach of the Pakistani national team. As the wicketkeeper during Pakistan’s 1992 victory at the Cricket World Cup, Moin Khan played an important role.

The game ended in Pakistan’s favor when Khan hit a six to make it three runs off seven balls and then a boundary to finish it off. Moin is one of the greatest wicketkeepers, with 127 catches and 27 stumps for Pakistan due to his skill behind the stumps.

A notable test knock by Moin came against Australia in Lahore in 1994. It was Moin’s first Test century, and he helped Pakistan reach a good total in that match.

Pakistan had to score 357 runs to win a Test match against Sri Lanka in Sialkot. In the game, Moin scored 117 unbeaten runs with no support from the other batsmen, and Pakistan lost by 144 runs. In his last One Day International, he faced Sri Lanka at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on 16 October 2004.

One of the greatest Pakistani sportsmen, Moin, usually bats in the middle of the order, but he opened the innings by scoring 14 runs.

It was also against Sri Lanka that Moin last played a Test match. The Quetta Gladiators’ head coach, since 2016, has also been involved with the Pakistan Super League.

 

8. Jeff Dujon (West Indies)

jeff dujon

  • Jersey Number: NA
  • Matches: 81 (Tests) / 169 (ODIs)
  • Total Test Dismissal: 267 (Catches) / 5 (Stumps)
  • Total ODI Dismissal:  183 (Catches) / 21 (Stumps)

A former cricketer for the West Indies, Jeff Dujon was born in Kingston, Jamaica, on 28 May 1956. His 10-year career has included 81 Tests for the Windies, and he has never lost a series.

Furthermore, Jeff has played 411 domestic matches, 169 ODIs, and 169 Tests for the United States. His wicketkeeping skills earned him mass respect.

However, in order to get on the national team, Dujon had to wait a long time. As well as his role as a wicketkeeper, he also batted in the lower order to challenge the West Indies cricket team’s middle order.

His first ODI appearance came against Pakistan on 5 December 1981. As a result, he began playing test cricket soon afterward when the West Indies toured Australia.

A former international cricketer, Jeff played for over a decade. During the 1984-85 series against Australia, he helped his side to victory from 186-6 by hitting 139 runs at number seven as he came in to bat at number seven. However, the most notable feature of Dujon’s career was his ability to catch and cover the pacers in the West Indies team.

It is estimated that he has dismissed 272 batsmen, taken 297 catches, and stumped five in 81 test matches. And with such a feat, he is often dubbed one of the greatest cricketers of all time. A full three-hundred and sixteen half-centuries are among his 3322 runs, including five centuries.

 

7. Brendon McCullum (New Zealand)

brendon mccullum

  • Jersey Number: 42
  • Matches: 101 (Tests) / 260 (ODIs)
  • Total Test Dismissal: 198 (Catches) / 11 (Stumps)
  • Total ODI Dismissal:  262 (Catches) / 15 (Stumps)

A former international cricketer from New Zealand, Brendon Barrie McCullum, is a well-known cricketer known as ‘Baz’ McCullum. 27 September 1981 is the date of his birth in Dunedin, New Zealand.

He previously played for the side as both a wicketkeeper and a batsman. Occasionally, McCullum is used as a right-arm bowler as well as an aggressive right-handed batsman.

However, due to McCullum’s impressive skills as a wicketkeeper, he is one of the greatest wicketkeepers of all time, with 168 catches and 11 stumps. He is often also dubbed as one of the hard hitters in the cricket world.

On 20 February 2016, McCullum scored the fastest Test century in Test history in 54 balls. During a Test match for New Zealand, he scored his first triple-century.

During the February 2014 Test against India, McCullum scored 302 runs, becoming the first New Zealander to accomplish this feat. 2014 was also the first calendar year in which a New Zealander had scored 1000 test runs.

In international cricket, he scored 123 runs to beat Bangladesh in a T20 match. Against the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2008, he scored 158, not out for the Kolkata Knight Riders. This is the second-highest score in IPL history.

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6. Brad Haddin (Australia)

brad haddin

  • Jersey Number: 57
  • Matches: 66 (Tests) / 126 (ODIs)
  • Total Test Dismissal: 262 (Catches) / 8 (Stumps)
  • Total ODI Dismissal:  170 (Catches) / 11 (Stumps)

Former Australian cricketer Bradley James Haddin was born on 23 October 1977 in Cowra, New South Wales. As a wicketkeeper-batsman, he played all three formats of international cricket for Australia.

He is often dubbed as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket. His participation in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 led to Australia’s victory.

The exceptional performances of Haddin as a wicketkeeper make him one of the greatest wicketkeepers, with 262 catches and 8 stumps.

The ashes series opener set the stage for a purple patch for Hastings, who scored 136 in the first innings. Averaging 45 runs per game, he ran 360 times throughout the series.

The Indian subcontinent hosted the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, and he played very well. During the tournament, he scored 332 runs with an average of 55.33.

Averaging 33 runs per Test match, Haddin scored 3266 runs from 66 matches. Haddin became the second wicketkeeper in Test history to score five half-centuries during the 2013-14 Ashes series.

This was his highest score in a series and set a record for the most runs by an Australian wicket-keeper. Besides that, holding the record for the most dismissals by a wicketkeeper in a Test series, Haddin has 29 dismissals.

 

5. Ian Healy (Australia)

ian healy

  • Jersey Number: 7
  • Matches: 119 (Tests) / 168 (ODIs)
  • Total Test Dismissal: 366 (Catches) / 29 (Stumps)
  • Total ODI Dismissal:  194 (Catches) / 39 (Stumps)

Ian Healy played an essential role in the revival of international cricket in Australia during the 1980s. He was a wicketkeeper whose primary responsibility was keeping wickets, unlike his contemporary successors.

In addition, Healy enjoyed being part of the team.  And many still consider him one of the most popular cricketers in history.

While facing quick bowlers and before spinners, he was a master behind the stumps. Furthermore, he was also able to rack up significant runs flashing his blade as a middle-order batsman.

He gained a reputation on the field for his constant chatter behind the stumps and his fights with batsmen. A debut for Healy was made at Karachi in the first Test of the Pakistan tour. Despite being promoted suddenly, he found his new role challenging at first.

As a wicketkeeper for Australia’s team of the 20th century, Healy’s achievements earned him a place.

The great Rod Marsh, Wally Grout, and Don Tallon all preceded him in this regard. Additionally, he received the Wisden Cricketer of the Year award in 1994.

 

4. Mark Boucher (South Africa)

mark boucher

  • Jersey Number: 9
  • Matches: 147 (Tests) / 295 (ODIs)
  • Total Test Dismissal: 532 (Catches) / 23 (Stumps)
  • Total ODI Dismissal:  403 (Catches) / 22 (Stumps)

Originally from Cape Town, Boucher played cricket for South Africa for 20 years. In his cricket career, he played as both a wicketkeeper and a right-handed batsman for South Africa. A wicketkeeper has more Test removals than any other player, with 532 catches and 23 stumps.

His remarkable career behind the stumps makes him one of the greatest wicketkeepers with the highest dismissals.

Moreover, it is Butcher’s wicketkeeping skills, as well as his prowess as a batsman, that has made South Africa successful.

He scored 125 against Zimbabwe in Harare in 1999, setting the past record for night watchmen in Test matches. His awards included three nominations for SA Cricketer of the Year and Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1991.

Boucher’s unique accomplishment is that he hasn’t ever been dismissed for naught in international T20 cricket.

Boucher helped South Africa become one of the greatest Test teams of all time. Additionally, he served as the team’s Vice-Captain. After suffering a severe injury during a practice match on a tour of England in July 2012, Boucher’s cricket career came to an end.

 

3. MS Dhoni (India)

ms dhoni

  • Jersey Number: 7
  • Matches: 90 (Tests) / 350 (ODIs)
  • Total Test Dismissal: 256 (Catches) / 38 (Stumps)
  • Total ODI Dismissal:  321 (Catches) / 123 (Stumps)

The best wicketkeeper in IPL, MS Dhoni, has a remarkable career as a wicketkeeper-batsman. Dhoni is among those thriving team captains who gave exceptional success to their teams.

Dhoni’s behind-the-stumps mind-blowing performances with 256 catches and 38 stumps and became one of the greatest wicketkeepers of all time.

Fourth Indian cricketer to reach 10,000 ODI runs after Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and Rahul Dravid, and also the fourth wicket-keeper to achieve the feat.

He is also often dubbed as one of the greatest finishers in cricket history. Besides, he is also among the greatest cricket captains of all time.

Among the top five players in the history of One Day Internationals, he is the first Indian to hit 200 sixes. In addition, Dhoni scored 183* against Sri Lanka, the highest score by a wicketkeeper.

India’s second ODI World Cup triumph in 2011 was Dhoni’s most significant career accomplishment, as he did not intend to stop playing cricket.

A 91-run inning against Sri Lanka in the World Cup final at the Wankhede Stadium is also among his notable achievements.

The shot in that inning was one of the greatest in the history of cricket. Despite all the pressure, Dhoni remained calm and carried India to victory.

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2. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)

kumar sangakkara

  • Jersey Number: 11
  • Matches: 134 (Tests) / 404 (ODIs)
  • Total Test Dismissal: 182 (Catches) / 20 (Stumps)
  • Total ODI Dismissal:  402 (Catches) / 99 (Stumps)

Originally from Matale, Sri Lanka, former Captain Sangakkara was born on 27 October 1977. In his time with the Sri Lankan national team, the magical left-handed batsman and outstanding wicketkeeper were his spines.

With his numbers vouching for him, he was probably one of the best batsmen and wicketkeepers of the 21st century. Throughout his 404 ODIs and 134 Tests, he amassed massive totals of 14,235 and 12,400 runs.

His tremendous catching abilities behind the stumps and superblocks make him one the greatest wicketkeepers of all time, with 131 catches and 30 stumps.

He achieved some significant achievements at the international level thanks to his never-give-up attitude and evergreen form. Wisden designated Kumar as the World’s Top Cricketer in 2011 and 2014.

His two consecutive LG People’s Choice Awards made him a household name. Sri Lanka’s batting line-up attributed to his memorable 192 in Hobart against Australia in 2007.

Among the modern generation of wicketkeeper-batsmen, Sangakkara’s versatility is a significant contributor to his side’s success.

The former Sri Lanka captain, who had played 80 Tests and 246 One-Day Internationals, succeeded Jayawardene in all formats of the game in 2009. His powers skyrocketed after he became a leader.

The former Sri Lankan captain enjoyed great success at the helm. Leading Sri Lanka to victories in the tri-series in Bangladesh and defeating Asian rivals India.

 

1. Adam Gilchrist (Australia)

adam gilchrist

  • Jersey Number: 18
  • Matches: 96 (Tests) / 287 (ODIs)
  • Total Test Dismissal: 379 (Catches) / 37 (Stumps)
  • Total ODI Dismissal:  417 (Catches) / 55 (Stumps)

Former Australian captain Adam Gilchrist is a wicketkeeper-batsman. He was a left-handed batsman for the national team of Australia from 1996 to his retirement.

The remarkable career of Gilchrest makes him the greatest wicketkeeper, with 379 catches and 37 stumps. Sport Australia inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 2012, and the International Cricket Council placed him in 2013.

Gilchrist won the Allan Border medal in 2003 after receiving the Wisden Cricketer of the Year award in 2002. In 2004, he won the title “World’s Scariest Batsman” in an international bowler’s poll.

And till now, he has been dubbed as one of the greatest Australian ODI batsmen. Gilchrist led the Australian team to glory when they ruled supreme.

Against Pakistan at Hobart, Gilchrist scored 149 runs in just his second Test and formed a 238-run partnership with Justin Langer for the 6th wicket. The 2001 contest against South Africa was one of Gilchrist’s most memorable Test innings.

In Test cricket, his 204 came off just 213 balls, making it the quickest double-century in history. Having dominated them, he forced them to submit. He helped Australia to a 173-run lead over India from 99/5 at the start of 2001.

 

Final Words

We hope you like the list of our greatest wicketkeepers of all time. Feel free to tell us in the comment box about the list. We appreciate the feedback from our readers.

 

Greatest Wicketkeepers – 2024 Cricket Infographics

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Infographics: Greatest Wicketkeepers In Cricket

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FAQs

Q. Who is the No 1 wicketkeeper in the world right now?

MS Dhoni is the star player who is currently known as the No.1 wicketkeeper right now. He achieved so much success as a wicketkeeper as well as a batsman.

Q. Who is the No 1 wicket-keeper of all time?

Adam Gilchrist, Kumar Sangakkara, and MS Dhoni are widely known as the best wicketkeepers of all time.

Q. Who is the best at stumping?

A cricket World Cup record of 13 stumpings belongs to Kumar Sangakkara, his best at stumping.

Q. Who is the best wicketkeeper-batsman of all time?

Gilchrist was an excellent batsman and regarded as one of the finest wicket-keepers of his generation. He and his 4000 runs won the great Australian team of the 90s many matches in Test cricket.

Last Updated On: March 2024

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4 thoughts on “Top 10 Greatest Wicket keepers In Cricket History | All-Time Ranking”

  1. Not a bad list. It depends if you’re judging the players on wicket keeping or batting as well. I’m sure even Adam Gilchrist would say nobody was better at keeping wickets than Rodney Marsh.

    Reply
    • Exactly ! As mum just said when marshy was keeping they were pretty much all pace bowlers back then ! Rod Definitely should’ve been in the top 5 in my book !

      Reply
  2. The best keeper ever in terms of glove work alone, was Queenslander Don Tallon. Tallon was a freak. He played only 21 tests, but the cricket literature in terms of those who saw him play, and in recent times from those who have read the cricket literature all agree; Bradman, Evans, Burge, Davidson, Morris, Harvey, etc. Davidson said that if Bradman’s test average was 99.94, this figure should be what Tallon deserved in standing behind the stumps. All others he claims were like all other top test batsmen rated from around 60. (Philip Derriman, The Life and Artistry of Don Tallon, The Cricket Publishing Company, Australia, 2000)

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