Fielding is a key part of cricket. A good fielder can stop runs, take important catches, and make quick run-outs. Over the years, many players have stood out not only for their batting or bowling but also for their extraordinary fielding skills.
These players are quick, agile, and have sharp reflexes. Here are the top 10 best fielders in cricket history who have left a lasting impact on the game with their remarkable fielding performances.
Read Also: Top 10 Wicket Keepers in World Cricket
Top 10 Best Fielders In Cricket History | All-Time Rankings
- Jonty Rhodes
2. AB de Villiers
3. Ricky Ponting
4. Herschelle Gibbs
5. Andrew Symonds
6. Paul Collingwood
7. Ravindra Jadeja
8. Steve Smith
9. Suresh Raina
10. Faf du Plessis
| Ranking | Player | Matches (Test) | Catches | M (ODI) | C | M (T20I) | C |
| 1 | Jonty Rhodes | 52 | 34 | 245 | 105 | 27 | 13 |
| 2 | AB de Villiers | 114 | 222 | 228 | 176 | 78 | 65 |
| 3 | Ricky Ponting | 168 | 196 | 375 | 160 | 17 | 3 |
| 4 | Herschelle Gibbs | 90 | 94 | 248 | 108 | 23 | 8 |
| 5 | Andrew Symonds | 26 | 22 | 198 | 82 | 14 | 6 |
| 6 | Paul Collingwood | 68 | 96 | 197 | 108 | 35 | 20 |
| 7 | Ravindra Jadeja | 72 | 42 | 197 | 74 | 62 | 24 |
| 8 | Steve Smith | 109 | 183 | 158 | 84 | 50 | 30 |
| 9 | Suresh Raina | 18 | 23 | 226 | 102 | 78 | 42 |
| 10 | Faf du Plessis | 69 | 63 | 143 | 81 | 50 | 30 |
1. Jonty Rhodes
Jonty Rhodes is a former South African cricketer widely regarded as the best fielder of all time. His incredible agility, quick reflexes, and acrobatic fielding set new standards in cricket. Rhodes was known for his spectacular diving stops and run-outs, making him a game-changer in the field.
| Format | Matches | Catches |
| Test | 52 | 34 |
| ODI | 245 | 105 |
| T20I | 27 | 13 |
| First-class | 164 | 127 |
| List A | 371 | 158 |
2. AB De Villiers
AB de Villiers is a former South African cricketer known for his incredible fielding skills. His quick reflexes, agility, and safe hands made him one of the best fielders in modern cricket. De Villiers’ ability to field in various positions, including the slips and outfield, made him a versatile fielder.
| Format | Matches | Catches |
| Test | 114 | 222 |
| ODI | 228 | 176 |
| T20I | 78 | 65 |
| First-class | 141 | 275 |
| List A | 275 | 195 |
3. Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting is a former Australian cricketer widely regarded as one of the best fielders in cricket history. His sharp reflexes and anticipation made him a standout fielder, especially in the slips and cover region. Ponting’s ability to take crucial catches and effect run-outs was a key factor in Australia’s success during his playing career.
| Format | Matches | Catches |
| Test | 168 | 196 |
| ODI | 375 | 160 |
| T20I | 17 | 3 |
| First-class | 289 | 309 |
| List A | 456 | 195 |
4. Herschelle Gibbs
Herschelle Gibbs is a former South African cricketer known for his athletic fielding and quick reflexes. He was an exceptional fielder in the outfield and infield, often making stunning catches and saving crucial runs. Gibbs’ fielding skills added significant value to his team.
| Format | Matches | Catches |
| Test | 90 | 94 |
| ODI | 248 | 108 |
| T20I | 23 | 8 |
| First-class | 164 | 127 |
| List A | 289 | 158 |
5. Andrew Symonds
Andrew Symonds was an Australian cricketer known for his athleticism and powerful throwing arm. He was an exceptional fielder in the outfield and infield, known for his ability to take spectacular catches and effect run-outs with his accurate throws. Symonds was a game-changer with his fielding abilities.
| Format | Matches | Catches |
| Test | 26 | 22 |
| ODI | 198 | 82 |
| T20I | 14 | 6 |
| First-class | 227 | 159 |
| List A | 424 | 187 |
6. Paul Collingwood
Paul Collingwood is a former English cricketer known for his outstanding fielding abilities. He was particularly effective in the slip cordon and as an all-round fielder. Collingwood’s agility, safe hands, and ability to perform under pressure made him one of the best fielders during his playing days.
| Format | Matches | Catches |
| Test | 68 | 96 |
| ODI | 197 | 108 |
| T20I | 35 | 20 |
| First-class | 306 | 352 |
| List A | 428 | 207 |
7. Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja is an Indian cricketer renowned for his quick reflexes and powerful throwing arm. He is known for his ability to field in both the infield and outfield, making him a versatile and valuable fielder. Jadeja’s athleticism and agility have helped him save numerous runs and take important catches.
| Format | Matches | Catches |
| Test | 72 | 42 |
| ODI | 197 | 74 |
| T20I | 62 | 24 |
| First-class | 127 | 93 |
| List A | 250 | 96 |
8. Steve Smith
Steve Smith is an Australian cricketer known for his incredible fielding skills, especially in the slips and gully. His sharp reflexes and safe hands have made him one of the best fielders in the modern era. Smith’s ability to anticipate the ball’s trajectory and position himself perfectly has resulted in many spectacular catches.
| Format | Matches | Catches |
| Test | 109 | 183 |
| ODI | 158 | 84 |
| T20I | 50 | 30 |
| First-class | 67 | 41 |
| List A | 170 | 275 |
9. Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina is an Indian cricketer known for his agility and acrobatic fielding. He has been a consistent performer in the field, especially in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he has taken some stunning catches. Raina’s ability to field in the infield and outfield makes him a versatile fielder.
| Format | Matches | Catches |
| Test | 18 | 23 |
| ODI | 226 | 102 |
| T20I | 78 | 42 |
| First-class | 109 | 118 |
| List A | 302 | 157 |
10. Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis is a South African cricketer known for his exceptional fielding skills. His quick reflexes and safe hands make him a standout fielder. He is often seen fielding in the slip or infield positions, where his ability to take sharp catches and effect run-outs has made a significant impact. Faf du Plessis has also been a crucial player in T20 leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL).
| Format | Matches | Catches |
| Test | 69 | 63 |
| ODI | 143 | 81 |
| T20I | 50 | 30 |
| First-class | 150 | 141 |
| List A | 262 | 147 |
Conclusion
Fielding is an essential part of cricket, and the players listed above have shown extraordinary skills in this area and deserve to be on the list of the top 10 best fielders in cricket history. Their ability to save runs, take crucial catches, and effect run-outs has significantly contributed to their teams’ successes. These fielders have set high standards and continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.
FAQs
Q1: Who is considered the best fielder in cricket history?
Ans: Jonty Rhodes is widely regarded as the best fielder in cricket history due to his exceptional agility and acrobatic fielding.
Q2: Which current players are known for excellent fielding?
Ans: Ravindra Jadeja and Shadab Khan are known for their outstanding fielding skills in the current cricket era.
Q3: Why is fielding important in cricket?
Ans: Fielding is important because it helps save runs, take important catches, and effect run-outs, all of which can change the course of a game.
Q4: Can a fielder change the outcome of a cricket match?
Ans: Yes, a good fielder can change the outcome of a cricket match by saving crucial runs, taking important catches, and making quick run-outs.
