Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the world. It has fans all over the world who live and breathe for this game. This sport has produced several exceptional fielders along with many talented batsmen and bowlers. Fans support their favourite cricket players and even consider them the best.
One debate is very common among many cricket enthusiasts who is the best fielder in the world. In this write-up, we will talk about the top 10 fielders of all time. There are many records held by best fielder in cricket history.
World Best Fielder in Cricket by Catches
| S.No | Player Name | Catches |
| 1 | Ricky Ponting | 364 |
| 2 | Steve Smith | 267 |
| 3 | AB de Villiers | 248 |
| 4 | Paul Collingwood | 218 |
| 5 | Herschelle Gibbs | 210 |
| 6 | Faf Du Plessis | 168 |
| 7 | Suresh Raina | 167 |
| 8 | Jonty Rhodes | 139 |
| 9 | Ravindra Jadeja | 139 |
| 10 | Andrew Symonds | 107 |
Who is The Best Fielder in The World of All Time?
Jonty Rhodes is a 54-year-old South African cricket player who is considered the best-ever fielder in all-time Indian cricket history. Jaunty became the first player to take the highest number of wickets in an inning. A great South African player, he became the first ever player from South Africa to take 100 catches. His record has never been surpassed by any other player to this date. In the history of cricket, he’s been considered the best fielder due to his ultimate track record.
List of 10 Best Fielders in Cricket History
From a cricket perspective, fielders are the most important players. Because skilled fielders prevent runs from being made, the opposition is put under strain and loses wickets. The title for best-ever fielder in the history of cricket is held by Jonty Rhodes. The list of 15 cricket fielders is given below. The first one on the list is none other than Jonty Rhodes.
1. Jonty Rhodes: South Africa
Jonty Rhodes was born in South Africa and is a former cricket player and current cricket commentator. He was an amazing right-hand batsman, but he is recognised for his contribution as a fielder and for throwing the ball from his regular defensive position to the backward point position. His track record has proven him to be the best fielder in the history of cricket.
An iconic figure in cricket, Jonty Rhodes remains unparalleled for his fielding brilliance:
● First with the most catches (five) in an ODI inning.
● Scored 5000 runs with 50 fielding dismissals in ODIs.
2. Ricky Ponting: Australia
Ricky Ponting is a former Australian captain who is regarded as one of the best captains Australia has ever had in the history of cricket. Under his leadership, Australia won the World Cup of 2003 and 2007, marking the win of two championship titles under his name. The leadership of this amazing player has guided Australia to 208 victories in test matches and 262 victories in ODIs. He also has some fan criticism for his demeanour in Enfield, but he played cricket for 17 years with success in spite of this.
As well as being Australia’s most successful captain and their best fielder, he led Australia to the most run totals in both Test and One-Day International cricket. With an intelligent mind for the game and rock-steady hands, Ponting’s fielding records are impressive:
● Secured fourth place in career catches with a total of 196.
● Achieved 5000 runs alongside 50 fielding dismissals in Tests.
● Formed the sixth-highest partnership for the 4th wicket (389) in Tests.
● Achieved fourth-highest ODI partnership for the 4th wicket (237).
Related Read: Innings Break Time in ODIs, Test, T20Is, IPL & World Cup
3. Steve Smith: Australia
Australian batsman Steve Smith spent the first season of his professional career playing for Illawong Cricket Club, the club in his hometown. Smith has won the Junior Cricketer Award from the club for the past two years. He scored his first century as a player in 1998–1999, making history. He was the only person ever to score 141, and only six individuals have ever scored six hundred.
Steve Smith started his cricket journey with the Illawong Cricket Club and quickly showcased his knack for astounding fielding:
● Holds the record for the most catches (23) in a single Test series.
● Amassed 5000 runs and 50 fielding dismissals in Tests.
● Achieved the same feat in ODIs.
● Formed the third-highest partnership for the 3rd wicket (242).
● Notched third place for most catches by a substitute in T20I innings.
● Eighth for 304 total catches in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
4. AB de Villiers: South Africa
As a fielder, wicketkeeper, and batter, AB de Villiers has transformed cricket. He has permanently altered the game of cricket due to his incredible skills. ABD’s skill set is too diverse to be summed up in a single statement. Some examples of his techniques are his one-handed stuns, his 150-clicks, and his hopping on the fence to grab a paddle sweep.
He became one of the most well-known batsmen in cricket because he was loved by many. His aura was beyond boundaries. AB’s ability to play the field is just as famous as his batting prowess. His flamboyant performances amaze both opponents and fans. He is recognized as one of the best fielders in cricket.
AB de Villiers, a name synonymous with revolutionising cricket, is revered for his triple-threat capabilities as a batter, wicketkeeper, and fielder:
● Holds the record for 11 catches in a single match.
● Tallied 5000 runs with 50 fielding dismissals in Tests.
● Ranks tenth for captains, keeping 30 wickets.
● Holds the record for most catches in a T20I inning (four).
5. Paul Collingwood: England
Paul Collingwood is a former England cricket player who played for the England team. He was born in Shotly Bridge, Duran. He has played many Tests, ODIs, and T20 matches for the England team. He has also served as the captain of England’s international team. He is a medium-paced bowler and a right-handed batsman who has scored 11,221 runs throughout his career. He has also taken 272 wickets in his career as a baller. He is also one of the best fielders in the history of cricket. Being a great batsman.
Paul Collingwood, renowned for his tenure with England’s Test, ODI, and T20 teams, is celebrated for his exceptional skill:
● Noted for achieving fifty runs and five wickets in an innings.
● ODIs saw him secure 50 wickets, 50 catches, and 1000 runs.
● Ranked second for highest 7th wicket partnership (91).
6. Herschelle Gibbs: South Africa
Herschelle Gibbs used to play for South Africa as an opening batsman. He has played for 40 South African teams in many international matches, followed by playing for the teams of the Tekken Chargers and Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League. He has been a great asset to the South African in terms of fielding as well.
A stalwart of the South African National Cricket Team, Herschelle Gibbs boasts a decorated career:
● Matched that tally in ODIs with 5000 runs and 50 dismissals.
7. Faf Du Plessis: South Africa
Francois du Plessis, often known as Faf du Plessis, is a well-known figure in the cricket world. He is a South African cricket player who excels at both fielding and hitting. In addition, he can bat right-handed and bowl occasionally. Faf plays cricket for the South African national team. Playing in every sport, Faf du Plessis led the South African national team as captain.
A baseball player with a sufficient level of knowledge may swiftly modify their batting approach depending on the circumstances of the game. He has improved because of his role as captain, which makes him one of South Africa’s best fielders.
Faf du Plessis is a cornerstone for the South African cricket squad, excelling as both a fielder and batsman:
● Reached third in 4th wicket partnerships with 252 runs in ODIs.
8. Suresh Raina: India
Yes, Suresh Raina plays middle-order left-hander for the Indian cricket team and can also occasionally off-spin. In addition to his batting prowess, Raina is regarded as one of cricket’s top fielders. Suresh Raina plays for Uttar Pradesh in all local cricket formats. In addition to being the Chennai Super Kings‘ deputy captain, he captained the Gujarat Lions. He was the Indian team’s captain once, making him the second-youngest captain to lead the country.
Suresh Raina, an Indian cricket stalwart, is hailed for his dynamic presence on the field:
● Third in Test matches with (2/1) for outstanding bowling.
● Accumulated 5000 runs and achieved 50 fielding dismissals in ODIs.
● Holds the eighth-highest partnership for the eighth wicket (61) in T20I.
9. Ravindra Jadeja: India
Ravindra Jadeja has become synonymous with fielding in modern-day cricket. Along with his bullet throws, exceptional ground cover, accuracy, and brilliant catching abilities, he contributes to all departments of cricket. His ability to score runs quickly and bowl like a genius is what makes him a special cricketer.
He is one of the best fielders in cricket, and Ravindra Jadeja never fails to win over his fans. He is also one of cricket’s best spinners right now.
● In ODIs, he tallied 50 wickets, 50 catches, and 1000 runs.
● Also scored 1000 runs with 100 wickets in ODIs.
● Stood tenth for most wickets taken stumped (22).
● Cascaded up for most catches by a substitute in an innings (two).
10. Andrew Symonds: Australia
Andrew Symonds played for the Australian cricket team and made his international debut in cricket in 1998 in an ODI. He has solved the team of Australia, you know, in a very valuable way. He is considered one of the best players in cricket who played for the Australian team. Most people don’t know about this, but Andrew Symonds was a British actor in his early days and was born on June 9th, 1975, in the city of Birmingham.
Andrew is a cricket all-rounder. He has played many international and test matches in which he has given a fabulous performance by scoring many runs. He is a right-arm spinner and right-arm batsman who has served the Australian team.
Andrew Symonds, known for his explosive batting, also impressed with his fielding:
● Accumulated 50+ wickets, 50+ catches, and 1000+ runs.
● Secured sixth place for highest 5th wicket partnership (220).
Also Read: Best Opener in The World Cricket: Top 15 Openers List
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Given his current trajectory, Steve Smith could become the next fielding superstar in world cricket.
While subjective, many argue that historical figures like Jonty Rhodes set the standard as the ideal best fielder.
Jonty Rhodes is frequently hailed as the best due to his electrifying performances and setting fielding benchmarks.
As per records and demanding cricket, Ravindra Jadeja stands out as the best, and his all-around fielding prowess continues to dazzle fans worldwide.
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