World Best Keeper in Cricket: Ranking the Top 12 Wicketkeepers of 2025

Top 12 World Best Keepers in Cricket 2025

Wicketkeeping in cricket requires exceptional skill, quick thinking, agility, and precision. Over the years, a select few wicketkeepers have made a lasting impact on the game, with their excellent skills both behind the stumps and with the bat. Below is a list of the top 12 wicketkeepers globally in 2025, ranked by their total dismissals in Tests, ODIs, T20Is, and IPL.

1. MS Dhoni (India)

Career: 2004–
Total Dismissals: 1080 = 786 Catches + 57 Run Outs + 237 Stumpings

MS Dhoni is not only considered the world's best keeper in cricket but also one of the greatest cricketing leaders of all time. His quick stumpings, remarkable reflexes, and leadership on and off the field made him one of the most iconic wicketkeepers in cricket history. Dhoni's impact transcends numbers, and his ability to finish matches with the bat makes him an unparalleled legend in world cricket.

Key Highlights:

• Holds the record for the most international stumpings (237).

• Revolutionized wicketkeeping with his lightning-fast reflexes.

• Led India to major trophies, including the ICC World Cup in 2007, 2011, and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013.

2. Mark Boucher (South Africa)

Career: 1997–2012

Total Dismissals: 1036 = 967 Catches + 20 Run Outs + 49 Stumpings

Mark Boucher is regarded as the best Test wicketkeeper in cricket history. Despite a career-ending eye injury, Boucher's consistency behind the stumps has set a benchmark for all wicketkeepers. His 1036 dismissals remain a testament to his unmatched skills and dedication in the wicketkeeping role.

Key Highlights:

• Holds the record for the most dismissals by a wicketkeeper in Test cricket.

• Contributed significantly to South Africa's success in the late 1990s and 2000s.

• A resilient leader and a key figure in South Africa's golden era of cricket.

3. Adam Gilchrist (Australia)

Career: 1996–2008

Total Dismissals: 997 = 864 Catches + 25 Run Outs + 108 Stumpings

Gilchrist, known for his explosive batting and exceptional wicketkeeping, revolutionized the role of wicketkeeper-batsman. His dynamic style helped Australia dominate world cricket during his playing days.

Key Highlights:

• Played a pivotal role in Australia's World Cup victories in 1999, 2003, and 2007.

• Known for his aggressive batting and unorthodox wicketkeeping.

• Set the standard for wicketkeeper-batsmen, combining explosive batting with efficient glovework.

4. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)

Career: 2000–2015

Total Dismissals: 834 = 654 Catches + 32 Run Outs + 148 Stumpings

Kumar Sangakkara is widely regarded as one of the world's best keepers in cricket, earning accolades for his consistent performances both as a wicketkeeper and a batsman. His record-breaking career saw him hold the record for most dismissals in ODI cricket.

Key Highlights:

• Most ODI dismissals by a wicketkeeper (482).

• Known for his calm and precise wicketkeeping under pressure.

• A prolific batsman, contributing more than 12,000 runs in ODIs.

5. Ian Healy (Australia)

Career: 1988–1999

Total Dismissals: 628 = 560 Catches + 68 Stumpings

A stalwart for Australia in the late 80s and 90s, Ian Healy set the bar for wicketkeepers in Test cricket. His superb consistency and reliability behind the stumps have earned him a lasting place in Australian cricketing history.

Key Highlights:

• Key member of Australia's dominant Test teams in the 90s.

• Known for his sharp reflexes and innovative glovework.

• Helped Australia win numerous Test series during his career.

6. Jos Buttler (England)

Career: 2011–Present

Total Dismissals: 592 = 508 Catches + 32 Run Outs + 52 Stumpings

Jos Buttler is one of the best wicketkeeper-batsmen of the modern era. His powerful batting and quick reflexes behind the stumps have earned him a spot among the top wicketkeepers of today.

Key Highlights:

• Known for his innovative batting style and quick glovework.

• Continues to set records as England’s premier keeper-batsman.

• Contributed significantly to England's 2019 World Cup victory.

7. Rod Marsh (Australia)

Career: 1970–1984

Total Dismissals: 479 = 343 Catches + 36 Stumpings

Rod Marsh was a pioneering figure in modern wicketkeeping. His strong performances helped lay the foundation for Australia's rise in world cricket during the 1970s and 1980s.

Key Highlights:

• A key figure in Australia's cricket resurgence during the 1970s.

• Contributed to a number of Australia's Test victories with his excellent keeping.

• Known for his leadership and mentorship of future wicketkeepers like Ian Healy.

8. Jeff Dujon (West Indies)

Career: 1981–1991

Total Dismissals: 476 = 450 Catches + 26 Stumpings

A key figure in the West Indies' golden era of cricket, Jeff Dujon was renowned for his agility and consistency behind the stumps. He was a dependable keeper who played a vital role in the success of his team.

Key Highlights:

• Part of the West Indies team that dominated world cricket in the 80s.

• Known for his sharp reflexes and excellent technique behind the stumps.

• Contributed significantly to West Indies' multiple series wins.

9. Brendon McCullum (New Zealand)

Career: 2002–2016

Total Dismissals: 453 = 407 Catches + 46 Stumpings

Brendon McCullum was not only an aggressive wicketkeeper-batsman but also a leader who helped New Zealand redefine their aggressive cricket style. His dynamic approach made him one of the top wicketkeepers of his time.

Key Highlights:

• Known for his aggressive batting style and exceptional keeping skills.

• Led New Zealand to the ICC World Cup Final in 2015.

• Known for setting the world record for the fastest Test century (54 balls).

10. Kamran Akmal (Pakistan)

Career: 2002–2017

Total Dismissals: 453 = 368 Catches + 85 Stumpings

Kamran Akmal was a gifted but unpredictable wicketkeeper-batsman. Despite some inconsistencies, his talent was undeniable, and he was one of Pakistan's most prominent wicketkeepers during his career.

Key Highlights:

• Known for his quick reflexes and ability to perform under pressure.

• Part of Pakistan's cricket resurgence in the 2000s.

• Contributed with both bat and gloves during his career.

11. Moin Khan (Pakistan)

Career: 1990–2004

Total Dismissals: 434 = 341 Catches + 93 Stumpings

Moin Khan brought energy and passion to his role behind the stumps. His ability to contribute significantly both with the bat and as a wicketkeeper made him an integral part of Pakistan's cricketing lineup.

Key Highlights:

• Known for his passion and emotional leadership behind the stumps.

• Contributed significantly in both Tests and ODIs for Pakistan.

• Played a pivotal role in several key victories during the 90s.

12. Alec Stewart (England)

Career: 1989–2003

Total Dismissals: 460 = 422 Catches + 9 Run Outs + 29 Stumpings

Alec Stewart was a reliable wicketkeeper for England and contributed significantly to the team’s successes with both bat and gloves.

Key Highlights:

• Known for his solid presence behind the stumps.

• A key figure for England throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.

• Played in 82 Tests and 170 ODIs for England.

Summary

These 12 wicketkeepers have raised the standard in cricket with their outstanding batsmanship and outstanding talents behind the stumps. Their records continue to inspire future generations of wicketkeepers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the best keeper in cricket history?

Adam Gilchrist: His aggressive batting transformed wicketkeeping, and he had 905 dismissals.

Who is the best keeper in the world?

Jos Buttler – He led England to the 2022 T20 World Cup and is currently the most consistent keeper-batsman.

Who is the best keeper better than Dhoni?

Adam Gilchrist He was a major contributor to Australia's dominance and has more Test dismissals (416) than Dhoni.

Who is the Stumping King?

With the most stumpings in international cricket (195), MS Dhoni is known as the "Stumping King."