A skilled fielder can completely alter the course of a game in a few pitches – but who is the G.O.A.T? Here, we list the top 5 greatest cricket fielders of all.
Fielding in Cricket
Fielders have proven time and time again that cricket is much more than just batting and pitching a ball. Fielding often becomes the deciding factor in a game’s outcome. A good fielder is a dynamo, gifted with boundless energy. It’s a visual treat when a fielder dives to catch or accomplish a run-out, benefiting the bowlers and the entire team. Let’s take a look at the top 5 greatest cricket fielders of all-time. These fielders have raised the bar and established new standards for others to follow!
1. Jonty Rhodes
- Country: South Africa
- Achievements:
- Earned a World Cup record for catches
- Known for his bullet-like run-out of Inzamam-ul-Haq in the 1992 World Cup
- Renowned for athleticism, quickness, perfect throws, and skill in the backward point area
Jonty Rhodes’ sheer athleticism and quick responses make him the uncontested king of fieldsmanship. His memorable run-out of Inzamam-ul-Haq in the 1992 World Cup, where he launched himself in the air, is legendary.
JONTY RHODES ,TOP 5 IMPOSSIBLE CATCHES
Jonty Rhodes Career Batting Statistics
| Format | Matches | Innings | Not Outs | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 52 | 80 | 8 | 2532 | 117 | 35.17 | 5467 | 46.31 | 3 | 17 | 256 | 22 |
| ODI | 245 | 220 | 51 | 5935 | 121 | 35.12 | 7336 | 80.9 | 2 | 33 | 392 | 47 |
Jonty Rhodes Career Bowling Statistics
| Format | Matches | Innings | Balls | Runs | Wickets | BBI | Econ | Avg | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 52 | 2 | 12 | 5 | 0 | 0/0 | 2.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| ODI | 245 | 2 | 14 | 4 | 0 | 0/1 | 1.71 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
2. AB de Villiers
- Country: South Africa
- Achievements:
- Enjoyed a 15-year international career
- Won the ICC One-Day International Player of the Year award three times
- Versatile enough to play in any position
AB de Villiers, a great batter and fielder, is known for his spectacular catches and versatility on the field. He continues to showcase his skills in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
AB Devilliers Best Catches In Cricket History
AB de Villiers Career Batting Statistics
| Format | Matches | Innings | Not Outs | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 228 | 218 | 39 | 9577 | 176 | 53.5 | 9473 | 101.1 | 25 | 53 | 840 | 204 |
| T20I | 78 | 75 | 11 | 1672 | 79* | 26.1 | 1237 | 135.2 | 0 | 10 | 140 | 60 |
| IPL | 176 | 162 | 38 | 5056 | 133* | 40.8 | 3318 | 152.4 | 3 | 40 | 406 | 245 |
AB de Villiers Career Wicketkeeping Statistics
| Format | Catches | Run Outs | Stumpings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 222 | 6 | 5 |
| ODI | 176 | 30 | 5 |
| T20I | 65 | 4 | 7 |
| IPL | 111 | 13 | 8 |
3. Brendon McCullum
- Country: New Zealand
- Achievements:
- Set new standards for New Zealand cricket
- 453 dismissals as a wicketkeeper
- Currently head coach of the England cricket team in Test cricket
Brendon McCullum was known for his aggressive batting and incredible fielding skills, setting numerous records and achieving significant milestones.
Brendon McCullum Career Batting Statistics
| Format | Matches | Innings | Not Outs | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 101 | 176 | 9 | 6453 | 302 | 38.64 | 9989 | 64.60 | 12 | 31 | 776 | 107 |
| ODI | 260 | 228 | 28 | 6083 | 166 | 30.41 | 6312 | 96.37 | 5 | 32 | 577 | 200 |
| T20I | 71 | 70 | 10 | 2140 | 123 | 35.66 | 1571 | 136.21 | 2 | 13 | 199 | 91 |
4. Suresh Raina
- Country: India
- Achievements:
- 104 catches in ODIs
- Won IPL’s Best Catcher two years in a row
- Former player for the Chennai Super Kings
Suresh Raina’s fielding skills have made him a key player in the IPL and for the Indian national team. He is admired for his dedication and athleticism on the field.
Suresh Raina Career Batting Statistics
| Format | Matches | Innings | Not Outs | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 18 | 31 | 2 | 768 | 120 | 26.48 | 1445 | 53.15 | 1 | 7 | 100 | 4 |
| ODI | 226 | 194 | 35 | 5615 | 116 | 35.31 | 6005 | 93.51 | 5 | 36 | 476 | 120 |
| T20I | 78 | 66 | 11 | 1604 | 101 | 29.16 | 1190 | 134.79 | 1 | 5 | 145 | 58 |
| IPL | 200 | 195 | 29 | 5491 | 100 | 33.08 | 4012 | 136.86 | 1 | 39 | 502 | 202 |
5. Virat Kohli
- Country: India
- Achievements:
- Known as one of the fittest cricket players in the world
- Former captain of the Indian Cricket Team
- Remarkable catches and run-outs
Virat Kohli, known for his exceptional batting and fitness, is also one of the best fielders in cricket history. His athleticism and commitment have made him an inspiration to many.
Best Fielding Efforts By Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli Career Batting Statistics (As of October 2021)
| Format | Matches | Innings | Not Outs | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 91 | 153 | 10 | 7490 | 254 | 52.38 | 13112 | 57.12 | 27 | 25 | 839 | 22 |
| ODI | 254 | 245 | 39 | 12169 | 183 | 59.07 | 13061 | 93.17 |
Summary:
A skilled fielder can completely alter the course of a cricket game. This article highlights the top 5 greatest cricket fielders of all time, who have set new standards and raised the bar for others to follow.
- Jonty Rhodes: Known for his athleticism and quick reflexes, Jonty Rhodes from South Africa is celebrated for his incredible catches and run-outs, including the memorable run-out of Inzamam-ul-Haq in the 1992 World Cup. His contributions in fielding have earned him a legendary status.
- AB de Villiers: Another South African, AB de Villiers, is renowned for his versatility and spectacular fielding skills. He has won the ICC One-Day International Player of the Year award three times and continues to impress with his performances in the IPL.
- Brendon McCullum: From New Zealand, Brendon McCullum set new standards for his country’s cricket team. Known for his aggressive batting and exceptional fielding, McCullum has 453 dismissals to his name as a wicketkeeper and is now the head coach of the England Test cricket team.
- Suresh Raina: An Indian cricketer known for his impressive catching abilities, Suresh Raina has 104 catches in ODIs and has been named IPL’s Best Catcher twice. His dedication and athleticism have made him a key player in the IPL and for India.
- Virat Kohli: The former captain of the Indian Cricket Team, Virat Kohli is known for his exceptional fitness and remarkable fielding skills. His athleticism and commitment on the field have made him one of the best fielders in cricket history.
These players have not only excelled in their batting and bowling but have also proven that fielding is a crucial aspect of cricket. Their contributions have left a lasting impact on the game, inspiring future generations of cricketers.
