These fielders have accomplished a lot throughout their careers. The audience has always been amazed and entertained by them. Their admirers are usually enthralled by their performances and like watching them.
All-Time Rankings of the Best fielders in cricket-
Cricket is without a doubt one of the most popular sports on the planet. In India, though, it is the most popular sport. In addition to batters and bowlers, this sport has produced some of the best fielders in history. Here they are the list of best fielders in cricket.
1. Jonty Rhodes – Greatest Cricket Fielder
Position: Right-Handed Batsman / Right Arm Medium Pace Bowler
National Side: South Africa
Test Debut: 13th November 1992 vs. India
ODI Debut: 26th February 1992 vs. Australia
Jonty Rhodes, a former cricketer and pundit, is a South African. His bat speed made him a standout right-handed batter, but as a defensive fielder, he was most known for catching, ground fielding, and throwing from the backward point position, which was his most common position. Jonty is regarded as one of the greatest fielders of all time.
During the 1993–1994 season, he hit his maiden Test century (101*) in a three-match series against Sri Lanka, allowing South Africa to win the series 1–0. With five catches against the West Indies in Mumbai on November 14, 1993, Rhodes set a new mark for most dismissals by a fielder.
The sixth match of the 1992 World Cup between South Africa and Pakistan was held at the Brisbane Cricket Ground. When the score was 135/2, Imran Khan stopped Inzamam ul Haq’s run. When Jonty spotted the ball rolling towards him, he dashed from the backward point, grabbed the ball, and dashed towards the wicket to run out Inzamam, one of the greatest Muslim sportsmen and renowned batsmen of all time.
Jonty threw the ball with all his might towards his stumps. It remains one of the most remarkable exploits of that World Cup, as well as a watershed point in Rhodes’ career.
2. AB de Villiers – Best Fielder of All Time
Position: Right-Handed Batsman / Right Arm Medium Pace Bowler / Wicketkeeper
National Side: South Africa
Test Debut: 17th December 2004 vs. England
ODI Debut: 2nd February 2005 vs. England
T20I Debut: 24th February 2006 vs. Australia
AB de Villiers has radically revolutionized the way players approach their duties, whether as a batter, wicketkeeper, or fielder. Because of his superhuman abilities, the cricket field has been transformed. ABD’s career cannot be summarised in a single paragraph by the way he paddles sweeps, delivers incoming 150 clicks, and leaps over the fence to snag one-handed stunners.
His aura crossed all boundaries, and he was adored by everybody, making him one of cricket’s most famous batters. AB’s fielding, in addition to his hitting, is one of the reasons for his popularity. Due to his high level of energy, his exuberant performances astound both spectators and opponents. He is widely regarded as one of cricket’s best fielders.
He is currently largely considered as one of cricket’s most powerful batsmen. The first time AB played an ODI was at Bloemfontein on February 2, 2005. England batted first and finished with a score of 270/5 in 50 overs. South Africa needed eight wickets to reach 270 runs, and the match was drawn. AB scored 20 runs in 56 balls.
His first ODI century came against West Indies in the World Cup Super-8 game, when he struck 146 off only 130 balls, including six sixes and 12 fours. De Villiers’ effort had helped the South African team reach the final of the quadrennial championship. ABD reached the semi-finals after scoring 150 in 64 deliveries against West Indies.
3. Ricky Ponting – Best Cricket Fielder Of All Time
Position: Right-Handed Batsman / Right Arm Medium Pace Bowler
National Side: Australia
Test Debut: 8th December 1995 vs. Sri Lanka
ODI Debut: 15th February 1995 vs. South Africa
Because the number of victories is the most important criterion, Ricky Ponting is one of the most successful captains in cricket history. He is Australia’s most successful captain, having won two World Cups with the team in 2003 and 2007. During Ricky Ponting’s captaincy, Australia has won 108 tests and 262 One Day Internationals. On the other hand, he was chastised for his arrogance on the pitch. Despite this, he was a successful cricketer for 17 years.
He is Australia’s most run-scorer in Tests and One-Day Internationals, as well as the skipper with the most victories. His cover drive and pull-back, as well as his 140 against India in the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup final, were among the finest moments in his career. In both forms, he has amassed almost 13000 runs.
One of the most notable aspects of Ponting’s first World Cup as captain is that Australia did not lose any games while competing. As Ponting famously observed, “the highlight of my life” was Australia’s unbeaten World Cup win. The rumour that he utilised a spring for his unbreakable knock in the finals turned out to be one of the biggest tales of his cricket career, since it led to the invincible reversal.
This has become associated with his illustrious cricket career. Ponting is also regarded as one of cricket’s best fielders. Ricky Ponting amassed 13704 runs at an average of 42.04 in 375 One-Day Internationals, including 30th century and 82 half-centuries, with a high of 164 against South Africa.
4. Herschelle Gibbs – Greatest ODI Fielder In Cricket History
Position: Right-Handed Batsman / Right Arm Medium Pace Bowler
National Side: South Africa
Test Debut: 27th November 1996 vs. India
ODI Debut: 3rd October 1996 vs. Kenya
T20I Debut: 21st October 2005 vs. New Zealand
Herschelle Gibbs is a professional cricket player who has been a part of the South African National Cricket Team since 1990. He has achieved incredible success as one of the finest opening batsmen in cricket history. Gibbs’ time with the team has been fruitful. Herschelle Gibbs, a Cape Town native, was born on February 23, 1974. Herschelle Gibbs made her ODI, Twenty20, and Test debuts for the South African National Cricket Team in 1990.
The opening batsman, who has represented South Africa in several events, has been a representative of both world tournaments. He was a member of the Mumbai Indians and the Deccan Chargers during his tenure in the IPL. He played cricket as his first meaningful sport after rugby and soccer.
Herschelle Gibbs, a cricket player, was one of the game’s most accomplished fielders. His fielding ability and efforts shifted the match’s seniority, which delights cricket fans. After a Cape Colored player made racial comments during the first Test against Pakistan on January 15, 2007, Gibbs ordered the formation of a disciplinary tribunal.
His insults, such as “go back to the zoo” and cursing at the Pakistani players, were caught on the stump microphone and broadcast across the world. The words appeared to be addressed at teammate Paul Harris, who had been assaulted by them while playing fielding, according to accounts. After Pakistan’s management protested the situation with referee Chris Broad, Gibbs was suspended for two Tests.
5. Andrew Symonds – Greatest Australian Fielder
Position: Right-Handed Batsman / Right-Arm Off Break Bowler
National Side: Australia
Test Debut: 8th March 2004 vs. Sri Lanka
ODI Debut: 10th November 1998 vs. Pakistan
T20I Debut: 17th February 2005 vs. New Zealand
Andrew Symonds is an Australian cricketer who plays for Team Australia. He has been a part of the squad and a high performer since 1998. Andrew Symonds was a valuable member of the squad throughout his tenure there.
Andrew Symonds was born in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England on June 9, 1975. Andrew Symonds, a member of the Australian National Cricket Team, made his ODI debut in 1998. He is now considered recognised as one of the greatest Australian ODI batters of all time.
Andrew Symonds is the squad’s main batsman and a prolific right-handed batter who has amassed a large number of runs for the side in both local and international cricket. He can also bowl right-arm and part-time spin.
His fielding abilities are outstanding, and he can play in any position. He is a strong ground fielder and catcher who is recognized as one of cricket’s fielders.
6. Paul Collingwood – Greatest Fielders In Test Cricket
Position: Right-Handed Batsman / Right-Arm Medium Pace Bowler
National Side: England
Test Debut: 2nd December 2003 vs. Sri Lanka
ODI Debut: 7th June 2001 vs. Pakistan
T20I Debut: 13th June 2007 vs. Australia
Paul Collingwood, a former English cricketer, was born in Shotley Bridge, Durham, on May 26, 1976. Collingwood was a key member of England’s Test, ODI, and T20 teams. From 2007 to 2008, he was also the captain of the England One-Day International squad. Collingwood is a cricketer worth praising for his skill and technique.
He was an all-rounder who batted right-handed and bowled medium speed during his tenure in England. Collingwood has an average of 34.52 runs per game with 11,221 runs. He has a 33.47 average with his 272 wickets. Aside from that, Paul is recognized as one of the finest cricket fielders of all time.
He appeared to be a substitute sent in to fill a hole at the start of his international career. After scoring 96 and 80 in Lahore, he made his first century at Nagpur in 2005 on an extremely dusty pitch. An English cricketer became the first to hit a double century in Australia in 78 years while playing in the 2006-07 Ashes in Adelaide.
Collingwood’s reputation grew tremendously as an ODI all-rounder. When he eclipsed Viv Richards’ finest all-around performance against Bangladesh with a century and six wickets, he began establishing his squad’s status.
7. Ravindra Jadeja – Greatest Indian Fielder In History
Position: Left-Handed Batsman / Slow Left-Arm Orthodox Bowler
National Side: India
Test Debut: 13th December 2012 vs. England
ODI Debut: 8th February 2009 vs. Sri Lanka
T20I Debut: 10th February 2009 vs. Sri Lanka
Ravindra Jadeja, better known by his nickname Ravindra, is a well-known Indian cricketer. He is an all-rounder who can bowl left-arm slow and bat in the middle of the order left-handed. He won the Duleep Trophy for the West zone during the 2006-07 season. Jadeja is one of cricket’s best fielders, who never ceases to wow his admirers with his outstanding exploits. He’s also one of the finest spinners in the game right now.
Jadeja caught the notice of the national selectors with 42 wickets and 739 runs in the 2008-09 Ranji Trophy, and he was selected for the ODI series at the conclusion of the year. He made his international debut on February 8, 2009, in the series’ last match, hitting 60* despite India’s loss. The sluggish performance of Jadeja contributed to India’s loss to win the 2009 World Twenty20.
Jadeja replaced Yusuf Pathan at No. 7 in the ODI lineup in late 2009 after the all-rounder lost form. Jadeja earned the match award for his four wickets in an ODI against Sri Lanka on December 21, 2009. In the historic 4–0 series triumph against Australia in February/March 2013, Jadeja grabbed 24 wickets, including five dismissals of Australian captain Michael Clarke.
While he didn’t offer much with the bat, he was regarded as a team’s all-rounder. He grabbed seven wickets in the last Test match, including five in the second innings. In 2013, he was instrumental in India’s ICC Champions Trophy victory. The ICC has him ranked No. 1 among ODI bowlers as of August 2013.
8. Steve Smith – Best Cricket Fielder Ever
Position: Right-Handed Batsman / Right-Arm Leg Spin Bowler
National Side: Australia
Test Debut: 13th July 2010 vs. Pakistan
ODI Debut: 19th February 2010 vs. West Indies
T20I Debut: 5th February 2010 vs. Pakistan
Steve Smith, one of Australia’s best batters, began his career with Illawong Cricket Club, where he spent his first season. Smith has received the club’s Junior Cricketer award for the past two years in a row. He hit a century for the first time in 1998/99. He was the only individual to score six centuries, with the highest score of 141.
Aside from his hitting, Smith’s fielding has always surprised his fans and opponents, and he is regarded as one of cricket’s best fielders. He made his international cricket debut against Pakistan at the T20 International matches in Melbourne in 2010. At the 2010 International Cricket Council World Twenty20, Australia finished second to the West Indies.
He grabbed 11 wickets in just seven outings, averaging 14.81 and winning every match he played in. Smith has piqued the curiosity of the IPL. He joined Rising Pune Supergiant in 2015 after playing for Rajasthan Royals and Pune Warriors India. Under his guidance, his team advanced to the IPL 10 finals.
He was banned from cricket for a year in 2018 after a ball-tampering case involving Australia and South Africa. After serving his ban, he competed in the Bangladesh Premier League for the first time. Smith injured his shoulder early in the season and was unable to participate. He returned to the game after missing IPL 2018 and delivered some match-winning punches in IPL 2019.
9. Suresh Raina – Greatest Fielder In IPL Cricket
Position: Left-Handed Batsman / Right Arm Off-Spin Bowler
National Side: India
Test Debut: 26th July 2010 vs. Sri Lanka
ODI Debut: 30th July 2005 vs. Sri Lanka
T20I Debut: 1st December 2006 vs. South Africa
Suresh Raina is a brave middle-order left-handed batsman and a part-time off-spinner in Indian cricket. Raina is also recognised as one of the best cricket fielders in the world. Suresh Raina represents Uttar Pradesh in all formats of local cricket. He led the Gujarat Lions as well as being the vice-captain of the Chennai Super Kings. He is the second-youngest captain to lead India, having previously served as captain of the Indian squad.
Suresh Raina has a century in all three forms for the first time in international cricket history. Suresh Raina made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka when he was 19 years old. However, he did not make his Test debut until five years later, against a comparable opponent. He scored a century in his maiden Test outing. Suresh played a crucial part in India’s 2011 World Cup win.
Suresh Raina, a Muradnagar native, chose to pursue a career in cricket in 2000 and relocated to Lucknow to attend Guru Gobind Singh Sports College. He was a part of the Uttar Pradesh Under 16 squad and served as captain. Raina then drew the interest of Indian selectors in 2002 as a 15-year-old and a half-year-old after being nominated for the Under 19 England trip.
He scored two half-centuries in these U-19 Test competitions. Suresh Raina, one of the best IPL fielders, previously toured Sri Lanka with the U-17 squad in February 2003. When he was 16 years old, he made his Ranji Trophy debut for Uttar Pradesh against Assam and did not play another match till the next season. Raina then went on to play in the U-19 ODI Championship in Pakistan in 2003, and then the U-19 World Cup in 2004.
10. Faf Du Plessis – Best Fielder in South Africa Cricket
Position: Right-Handed Batsman / Right-Arm Leg-Break Bowler
National Side: South Africa
Test Debut: 23rd November 2012 vs. Australia
ODI Debut: 18th January 2011 vs. India
T20I Debut: 8th September 2012 vs. England
Francois du Plessis is a well-known international cricketer, also known as Faf du Plessis. He is a great fielder and one of South Africa’s top cricket batters. He’s also a right-handed hitter and occasional bowler. Faf is a member of the South African cricket squad at the international level. Faf du Plessis played in all forms for the South African national team during his stint as captain.
A player with a high level of intellect may swiftly change his batting approach to fit the game scenario. He is one of the best fielders in the South African team’s history, and taking on the role of captain has only enhanced his abilities. As a middle-order batter, he plays an important part for his side.
Faf du Plessis was a South African cricketer who played for the Northerns and Titans. He played cricket for Lancashire as well as Yorkshire, an English countryside. He has also represented the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League. He has played in the Indian Premier League for the Chennai Super Kings and Rising Pune SuperGiants (IPL).
Faf, an IPL player, has been crucial for Chennai Super Kings. He made his Mzansi Super League debut for Paarl Rocks in 2018. He holds various outstanding records as the captain of his squad and as a batter. He was selected Player of the Year in South Africa for 2019 in the Men’s category. He is one of the most dependable batters in the world.
