Fielding is a crucial aspect of cricket that requires agility, fast reflexes, and incredible hand-eye coordination. There have been some players who have set the bar high for fielding, and therefore it is one of the thrilling aspects of the game. A piece of brilliance in the field can change the game, and the best fielders have made a difference to the game with their catches, direct hits, and acrobatic saves.
Here’s a look at the world’s top 10 greatest fielders who changed fielding forever with their excellence.
1. Jonty Rhodes – South Africa
Jonty Rhodes is perhaps the greatest fielder cricket has ever seen. His magical agility, lightning-quick reflexes, and trademark dives changed the benchmarks of fielding. His run-out of Inzamam-ul-Haq during the 1992 World Cup remains one of cricket’s most famous moments.
Strengths are fielding speed, diving catches, and direct shots. He played best at backward point, where he never failed to save vital runs for his team.
2. AB de Villiers – South Africa
AB de Villiers was not only a superb batsman but also a phenomenal fielder. His lightning-fast reflexes and quickness on the field made him a game-changer on the field. Wherever he positioned himself, in the slips, behind the wicket, or deep down the ground, he was always a prized possession.
His one-handed diving catches and his quicker-than-light stumpings made him one of the best fielders.
3. Ricky Ponting – Australia
Ricky Ponting was a keen anticipation player and a good catcher. Direct hitting of the stumps was his huge strength, which made him an extremely dangerous fielder to face in world cricket. Cover and slip work were two greatest contributions to the dominance of Australian cricket at international level.
Direct run-out against Rahul Dravid in the World Cup of 2003 is one of the most recalled incidents by Ricky, which showed all about his pinpoint accuracy and quick reflexes.
4. Ravindra Jadeja – India
Ravindra Jadeja is considered to be one of the best fielders in cricket today. His bullet throws from the outfield, spectacular catches, and his rapid movement across a lot of ground put him in the match-winning bracket with his fielding alone.
He is famous for being able to convert half-chances into wickets, as seen in his run-out of Ross Taylor by a direct hit during the 2019 World Cup semi-final.
5. Paul Collingwood – England
Paul Collingwood was England’s best fielder, a man with safe hands and sublime athleticism. His diving catches and his lightning reflexes stood him in good stead both in the slips and out in the field.
His one-handed screamer from Australia in 2005 is one of the greatest catches ever taken in the history of cricket.
6. Faf du Plessis – South Africa
Faf du Plessis is always incredible with his fielding, and his impossible catches become a cakewalk. His boundary-saving ability and anticipation make him one of the greatest fielders of modern cricket.
His 2020 Indian Premier League catch against gravity is an ideal example of his athleticism.
7. Andrew Symonds – Australia
Andrew Symonds was a hard-hitting and all-round player with excellent fielding skills. He was athletic in build and had a strong arm, which made him a safe fielder in key situations.
His one-step run-outs and spot ones helped him achieve an important role in Australia’s achievement during the early 2000s.
8. Ben Stokes – England
Ben Stokes is one of the most thrilling fielders in contemporary cricket. No matter whether he pulls off one-handed catches at the slips or match-winning picks on the boundary, he always leaves everyone speechless with his fielding.
His one-handed catch against South Africa in the 2019 World Cup was perhaps one of the greatest catches in history.
9. Virat Kohli – India
Apart from being one of the best batsmen, Virat Kohli is also a decent fielder. His fast reflexes, strong throws, and his ability to take difficult catches make him a valuable member of India’s fielding team.
His catch in the 2016 match against Australia while diving was a reflection of his quest for perfection in every aspect of the game.
10. Glenn Maxwell – Australia
Glenn Maxwell is one of the best fielders of the current era, gifted with pace and lightning-fast reflexes. He is one of the best because his boundary-cutting, the quick reflexes for a catch, and direct-hit ability for a run-out are found in no other on this earth.
The most debated bit of fielding ever done is his backward-running catch for the Indian Premier League.
FAQs
Who is the best fielder of all time?
Jonty Rhodes is seen by all but the most pessimistic as the greatest fielder of cricket history because of his great fielding and unmatched athleticism.
Who is the greatest fielder of the current crop of players?
Ravindra Jadeja and Ben Stokes are two of the greatest current day fielders.
Who is the highest catch-taker in international cricket?
Ricky Ponting is the highest catch-taker in international cricket by a non-wicketkeeper.
Who is that Indian cricketer with great fielding?
Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja are known for their great fielding.
What is the best superior fielding position in cricket?
The best fielding position is relative to where the player is best at. Slips are ideal for edges, while cover and point require lightning-fast reflexes and pace.