Legendary Australian wicket-keeper batsman Adam Gilchrist has named India’s Mahendra Singh Dhoni among the three greatest wicket-keeper batsmen of all time. Gilchrist, himself a renowned wicket-keeper batsman, placed fellow Australian Rodney Marsh ahead of Dhoni in his rankings.
Gilchrist, who played 96 Tests for Australia, cited Marsh as his idol and role model. He praised Dhoni’s calmness and composure, describing him as someone who “did it in his way, always calm.” Gilchrist also included Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara in his top three, acknowledging his class and versatility as a batsman and wicket-keeper.
Gilchrist’s comments come as India prepares to tour Australia later in 2024 for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India has won the last two Test series between the two nations in Australia, and will be aiming for an unprecedented hattrick.
Gilchrist believes Australia has the potential to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but acknowledges that it will be a close contest. “India know how to go away and win overseas,” he said. “Naturally, I’m going to say Australia, hope they get there. But it’s too close to call. It will be a close tussle.”
India’s recent success in Australia has been a testament to their growing dominance in Test cricket. They have won the last four Border-Gavaskar Trophies, all by a margin of 2-1. Gilchrist’s comments suggest that Australia will need to be at their best to prevent India from extending their winning streak.