One of the most important elements of cricket, the fine art of fielding, can make or break a game. Despite the batting or bowling display, an exceptional fielder all the time saves the runs, executes unreal catches, and demolishing run outs. The evolution of cricket has seen some remarkable fielders who have set new standards of excellence in terms of techniques, speed, and accuracy. This article will delve into fielding techniques, specific skills and the impact on the game of the world best fielders in the history of the game.
What Makes a Fielder the Best?
For one to be ranked as the best in fielding in the universe, the player must possess the following attributes:
- Agility and Speed – Move swiftly on different sections of the field to save runs.
- Catching Ability – Having able hands together with superb catching skills.
- Throwing Accuracy – Ability to make effective deliveries to dismiss the batsmen.
- Game awareness – Ability to place oneself well and make great predictions.
- Consistency – Giving out reliable match winning performances.
Top 10 Best Fielders in Cricket History
1. Jonty Rhodes (South Africa) – The King of Fielders
Jonty Rhodes created a storm wherever he played, and everything changed with him. He was brilliant with the diving stops, direct hits, and fielder at point. But one of his iconic run outs was at Inzamamul Haq during the 1992 world cup. It is an absolute gem in history.
2. Ravindra Jadeja (India) – The New Age Fielding Phenomenon
Ravindra is probably considered the most valuable fielder in this present age. His speed is unrivaled, and his bullets throws as well as catches from impossible angles he truly is a nightmare for every batsman. His place in the team has made it so that Indian cricket has lost significantly fewer runs.
3. AB de Villaers (South Africa) – 360 Mr. Fielding
AB de Villiers is redefining what it means to be a modern day batsman because he not only mashes runs but filders out of this world as well. AB is always on the move, whether it be in the slips, outfield, or even stumps. He always displayed astonishing reactions and movements throughout his life.
4. Paul Collingwood (England) – English slipping guru
Paul Collingwood was the most consistent fielder for England, and most reliable in the slip and outerfield. He was a crucial team member because of his ability to make non routine catches and stop key run outs.
5. Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) – The Fearless Wicket Keeper And Fielder
Brendon McCullum was long known for his guts without regard for fear. He was thus rated amongst the best fielders for his extraordinary reaction levels, coupled with an extremely strong display of stamina.
6. Virat Kohli (India)- The Fitness Icon
Virat Kohli has kept setting the bar higher and higher for the fitness of cricketers every year. When at his best, Kohli is probably among the quickest and safest catchers the game currently offers. Thanks to his ways of leading, fielding has been understood by young cricketers as being a very significant chapter.
7. Herschelle Gibbs (South Africa) – The Tornado On The Field
Remembered forever will be his unbelievable catch to dismiss the batsman. Along with great reflexes, he was known for his good catching standards that made him the best in the business.
8. Andrew Symonds (Australia) – Power And Precision
Aggressive batsmanship never meant a compromise on fielding for Andrew Symonds. He is considered one of the best fielders the Aussies ever had because of some sterling throws, catches, and sprints to the ball.
9. Ricky Ponting (Australia) – The Inspirational Leader
Ricky Ponting placed tough expectations on fielding standards for Australia. His direct hits and eye-catching catches at the cover and slips border position contributed a lot to Australia’s greatness in the world of cricket.
10. Faf du Plessis (South Africa) -The Athletic Superstar
With incredible physical ability and prowess, Faf Plessis is easily one of the most athletic fielders the sport of cricket has ever seen. His fielding is filled with strategic diving, high-acrobatic catching, and strategic holding that improves his overall fielding ability.
Greatest Fielding Moments in Cricket History
- Jonty Rhodes’ Run out (1992 World Cup) – A run-out like never seen before and forever changed the way fielding is perfromed.
- Ricky Ponting’s One-Handed Stunner (2006 Ashes) – A jaw dropping catch taken at a slip position.
- AB de Villiers’ Superhuman Catch (2014 IPL) – A catch that saw him leap off the edge of the boundary.
- Brendon McCullum’s Superman Dive (2009 T20 World Cup) – An outstanding barrel like stop at the cracking boundary.
- Ravindra Jadeja’s Bullet Throw (2019 World Cup) – A stunnig aimed direct hit on a cricket fan.
Impact of Great Fielders in Cricket
- Game Changing Moments – A single run out or a catch has the potential to change the entire game.
- Inspiring the Next Derection – All these legends have made youth cricketers focus more on true fielding.
- Boosting Team Morale – Great fielding benifits the overall spirit of the team.
- Saving Runs in Close Matches – Outstanding fielders are a huge asset in close contests.
Conclusion
Fielding has changed as an important component of the game of cricket, perhaps beyond what the first four legends have imagined. Though Jonty Rhodes remains a beacon to all, he has many contemporaries today in Ravindra Jadeja and Faf du Plessis. It can be said that a great fielder is not only an excellent catch taker but also an actor for change in the game. Looking into the future, cricket is bound to amaze us with the preternatural things we only dream of.
FAQ’s
Who is the best fielder in Cricket history?
Jonty Rhodes is widely known as best filder in cricket history.
Who is the modern fielder in cricket history?
Ravindra Jadeja considered as a modern fielder in cricket history.
Also read about: Best Wicket Keeper in the World: Top Player in Cricket History
