Ask any cricket fan what wins matches besides big runs and bowling spells, and you’ll likely hear one word—fielding. The magic of a full-length dive at the boundary, a sharp one-handed catch at backward point, or a bullet throw from midwicket are game-changers. Especially in ODI cricket, where every run saved counts.
Some cricketers weren’t just good fielders; they turned the field into their own stage. So today, let’s talk about the artists with the safest hands and the sharpest throws. Here’s a look at the top 10 ODI fielders of the 21st century—players who didn’t just wear jerseys; they wore capes.
Before we rank them, a quick reality check: Great fielding isn’t just about the number of catches or flashy moves. It’s a mix of several traits that come together to tilt a match:
- Athleticism & Agility: Can they pull off blinders while flying mid-air?
- Catching Reliability: Do they drop sitters or take stormers?
- Throwing Accuracy: Can they break the stump with one swing?
- Versatility: Can they be trusted anywhere on the field?
- Boundary Riding Skills: How often do they save vital runs at the ropes?
- Consistency & Impact: Can they do it under pressure, again and again?
Now that we’ve got the basics sorted, let’s jump into the countdown.
There’s fielding—and then there’s Jadeja-fielding. You just don’t run when the ball is heading his way. Not only does he have a rocket arm, but he also seems to be in the right place at all times. Whether it’s hurling one from deep midwicket to knock the bails off or diving full-stretch to dismiss a well-set batter—Jadeja makes the toughest plays look routine.
- Direct hits? Plenty.
- Stunning stops? A norm.
- Game-turners? Too many to count.
No wonder many players change their running plans just because he’s nearby.
Now here’s a guy who could do everything—from playing rugby in the slips to flying like a trapeze artist at backward point. AB was all flair but also all brains. His footwork, anticipation, and brilliance made him the lynchpin of South Africa’s fielding unit.
Whether at gully, point, or long-on, he made the impossible seem ordinary. His hang-time in the air on catches? Just ridiculous.
Technically, Jonty belongs more to the late 90s, but he was so influential that his effect shaped the 21st century’s approach to fielding. Even now, you can’t talk about great fielding without dropping his name. Agile, enthusiastic, and always buzzing—Jonty was the heartbeat of South African fielding.
The run-out of Inzamam-ul-Haq in the ’92 World Cup? Stuff of legends. He maintained that energy into the 2000s before finally calling it a day.
Elegance even in fielding—that was Mahela. While others flew and scrambled, Jayawardene made it all look calm and calculated. Yet, he owns the record for the most catches in ODIs (218). That’s not just elite; that’s consistency.
He wasn’t your acrobatic type, but his secure hands and perfect positioning made him a captain’s dream. Mostly in the slips or close-in, he held onto chances like a banker gripping a bundle of ₹2000 notes.
Strong arm? Check. Fast reflexes? Check. Screamer catches and direct hits? Double check.
Faf is the kind of player your coach showcases in drills—perfect body position, sharp eyes, and no hesitation whatsoever. Whether sprinting in from long-off or fielding at the ring, he’s constantly in the game, reading it one ball ahead.
He doesn’t just field; he hunts opportunities.
Gibbs isn’t solely remembered for hitting six sixes or colossal batting—they often forget he was one of the best movers in the field. South Africa, already rich in athleticism, became nearly unbreachable with him around.
He covered enormous ground, took tough catches, and pushed other fielders to match his intensity. His full-body dives were worth replays, and he saved countless boundaries just with raw commitment.
Rugged and relentless, Collingwood exuded discipline. Not flashy like AB or agile like Jadeja, but fundamentally dependable.
He fielded with his body on the line. Diving, intercepting, blocking—you name it. What he lacked in flair, he made up for with pure, unfiltered commitment.
He wasn’t England’s fastest guy—but boy, was he the hardest worker in the outfield.
Maxwell doesn’t just throw lasers; he reloads before the batter even blinks. His diving saves at cover and bullet throws from the boundary have saved countless Aussie runs.
He’s unpredictable in the best way. Some fielders can save a couple of runs; Maxwell? He saves matches.
And let’s not forget his gymnastic reflexes—anything within 10 feet? Probably caught.
Yes, he’s a modern-day batting juggernaut. But Kohli’s fielding alone could earn him a fair chunk of applause.
Whether it’s stopping fiery cuts at cover or leaping mid-air at long leg, Kohli’s intensity on the field is unmatched. He brings that captain-like alertness to every move—every throw, every pick-up, every backup.
He’s like a live wire—always buzzing, urging his teammates to level up.
Steve Smith may come across as awkward, but awkward clearly works—because he rarely puts a foot wrong in the field.
He’s taken some blinding catches over the years, especially in the slips. His agility and reach make him a wall in those positions. Add to that a surprising arm and decent pace chasing the ball down—he completes Australia’s well-rounded fielding unit.
One common thread ties these players together—effort, anticipation, and an obsession with precision.
Here’s something often missed: the top fielders don’t just react faster—they anticipate better. They read the batter’s intent, angle of the bat, and speed of the ball. That foresight, more than athleticism, is the real superpower.
If you’re the type that shouts “what a catch!” while pausing the replay, it’s time to put that cricket IQ into action. On WinZO Fantasy Cricket, you can build your team, pick exceptional fielders like Jadeja or Maxwell, and win based on their real game performance.
It’s not some guessing game. It’s strategy. You make your XI based on form, skill, and matchups. Catches, run-outs, and fielding contributions count too—just another reason to choose wisely.
You’ve seen the heroes fly. Now it’s your move.
Who is the best ODI fielder of the 21st century?
Many experts and fans consider Ravindra Jadeja the most complete fielder in this era. His consistency, sharp throws, and boundary awareness give him the edge.
Which cricketer has taken the most catches in ODI history?
Mahela Jayawardene tops the list with 218 catches in ODI cricket—a true hallmark of reliability.
How important is fielding in ODI cricket?
Hugely important. A single direct hit can change the match. A boundary saved might be the turning point. In a format where every run matters, fielding directly impacts the scoreboard.
Is fielding skill factored into fantasy cricket points on WinZO?
Yes, it is. Catches, run-outs, and stumpings all contribute to your player’s points. A sharp fielder can earn you the edge in close contests.
When you watch the next ODI, pause and rewind the fielding moments—the stops, the throws, the pressure they create. That’s not fluff; that’s cricket at its finest.
If you think like a captain, WinZO Fantasy Cricket is calling. Create your squad, back your instincts, and win with skill and timing. After all—it’s not luck. It’s cricket.
Let the games begin.
