Fielders have proven from time and time again that cricket is not just about batting and chasing the run to win. Fielding plays a very important role in turning the game and can be the deciding factor in the outcome of the game. The skilled fielder can alter the whole match and bring the match to the door of victory.
No doubt they are gifted athletes with unmatchable energy, and diving to finish a catch or accomplish run-out benefits the whole team, including bowlers. On that account, we have mentioned the seven greatest fielders of all time who have proved themselves with ultimate performance. When the team needed them, they gave their best even after facing severe injuries during the operations.
Top 7 Greatest Cricket Fielders Ever
1) AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers is no doubt one of the greatest players of this century due to his unique batting skills. He is honored by the name '360' as he has the ability to hit the shot in all directions of the cricket field. Due to his unbeatable batting skills and great records achieved in a very short time, this wicketkeeper-batsman has won the ICC One-Day International Player of the Year three times.
Apart from his batting skills, his fielding techniques were observed in the IPL matches when he started playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore. AB has made some spectacular catches possible due to speed and accuracy whenever needed. Nobody can forget his superman catch near the boundary caught single-handedly, and many other impossible catches that only De Villiers can.
AB has taken 222 catches in test format along with 6 run-outs and 5 stumpings. Apart from that, 176 catches are taken in his ODI career, and he has done 5 stumpings and 30 run-outs. AB de Villiers has substantially taken 65 catches, 4 run-outs, and 7 stumpings in T20 Internationals. The stats of AB in the most demanding premiered league, i.e., in IPL, was outstanding, as he took 111 catches, did 13 run-outs, and did 8 stumpings. All these statics makes him the most dependable fielder of this era.
2) Suresh Raina
As a fielder, Suresh Raina is a great player and has always proven himself on the cricket field. He always stands on the slips, and it has been seen that he never left any balls to pass toward the boundary. Every batsman knows that if Raina is standing, they can't play any irresponsible shots as the devil is standing beside them.
Suresh Raina debuted in 2005 and proved himself a superb team batsman. Though he hasn’t made any big records, whenever he came for batting, he took out the match from under the nose of the opposition team.
Talking about his fielding skills, playing for Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Lions, he has taken around 109 catches in IPL, and 102 catches are recorded in ODI. These states advocate that Raina is a good batsman and fabulous fielder.
3) Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, one of the finest cricketers of this era and a former captain of the Indian cricket team, has a unique style as a fielder. As a player, one has to be fit and take a position in the Indian cricket team, and Virat Kohli has always proven himself and become an inspiration for the youth.
You must know about his batting skills and the records he has made in his career. Being a blaster batsman, he is also an unbeatable fielder and served the Indian team for decades, and is still on the field. His mind-blowing catches and amazing run-outs flatter the other cricketers in the world. Kohli’s stunning catches in IPL are still remembered as the way he robbed Dinesh Karthik’s wicket in daylight.
Virat Kohli has taken 122 catches in ODI matches, 40 in T20 Internationals, and 83 catches in IPL. Additionally, he has taken 3 stumps in ODI, 1 in T20 Format, and 3 stumps in IPL. All these stats make him one of the most durable fielders in today's time and the greatest cricketer of all time.
4) Jonty Rhodes
Jonty Rhodes, aka Jonathan Neil Rhodes, a well-known face in cricket, is the great cricket fielder of all time. Due to his quick response, perfect throw skills in the backward point area make him the king of fieldmanship. His unique style and the skill to catch the ball have inspired many cricketers worldwide.
Rhodes has taken 105 catches in ODI, 34 in test cricket, and 127 catches in FC, making him the perfect fielder of all time. It was Jonty only who set the new trend of the fielding style. Still, the most legendary players hesitated to play shorts in the opposite of the Jonty.
5) Steve Smith
An Australian cricketer Steve Smith is considered a calm and calculative fielder. He avoids being aggressive when attempting any catch, which is rarely seen in Australian players. He is often seen standing on the slips and has the ability to grab some of the legendary wickets in the game. Additionally, Steve’s gun throws from the out-field can strike the wicket directly and stops the runs then and there.
All these abilities make him the finest fielder of the era; also, many players worldwide copy his style.
6) Andrew Symonds
Andrew Symonds, one of the professional cricketers of the Australian cricket team, left this world in 2022. Being an all-rounder, he was also a great fielder and took the team to a great height.
His power arm throw can hit the wicket from out-field, and he caught so many important catches in his bucket-sized hand. Though he is not with us, his legacy will always be remembered, and his skills will always inspire the upcoming cricketers.
7) Herschelle Gibbs
Herschelle Gibbs was the skilled fielder in the 30-yard circle and on the boundary and caught at the edge. He had really good moments and diving skills, making him the best fielder of all time. He had an efficient throw and could stop the runs if balls came to him.
It has been recorded that Herschelle Gibbs has merely left the catches when necessary. He made some effective direct hit run-outs in his ODI and test matches.
Final Verdict
The above are some of the greatest cricket fielders of all time who taught us that matches could be won with effective fielding. Think you’re good enough in predicting the match scores? Try placing a bet on Sbobet to win some funds. However, the list isn’t enough to cover all the best fielders in history, but Their unique style and the ability to take wickets in critical conditions made them a winner and topped the list of greatest cricket fielders ever.
