3) Adam Gilchrist
Adam Gilchrist was never a man to fuss about footwork and technique. Nevertheless, sheer confidence and hand-eye coordination made him probably the greatest wicket-keeper batsman to play the game.
While that could well be argued, there is no doubt about the fact that Gilchrist, who has played many a counterattacking innings lower down the order including a fabulous one at home against Pakistan, was a man who looked more like succeeding in the shorter formats of the game.
Surprisingly though, he averages a whopping 47.60, with 20 not-outs, having scored 5,570 runs in 96 Tests. His ODI average is 35.89 in 279 innings with 9619 runs, a format that he seemed to dominate especially on the big occasions.
While Gilchrist scored 16 centuries and 55 half-centuries in those 279 innings, he managed 17 centuries and 26 half-centuries in just 137 Test innings, despite batting in the lower half of one of the most powerful, consistent batting orders the game has ever seen.
Gilchrist scored the eighth fastest double ton in just 212 balls against South Africa, in his opponent’s own backyard. He also has the fourth fastest Test century scored in just 57 balls against England.
The game has been richer for his presence, as the great man was also known for his tremendous sportsman-spirit. Gilchrist also boasts of the second highest Test strike-rate for anyone with more than 2,000 runs – 81.95, just behind Sehwag.
Click here to get India Squad for T20 World Cup 2024. Follow Sportskeeda for the T20 World Cup Schedule, Points Table, and news
