Top 3 wicket-keeper batsmen of the 21st century

A steadily stacked pace attack, a solid batting order and an extraordinary fielding setup combined can still collapse without a genuine player behind the stumps. Innovation in the art of wicket-keeping is imperative in the 21st century if he does not possess extraordinary ability with the bat. The man with the gloves now has to do the double duty of wicket-keeper batsman with balanced panache and proficiency.

This vogue began with England's Les Ames, who was one of the first wicket-keepers also capable of playing as a batsman. In this era, every keeper is selected putting his batting efficiency as a criterion.

Here, we look at the talents who have restructured the roles of a wicket-keeper batsman since January 1, 2001.

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#3 MS Dhoni

The label 'finisher of the decade' was created for and cemented by MS Dhoni. He wasn't a naturally gifted cricketer, but he overcame a few constraints and paved his way to become one of the most extraordinary ODI batsmen of all time.

Dhoni had a torrid start to his cricket career. In the series against Bangladesh, he tasted the bitterness of duck but displayed a decent show with the gloves. But all that changed in the fifth bout of his career, when he racked up his first ODI ton against Pakistan at Vishakhapatnam in 2004. After this showing, Dhoni didn't have to look back.

Dhoni was the steady hand that guided India in the closing stages of their epic World Cup final victory over Sri Lanka in 2011. Having also lifted the Champions Trophy and World T20, He became the only captain to win all the 3 major ICC tournaments. His keeping technique invited a lot of criticism from the cricket world. Nevertheless, he is among the most talented contenders behind the stumps.

International Career:

Matches: 515

Runs: 16,536

Average: 44.57

Catches: 620

Stumpings: 186

#2 Adam Gilchrist

Adam Gilchrist

Adam Gilchrist, who was one of the best cricketers of his era, redefined the role of a wicket-keeper batsman with his blazing stroke-play.

When it comes to pyrotechnics among wicket-keepers, Gilchrist will be the first name that comes to our mind. He made his ODI debut in 1996 against South Africa and was drafted into the squad as a replacement for the injured Ian Healy. His career changed in 1999 when he made his Test debut and also managed to amass close to 1200 runs in ODIs.

With 3 World Cup triumphs and numerous memorable Test series victories away from home, Gilchrist was largely instrumental in Australia's journey to becoming the best team of the 21st century.

International Career:

Matches: 396

Runs: 15,461

Average: 38.94

Catches: 813

Stumpings: 92

#1 Kumar Sangakkara

Kumar Sangakkara

Aside from being one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the game, Sangakkara was also an exceptional talent behind the stumps. In his 15-year cricketing career, he managed to effect 678 dismissals. His immense volume of international runs makes him one of the finest contenders with the willow.

Sangakkara was a true gentleman both on the field and off the field. He possessed all the qualities of a good cricketer. His batting flair, reliability behind the stumps, decision making was the linchpin of Sri Lankan cricket for 15 memorable years. His versatility in all three cricketing formats was remarkable.

Apart from being a consistent wicket-keeper batsman, Sangakkara was also a great leader. His captaincy was crucial for Sri Lanka in reaching the final of the 2011 World Cup.

*International Career:

Matches: 464

Runs: 17,840

Average: 41.87

Catches: 539

Stumpings: 139

(*Note: Statistics for matches when Sangakkara did not keep wickets are not included in this segment)