Jos Buttler and Josh Inglis. (Source – Twitter/X)
The 8th edition of the T20 World Cup will feature 20 teams with top players from around the world ready to exhibit their skills for the next four weeks. The likes of India, Australia, Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa will look to dislodge England as the champions and take the title home.
The role of the wicketkeeper in the T20 format is very important. In the modern game, the wicketkeeper has to be safe and agile for the duration of the 40 overs and also have the ability to contribute with the bat.
Many Indian fans will be excited as Rishabh Pant makes his return to international cricket after nearly 18 months. The youngster had shown tremendous form during the IPL 2024 season for Delhi Capitals.
Here is the rating for the top ten wicketkeepers from the T20 World Cup 2024:
10- Jaker Ali, Bangladesh – 2/10
Jaker Ali. (Source -Getty Images)
Litton Das who has been an outstanding servant for Bangladesh cricket has been struggling for form in recent times. The loss of form for Litton Das has seen Jaker Ali being entrusted with the role of the wicketkeeper. This is the first time that Ali is set to play a huge tournament and the nerves could certainly play a huge role during the course of the campaign.
9. Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sri Lanka – 2/10
Sadeera Samarawickrama . (Photo Source: Surjeet Yadav/Getty Images)
Despite the presence of Kusal Mendis, it is expected that Sadeera Samarawickrama will be given the role of the specialist wicketkeeper. The Sri Lankan has been impressive in the role in the limited chances that he has gotten so far. Samarawickrama is also an attacking batter with the ability to take flay the pacers and spinners over the in-field at the top of the order.
8. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Afghanistan -3/10
Rahmanullah Gurbaz. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)
For the last few years, Afghanistan have been served well by Rahmanullah Gurbaz as the wicketkeeper and as an opener. The youngster hasn’t played much cricket as he has been on the bench for most of the season in the IPL. Rahmanullah Gurbaz though has phenomenal talent and has been one of the most consistent and proven performers for the last few years in international cricket.
7. Nicholas Pooran, West Indies – 4/10
Nicholas Pooran. (Photo Source: Rich Storry/Getty Images)
The biggest weapon for West Indies during the upcoming T20 World Cup will be Nicholas Pooran. The 29-year-old has been in prime scoring form during the IPL but he has not kept wickets and this could be a major worry for the home team. The West Indians also have Shai Hope, Johnson Charles, and Andre Fletcher to do the job but they will want Pooran to take the job of the wicketkeeper for the tournament.
6. Josh Inglis, Australia -4/10
Josh Inglis. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)
Australia will want to entrust the role of wicketkeeper to Josh Inglis who has been amazing during the last few months. The right-handed batter scored an explosive century against India during the tour towards the end of 2023. Apart from being a fantastic batter Inglis is also a reliable wicketkeeper and keeps well both to the pacers and the spinners.
5. Devon Conway, New Zealand – 4/10
Devon Conway. (Photo Source: ICC)
Kiwi star Devon Conway has been one of the most reliable players for his national side ever since his debut. His batting at the top of the order has given his team lots of runs especially his partnership with young Rachin Ravindra. New Zealand will also want Devon Conway to keep wickets and add depth to the team as they can employ yet another batter in the middle order.
4. Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan – 5/10
Mohammed Rizwan. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)
Mohammad Rizwan has been one of the best T20 players for a long time. His batting at the top of the order and his wicketkeeping skills have been unmatched. Pakistan will hope that they can have their veteran star back in form and fire with the bat and also fulfil his primary role as a wicketkeeper.
3. Heinrich Klaasen, South Africa – 6/10
Heinrich Klaasen. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)
Heinrich Klaasen has been one of the most destructive batters during the IPL 2024 season. The 31-year-old has taken the best attacks to the cleaners and made sure that he helps SRH become a strong unit. Even as a wicketkeeper Klaasen is one of the best in the world with his effortless movements behind the stumps.
2. Rishabh Pant, India – 7/10
Rishabh Pant. (Photo Source: Disney + Hotstar VIP)
The return of Rishabh Pant to international cricket is a huge bonus for India. The 26-year-old has shown what India were missing last year with his explosive batting and wicketkeeping during the IPL 2024 season. Rohit Sharma will want Pant at his best with the bat and the gloves if India has to win the T20 World Cup for the second time.
1. Jos Buttler, England -9/10
Jos Buttler (Photo Source: Twitter)
It is amazing when a team has three wicketkeepers in their side with each having the ability to bat well and keep well. England skipper Jos Buttler has been in destructive form in recent times and has also been keeping wickets for his side. Buttler with his cricketing acumen will be a handful for many teams in the biggest ICC event of the year.