Men’s ODI World Cup 2023: Top 5 Wicketkeepers To Watch Out For

The 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup marks the 13th edition of the esteemed One Day International (ODI) cricket competition. It is organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and is scheduled to take place in India, spanning from October 5th to November 19th, 2023. This tournament showcases the participation of 10 national teams, namely Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. Bowlers, batsmen, fielders, and wicketkeepers are all geared up to give their utmost effort in this World Cup, aiming to contribute significantly to their respective teams. In this blog, we will look at top 5 wicketkeepers to watch out for in ODI World Cup 2023.

The wicketkeepers play a crucial role in enabling a stable balance in the team. They provide solidity and lengthen the batting order. Gone are the days when the role of the wicketkeeper was confined just behind the wickets. In this World Cup, there are some exciting wicket keepers who could light up the tournament. Let us have a look at the top 5 Wicketkeepers to watch out for in the World Cup 2023.

Top 5 Wicketkeepers to Watch Out For in ODI World Cup 2023

KL Rahul 

Since 2022: 782 runs | 23 Innings | SR 83.54

Wicketkeeping Stats

KL Rahul has established himself as a dependable middle-order batsman in One Day Internationals (ODIs) for the Indian cricket team. Despite making his mark as an opener, Rahul’s adaptability shines in the middle order. He boasts remarkable averages of 58.66 at number four and 52.06 at number five, with an exceptional strike rate of 98.73 in the latter position. Since January 2021, he is the sole Indian batsman to tally over 600 ODI runs in the middle order, amassing 697 runs at an impressive average of 63.36. Rahul’s consistency and ability to construct and accelerate innings make him a crucial asset, adding depth to India’s ODI batting lineup.

Also Read | Top 10 All-Rounders to Watch in ODI World Cup 2023

Jos Butler

Since 2022: 951 Runs | 21 Innings | SR 116.67 

Wicketkeeping Stats

As the reigning champions in both the 50-over and Twenty20 formats, England holds the top position in white-ball cricket and is theoretically the team that others aim to defeat in the upcoming months. 

Jos Buttler has proven to be an astute captain, seamlessly taking over from the retired Eoin Morgan without letting the responsibilities impact his own performance. He continues to be one of the most formidable white-ball batsmen globally, known for his destructive abilities with the bat. Butler has been the best white ball wicketkeepers since England’s white ball revolution. With the experience of playing in Indian conditions, Butler can blow away opposition bowlers in the latter stages of the innings. 

He is formidable against spin, brutal against pace and can change gears according to the needs of the team. Butler is the wicketkeeper to look out for in this World Cup. 

Quinton De Kock

Since 2022: 821 Runs | 21 Innings | SR 97.0

Wicketkeeping Stats

Quinton de Kock, recognized as one of the contemporary game’s finest ball-strikers, boasts an impressive ODI record. With 5966 runs in 140 matches at an average of 44.86 and a brisk strike rate of 96.08, he’s been a dynamic force in South African cricket. Often opening the innings for his team, the aggressive left-hander has notched up an impressive 17 ODI centuries.

De Kock’s role in South Africa’s pursuit of their maiden ODI World Cup victory cannot be overstated. The South African wicket keeper has vast experience of playing in Indian conditions. Hence his inclusion in the squad is vital for the team’s success. However, it’s worth noting that de Kock has announced his retirement from the ODI format following the tournament, making his performance in the World Cup all the more significant for cricket fans.

Also Read | Complete List of Venues in ICC World Cup 2023 

Tom Latham

Since 2022: 973 Runs | 32 Innings | SR 88.70

Wicketkeeping Stats

Tom Latham’s unconventional role as a Test opener doubling as an ODI No. 4 or 5 for New Zealand has been nothing short of exceptional. Traditionally, ODI teams reserved big-hitting for later overs, allowing Test openers to adopt a similar approach in both formats. However, with fielding restrictions and smaller boundaries, the trend shifted towards promoting powerful hitters up the order.

Latham, the son of former cricketer Rod Latham, found himself in a unique position. He began as a versatile ODI batsman, batting in various positions. But in 2017, he made a significant shift to No. 5 and excelled. His average and strike rate saw a noticeable increase. Latham’s career record at No. 5 places him among the likes of AB de Villiers in terms of runs, average, and strike rate. He has been the best middle order batsmen in the last 2 years. 

With the World Cup being played in India, spin will be a great threat to the batsmen. New Zealand need their skipper Tom Latham to do what he does best at that position and help New Zealand win the ODI World Cup. 

Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Since 2022: 778 Runs | 23 Innings | SR 80.5

Wicketkeeping Stats

Afghanistan’s recent success in ODIs can be attributed in part to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, whose explosive performances as an opener have provided a strong foundation for his team. Gurbaz had a stellar start to his ODI career in 2021, amassing 180 runs in three innings at an impressive average of 60. From 2022 onwards, he has continued to shine, accumulating 778 ODI runs at an average of 35.36 and a brisk strike rate of 80.95, featuring several fifties and four centuries, including a top score of 151. While Afghanistan’s spin trio is their main weapon, Gurbaz’s ability to score big runs is crucial to their success, despite a few setbacks, notably in the Asia Cup. His recent standout performance against Pakistan, where he smashed 151 runs at a strike rate of 100 against a formidable pace attack, underscores his potential to be a game-changer for Afghanistan.

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