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While batsmen and bowlers often steal the spotlight, it’s the fielders who execute moments of sheer brilliance, turning matches with their swift reflexes, agile movements, and unparalleled athleticism. Let us look at a list of some of the best fielder in cricket history to have graced the sport.
Apart from bowlers and batters, fielders play a massive role in cricket. Perhaps the best fielder in cricket is Jonty Rhodes from South Africa.
Rhodes revolutionized fielding with his incredible agility, sharp reflexes, and diving stops, setting a new standard for fielders globally. One of the most iconic moments in cricket came back in 1992 Cricket World Cup where he famously ran out Inzamam-ul-Haq with a flying dive, cementing his status as a legend in the field.
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List of 10 Best Fielders in The History of Cricket
1. Jonty Rhodes (South Africa)
Arguably the best fielder in cricket history, Jonty Rhodes revolutionized the art of fielding with his acrobatic dives, lightning-quick throws, and boundary-saving stops. His athleticism and commitment to fielding excellence set new standards for future generations. He is currently the fielding coach of Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL and is considered world no 1 best fielder in cricket.
2. Ricky Ponting (Australia)
A legendary figure in Australian cricket, Ponting’s leadership on the field was matched only by his greatness as a fielder. Whether stationed at point or in the slips, Ponting’s anticipation and lightning reflexes made him a constant threat to opposition batsmen and the world best fielder in cricket history.
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3. Herschelle Gibbs (South Africa)
Herschelle Gibbs was not just a stylish batsman, but he was also a gun fielder. Renowned for his safe hands and ability to pull off stunning catches, Gibbs patrolled the outfield with grace and precision, often plucking seemingly impossible catches out of thin air.
4. Paul Collingwood (England)
Paul Collingwood’s dedication to his craft made him one of England’s greatest fielders. Known for his versatility, Collingwood was equally adept at diving stops in the infield and spectacular catches in the outfield. He announced his retirement from Test cricket in 2011 and from all forms of cricket in 2018.
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5. AB de Villiers (South Africa)
Nicknamed “Mr. 360” for his batting, de Villiers was equally adept in the field. His lightning-quick reflexes, combined with his ability to anticipate the trajectory of the ball, allowed him to pull off some of the most jaw-dropping catches cricket has ever witnessed. In 2021, Ab de Villiers announced retirement from all forms of cricket and is still considered one of the best fielder in cricket.
6. Andrew Symonds (Australia)
Andrew Symonds combined power with finesse, making him a force to be reckoned with both with bat and in the field. His athleticism and strong throwing arm made him a formidable presence in the outfield, often leading to crucial run-outs and game-changing catches. Symonds retired from all forms of cricket in 2012.
7. Ravindra Jadeja (India)
Dubbed “Sir Jadeja” by fans, Ravindra Jadeja’s fielding, along with his batting and bowling, has made him a match winner over the years. Whether it’s at point or deep mid-wicket, Jadeja’s presence on the field often turns the tide in India’s favour. He is considered India’s best fielder in cricket.
8. Suresh Raina (India)
Renowned for his lightning-quick reflexes and breathtaking catches, Raina’s agility and versatility make him a standout performer. He won India matches not just with his batting but also with his fielding. Raina retired from all forms of cricket in September 2022. The Uttar Pradesh-cricketer has alwasy been one of the best fielders in game of cricket.
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9. Faf du Plessis (South Africa)
Faf du Plessis’s safe hands and spectacular catches often turn the tide in South Africa’s favour and we have seen the same in the Indian Premier League too, where he plays for the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
10. Colin Bland (South Africa)
Considered a pioneer in the art of fielding, Colin Bland set the benchmark for excellence in the outfield during the 1960s. His athleticism and ability to cover ground with effortless ease earned him accolades as one of the finest fielders of his generation.
Bland played for the Rhodesia and South Africa national teams. He was born on April 5, 1938, and passed away on April 14, 2018. When talking about the world best fielder in cricket history, Bland’s name cannot be left out.
Final Words
Cricket is often dominated by discussions about the best bowlers and batters and hence, fielding tends to be brushed under the carpet. However, as Jonty Rhodes and other best fielders in the world have shown, this trait can often be game-changing.
He has inspired generations of cricketers to prioritize their fielding skills. Such fielders have always increased the benchmark His remarkable contributions on the field have set a high standard, proving that exceptional fielding can be just as influential as bowling and batting in achieving success on the cricket field.
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FAQ’s about Best Fielder in Cricket
Q) Who is the best fielder in the world?
A) The best fielder in the world is often considered to be Jonty Rhodes for his agility and quick reflexes.
Q) Who is No. 1 best fielder in cricket?
A) While Jonty Rhodes is the best fielder in cricket, in the recent times, Ravindra Jadeja has also made a name for himself.
Q) Who are the 5 best fielders in cricket history?
A) The 5 best fielders in cricket history are Jonty Rhodes, Ricky Ponting, AB de Villiers, Herschelle Gibbs, and Ravindra Jadeja.
