4 genuine wicketkeepers who hardly keep for their country

Every team's combination must include a genuine wicketkeeper. Back then, even if a keeper is not good at batting, he is included in the XI if he is great behind the stumps. However, now, the wicketkeeper is required to be good with the bat, too. In some cases, the batting skills are so high that some players find a place in the XI only due to that. On that note, in this article, we take a look at four genuine wicketkeepers who hardly keep for their country.

These days, a player is required to contribute to a team in more than one department. This will give balance and depth to the XI. Wicketkeeping is a skill which can be developed at least to an extent of keeping for 20 overs in the T20 format. We have also seen many T20 teams employ not-so-good keepers because they are good with the bat and they might have another player in the XI instead of a great keeper who may not be excellent with the willow.

1) Jonny Bairstow (England)

Jonny Bairstow is one of the genuine wicketkeepers who hardly keep for their country. Although in the initial stages of his career Bairstow kept a lot, in recent years, he hardly does that. While in limited overs Jos Buttler stands behind the stumps, when it comes to Tests, the likes of Ben Foakes get a chance. That said, for most of his T20 teams, Bairstow keeps wickets. The way it is going right now, Bairstow might not become a regular wicket-keeper for his nation.

2) Glenn Phillips (New Zealand)

Glenn Phillips is also a good wicketkeeper but he is also brilliant on the outfield. Since New Zealand has options such as Devon Conway and Finn Allen as the keeper, Phillips usually does not get a chance to be behind the stumps. It needs to be seen if this would change in the coming months. 

3) Tristan Stubbs (South Africa)

Tristan Stubbs is also one of the genuine wicketkeepers who hardly keep for their country. The youngster made his debut only recently but he has hardly got opportunities behind the stumps. Quinton de Kock is the preferred wicketkeeper and hence, Stubbs does not make the cut. If QDK is not available, the team usually relies on Heinrich Klaasen.

4) KL Rahul (India)

KL Rahul was a good wicketkeeper at various age-group levels. For India, he was a regular keeper in the ODI squad, for a while. At that time, Rishabh Pant's form was not great and hence, he was not in the XI. However, after Pant made a strong return to the squad, KL Rahul now does not keep wickets. That said, he offers an option to the squad and hence, India is never worried about this department.