Dravid; best wicketkeeper-batsman??

[japanese_philosopher]

NO...I am NOT forgetting Gilchrist!! I am talking of the rest of them (referening ONLY to ODIs).I think only Boucher and Sangakkara are the other main contenders. While these two have better keeping abilities, there is no doubt that Dravid is a far superior batsman.
In ODIs the role of a keeper is limited and he has very few balls coming his way. And Dravid is a safe keeper; (though he may not be spectacular). I don't remember him dropping catches or missing stumpings. And I think Dravid scores over the other two because of his batting skills.
We should not forget the need for a player like Dravid who can hold up one end when a few wickets fall. It is always better, even in ODIs, to let the strokeplayers play around a man like Dravid.And he is also capable hitting a few lusty blows. (He has scored the second quickest ODI half-century for India against New Zealand recently).
We all cry for the inclusion of specialists; but is that really needed? Dravid has been doing a wonderful job as the wicketkeeper-batsman; providing solidity with the bat and depth to the team while keeping. And I think he should be the first choice wicketkeeper-batsman in the RoW ODI team which is slated to play against the Australians next year (though it is quite a different issue in Test cricket where I would prefer a specialist) What do you guys think??

[Rachael]

It all depends where in the batting order you want the 'keeper to bat: if you are looking for a pinch-hitting opener or no 6 slogger then I'd choose Boucher.. for an anchorman I'd consider Dravid, but probably choose Sangakkara (getter glovework).. and for a no 7 or 8 I'd take Chris Read for his composure under pressure and great improvsational play at the death.

Until you know how the rest of the team lines up I'm not sure you can make that judgement.

[stereotype]

If you say your not forgetting Gilchrist does that mean including him?

[Nikhil]

Batting and keeping combined, Dravid is not the second best. Boucher, Sangakkara are above him. Keeping wise, Read is amazing, the best among his contemporaries.

I will take Dravid only as a batsman, regardless to whether he keeps wickets or not.

[japanese_philosopher]

Originally Posted by stereotype

If you say your not forgetting Gilchrist does that mean including him?

you probably didn't read my next sentence - ' I am talking of the rest of them'. leave out gilly (he is too good ); what about the rest?

[Sachin10]

Dravid will have to really sharpen his keeping skills if he has to be the Best Wk Batsman. Its really difficult to say who is. Gilly is the best. Apart from him theres no one who is gud at both. Definitely, Dravid is better than Sangakkara.

[stereotype]

id have Sangakarra over Dravid as a keeper....not as a batsmen......id have both in my team so no...he isnt imo

[rineet]

Dhoni is the man for this spot. Excellent batsman plus a safe keeper.

[Aussie-Yank]

Actually, I would think Haddin would walk into a lot of test teams. If it was not for Gilly he would be Australia's. Good behind the wicket and a solid bat.