Top 10 Best Wicket Keeper in the World (Updated 2026)

Wicketkeepers play a vital role in cricket, often influencing matches with both their skills and presence. A great wicketkeeper adds balance to the team, and over the years, several legends have left a long-lasting impact on the game.

In modern cricket, wicket keepers are expected to contribute with the bat as much as with the gloves. Icons like MS Dhoni, Kumar Sangakkara, and Adam Gilchrist once set the standard, and their legacy continues today. The current generation of players now carries that responsibility, keeping the debate alive over who is the best wicket keeper in the world.

Best Wicket Keeper in the World - Updated List

There are several world-class wicketkeepers in cricket right now, and they stake their claim to be the best wicketkeeper in the world based on their amazing numbers. The best wicket keeper in the world would have all the traits that make him a true match-winner for his team. Let's have a look at some of the best wicket keeper in the world currently.

Who is the Best Wicket Keeper in the World?

Jos Buttler is widely regarded as one of the best wicket-keepers in modern cricket. Over approximately 335 matches as a keeper, he has taken around 435 catches and completed about 54 stumpings, totalling close to 489 dismissals. His agility behind the stumps and consistent performance make him a standout player in international cricket.

10. Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Afghanistan | 84 Dismissals

Rising talent from Afghanistan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, showcases quick reflexes from behind the wicket. He has played 110 matches as wicket keeper for his country and was involved in 84 dismissals, including 78 catches and 6 stumpings. His swift glovework and aggressive batting could rank him among the best wicket keeper in the world soon.

9. KL Rahul | India | 106 Dismissals

One of the most adaptable Indian batter-keepers, KL Rahul, has impressed despite limited opportunities. In 71 matches, he has secured 106 dismissals, with 98 catches and 8 stumpings, showing efficiency and athleticism. He is emerging as the best keeper in the world in the ODI format.

8. Tom Latham | New Zealand | 159 Dismissals

Tom Latham has been one of the finest Kiwi batters in recent times. The left-handed batter has the most Test centuries as New Zealand’s opening batter. He was also a member of the New Zealand team that won the 2019–2021 ICC World Test Championship. The Southpaw has featured in 134 matches as the designated wicket-keeper across formats for the side and has made 159 dismissals to his name.

7. Litton Das | Bangladesh | 196 Dismissals

Bangladesh's T20I skipper, Litton Das stands out for his effectiveness against spin specially in subcontinent condtion, where it is difficult to collect the ball. In 115 matches, he has recorded 196 dismissals, including 168 catches and 28 stumpings, reflecting excellent positioning. His performance places him among the best wicket keeper in the world.

6. Shai Hope | West Indies | 204 Dismissals

One of the best ODI batsmen for West Indies, Shai Hope is popular for his composure and safe hands. Across 175 matches, he has managed 204 dismissals, including 189 catches and 15 stumpings, maintaining pressure on the opposition. He is considered as one of the best wicket keeper in the world now.

5. Rishabh Pant | India | 256 Dismissals

One of the best wicket keepers batsmen in the world, Rishabh Pant brings energy and agility to wicketkeeping. In 142 matches, he has taken 228 catches and 28 stumpings, often turning games single-handedly with his glove work.

Rishabh Pant's master mind techinique to take a injury break during 2024 T20 World Cup final can't be forgotten as this became the turning point and eventually India lifted the trophy after 17 years.

4. Mohammad Rizwan | Pakistan | 274 Dismissals

Pakistan's former skipper, Mohammad Rizwan is known for his discipline and consistency. Featuring in 208 matches, he has taken 274 dismissals, with 250 catches supporting his bowlers superbly.

3. Alex Carey | Australia | 312 Dismissals

Australian star player, Alex carey brings precision and control behind the stumps. In 158 matches, he has registered 312 dismissals which shows his remarkable efficiency. During the Ashes 2025-26 his wicket-keeping skills were in spot-light as he was keeping from close to the stumps that too for pacers, and still he didn't made a single fumble while collecting balls.

2. Mushfiqur Rahim | Bangladesh | 481 Dismissals

Veteran Bangladeshi cricketer, Mushfiqur Rahim is admired for his longevity across all format. He has effected 481 dismissals, with 101 stumpings, reflecting elite wicketkeeping skills. He is among the all-time greatest player for Bangladesh, for his wicket keeping and batting contribution for his team.

1. Jos Buttler | England | 489 Dismissals

Aggressive batter from the country of the Three Lions, Jos Buttler, has set the benchmark for modern wicketkeeping. Across 335 matches as a keeper, he has been involved in 489 dismissals, showing outstanding reflexes and consistency. He is currently the best wicket keeper in the world.

Who is the Best Wicket Keeper in the World of All Time?

MS Dhoni is the best wicket keeper in the world of all time, who is well-known for his exceptional wicket-keeping skills. He has played 538 matches as a designated wicket-keeper across the three formats of the game, where there are 829 dismissals under his name, where he has taken 634 catches and has done 195 stumpings.

He is the best in the department of wicket-keeping and can change the course of the game from behind the wickets. He is known for his fastest stumping in cricket, where he stumped a batsman in just 0.08 seconds, which was lightning fast. He is a world-class player and the best wicket keeper in the world.

How We Have Ranked the World Best Wicket Keepers - Ranking Factors

The rankings are based on a combination of statistical performance, including catches, stumpings, and total dismissals. We also consider consistency, impact in crucial matches, and overall contribution to the team’s success.

• Dismissals per Match (Catches + Stumpings): This measures a keeper’s effectiveness and consistency in directly contributing to the team’s success.
• Format Versatility (Test, ODI, T20I Performance): Excelling across all formats shows adaptability and skill under different match conditions.
• Batting Contributions (Dual-Role Value): Wicket-keepers who score runs add significant value, making them key all-round contributors.
• Error Rate (Drops, Missed Stumpings): Minimising mistakes highlights reliability and sharpness behind the stumps.
• Impact in Big Matches: Performing under pressure in crucial games reflects a keeper’s temperament and match-winning ability.