Most catches in World Cup history are a group of players with the safest pair of hands. Catching in cricket is a challenging task. It needs excellent concentration, quick reflexes, and good anticipation skills. A few players have made catching look simple and are known to be the best fielders in World Cup.
Most Catches in World Cup History
Most catches in World Cup history is a record that belongs to the Australian legend Ricky Ponting. He is followed by brilliant players like Joe Root, Sanath Jayasuriya, Virat Kohli, and Chris Gayle. The following is the list of the top five players in World Cup history:
- Ricky Ponting – 28 catches
- Joe Root – 24 catches
- Sanath Jayasuriya – 18 catches
- Virat Kohli – 17 catches
- Chris Gayle – 17 catches
Here’s a look at these top fielders in detail:
Ricky Ponting
The former Australian captain is one of the greatest fielders in the game. He has taken plenty of blinders over the years and rarely drops catches. Ponting has the record for most catches in World Cup history, with 28 catches in 46 matches. He took 11 catches in the 2003 World Cup in South Africa. Under his leadership, Australia has won the World Cup in 2003 and 2007.
Joe Root
The Englishman has the safest pair of hands among England cricketers. Root, England’s mainstay in the batting department in the victorious 2019 World Cup campaign, has taken 24 catches, of which four came during the 2023 World Cup league stage match against Afghanistan. The presence of Ben Stokes has undermined the Yorkshire cricketer’s excellent fielding skills, which has made him the second-most player in World Cup history.
Sanath Jayasuriya
Sanath Jayasuriya wasn’t known for his batting explosiveness alone on the big stage. He was an excellent fielder and dismissed 18 batters via catches in the World Cup. The delightful batter, who has played in five World Cups, was a star performer in Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup campaign, scoring over 200 runs and five catches.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is a sharp cricketer on the field, making some of the most challenging catches look simple. The former India captain, who will turn 35 in November, has an athletic body, which has helped him hold on to 17 catches in 30 World Cup innings. He is undoubtedly one of the finest fielders of his generation.
Chris Gayle
The ‘Universe Boss’ is fifth on the list of most catches in World Cup history. Gayle has represented the West Indies in five ODI World Cups and has taken 17 catches in 35 World Cup outings. He has taken some excellent catches at the ‘Third Man’ position. The legendary batter’s highest tally was in the 2015 World Cup, where he took five catches in six innings.
Faf du Plessis, Chris Cairns, Eoin Morgan, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Brian Lara, etc., have taken over 15 catches in the history of the ODI World Cup.
Concluding Thoughts
Some of the best catches in ODI World Cup have been taken by fielders who are quick on the field and can anticipate the ball’s movement, especially the slip fielders. With players fitter than ever and increasing technological advancements, they will be sharper and more clinical on the field.
FAQs about Most Catches in World Cup History
Ricky Ponting has taken the most catches in World Cup history with 28 catches in 46 innings.
Virat Kohli has 18 catches in the ODI World Cup, the most by an Indian player in the ODI World Cup.
Joe Root took four catches against Afghanistan in the league stage of the World Cup 2023
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