In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 fielders in the world and determine who stands out as the best among them.
Modern cricketers exhibit remarkable fitness and deliver exceptional performances on the field.
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10. Steve Smith
Hotspot: Slips in Test Cricket
Steve Smith, renowned as a world-class batter, is also a phenomenal fielder. Known for his incredible catches at the slips, Smith excels both in Test cricket and outside the 30-yard circle in white-ball cricket.
9. Paul Collingwood
Hotspot: Slips and Inside the Ring
Paul Collingwood, now retired, was celebrated for his exceptional fielding skills during his career. With 219 catches in international cricket, he was widely appreciated for his agility and sharp reflexes.
8. Andrew Symonds
Hotspot: Slips in Test Cricket and Outside the Ring in ODIs
Andrew Symonds, a natural athlete, made a mark with his astonishing catches in the deep and quick reflexes in the slips. Despite having 107 catches, many of them were spectacular blinders.
7. Herschelle Gibbs
Hotspot: Inside the Ring (Cover and Point)
Herschelle Gibbs, one of South Africa’s finest fielders, was known for his remarkable catches and quick reflexes. He secured 210 catches in his international career.
6. Faf du Plessis
Hotspot: Long-on and Long-off
Faf du Plessis, despite retiring from international cricket, continues to be a standout fielder in franchise cricket. Known for his safe hands, he excels in the deep, making impressive catches in the IPL and international matches.
5. Ricky Ponting
Hotspot: Slips in Test Cricket
Ricky Ponting, one of Australia’s greatest players, was a reliable fielder at the slips and known for his brilliant run-outs. His fielding prowess places him fifth on our list.
4. Suresh Raina
Hotspot: Cover, Point, and Slips
Suresh Raina, a solid middle-order batter, was also an outstanding fielder. He made numerous remarkable catches in both IPL and international cricket, establishing himself as one of India’s top fielders.
3. AB de Villiers
Hotspot: Long-on and Long-off
AB de Villiers, now retired, was a delight to watch on the field. He was an excellent keeper as well, but his deep fielding was particularly good. His catch against SRH in the IPL remains one of the league’s best.
2. Ravindra Jadeja
Hotspot: Long-on, Long-off, and Deep Mid-wicket
Ravindra Jadeja is renowned for his outstanding fielding, especially his powerful throws from the deep. With 121 catches to his name, Jadeja continues to be a formidable presence on the field.
1. Jonty Rhodes
Hotspot: Cover, Point, and Inside the Ring
Jonty Rhodes, though retired, is widely regarded as the best fielder in cricket history. His iconic run-out against Pakistan in the 1992 World Cup remains legendary. Rhodes secured 139 catches in his international career, setting a high standard for fielding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who is the best fielder in the world?
A1:Jonty Rhodes is often considered the best fielder of all time. Ravindra Jadeja is regarded as one of the best fielders at the moment.
Q2: Who is the best fielder in the IPL?
A2:Known for his spectacular catches while playing for CSK, Suresh Raina is considered one of the greatest fielders in IPL history.
Q3: Who is the world’s best catcher?
A3: With 440 catches in 652 games, Mahela Jayawardene holds the record for most catches in international cricket.
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