5 most influential wicket-keepers of the modern era 

Cricket is not short of uncertainties. But the phrase 'catches win matches' is a common gospel in the game. And when it comes to catches, you can't help but talk about wicket-keepers.

Since the game's invention, there has always been more attraction around the art of batting and bowling but very less curiosity around the art of wicket-keeping. Towards the end of the 1990s and beginning of the 2000s, a special breed of wicket-keepers arrived onto the international stage. Their innovative and awe-inspiring athleticism added a whole new dimension to the game and subsequently inspired the next generation of players.

Let's look at five of the most influential wicket-keepers of the modern era.

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#5 Brendon McCullum

Brendon McCullum is undoubtedly the most destructive batsman to have come out from New Zealand. While he has always been known for destroying bowling attacks right from the start of his career, many haven't credited him for his wicket-keeping skills. At a certain point in time, he was really quick behind the wickets and took many blinders against the likes of Shane Bond.

The former Kiwi skipper effected a combined total of 453 dismissals in his entire career. Out of those, 179 have come in Tests, 242 in ODIs and the remaining 32 in T20Is. He was always seen diving behind the stumps and grabbing even the faintest of edges.

McCullum's inspired captaincy took New Zealand to their first ever World Cup final in 2015. As a batsman with over 6000 runs in both Tests and ODIs, his immense contribution to New Zealand cricket was noticeable.

#4 MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni

Probably the most popular Indian cricketer of all time after Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni is truly a legend in his own right. He became an international success after leading a young Indian team to a triumphant victory in the inaugural edition of the World T20 in 2007.

Dhoni then went from strength to strength as captain and batsman in all three formats. He cemented his place among the great Indian captains by leading his country to the World Cup title 28 years.

Not many fans credit Dhoni for his impeccable work behind the stumps even though he is India's most successful wicket-keeper of all time. He has always been known for his lightning-fast glovework behind the stumps, especially against the spinners. His hand-eye coordination behind the wickets is the stuff of legends.

Dhoni has effected a total of 806 dismissals. Out of those, 294 have come in Tests, 425 in ODIs and 87 in T20Is. His tally is third on the all time list of wicket-keepers across all three formats combined. It would be befitting to say that Dhoni will have a page of his own in Indian cricket's history books.

#3 Kumar Sangakkara

Kumar Sangakkara

Kumar Sangakkara is one of the most influential batsmen of all time. He is the sixth highest run scorer of all time in Tests and second highest in ODIs. He has scored more than 12,000 runs in Tests and more than 14,000 runs in ODIs.

The Sri Lankan legend kept wickets to some of the weirdest bowling actions of all time. He has kept wickets to the spectacular spin of Muttiah Muralitharan, to the mystery balls of Ajantha Mendis and also to Lasith Malinga's unorthodox brilliance.

Sangakkara has effected 151 dismissals in Tests, 482 dismissals in ODIs and 45 dismissals in T20Is. His tally of 678 dismissals places him fourth on the all time list of wicket-keepers in all three formats combined. Even though he will be remembered for his classic cover drives and flamboyant down the track sixes, there will also be a generation of wicket-keepers who will consider his glove-work as the inspiration.

#2 Mark Boucher

Mark Boucher

With a record 998 dismissals to his name across all three formats, Mark Boucher is the most prolific wicket-taker in the history of international cricket. The South African fell short of two significant records when he a freak injury brought an end to his career. Otherwise, he could have become the first gloveman to take 1000 catches in international cricket and play 150 Tests as well.

Mark Boucher's legacy is much more than his statistics. In his 15-year long career, he kept wickets to some of the fiercest fast bowlers of all time. During the early days of his career, he stood behind the wickets to the likes of Shaun Pollock and Allan Donald before combining with the likes of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel.

Boucher effected a record 555 dismissals in his Test career, 424 dismissals in ODI cricket and 19 dismissals in the shortest format. He was the epitome of athleticism behind the wickets. Even though he also scored over 10,000 runs across all formats combined, his batting was often criticized. It is worth remembering that at the time of his debut, wicket-keepers were selected only on the basis of their skills behind the stumps. In such regard, there has not been anyone better.

#1 Adam Gilchrist

Adam Gilchrist

Adam Gilchrist is undoubtedly the most influential wicket-keeper batsman of all time. Aside from being placed second on the all-time list with 905 dismissals with his gloves in all international cricket, the Australian was the first wicket-keeper to attain greatness as a batsman too. He scored more than 9000 runs in his ODI career and over 5000 runs in Tests.

Gilchrist has kept wickets to some of the greatest bowlers of all time. His audacious catching has resulted in some of the best batsmen walking off the ground without making an impact. The manner in which he handled Shane Warne's extravagant turn, Glenn McGrath's impeccable accuracy and Brett Lee's rapid pace was something to behold.

Gilchrist effected 416 dismissals in Tests, 472 dismissals in ODIs and 17 dismissals in T20Is. He was among the very few cricketers who always played the game in the right spirit and the famous walking incident in the 2003 World Cup semi-final stands as a testament to his integrity.