Top 10 Best Fielders In Cricket History | 2024 Updated Ranking
Legendary South African cricketer Jonathan Neil Rhodes aka Jonty Rhodes, is undoubtedly the greatest fielder the cricketing world has ever seen. He recorded 34 catches in his Test career and 105 catches in his ODI career. Iconic South African star cricketer AB de Villiers and Australian legend Ricky Ponting also deserve their mentions among the best fielders in cricket history.
Cricket is the game of classy people. We all know many players have gained massive popularity in different fields like batting, bowling, and fielding. Here we will discuss the greatest fielders in cricket of all time. These fielders have remarkable achievements in their careers. They have always impressed and entertained the audience. Their fans always love their performances and love to watch them.
Best Fielders In Cricket | All-Time Rankings
Cricket is undoubtedly one of the most popular sports in the whole world. However, it is the most followed sport in India. Besides batsmen and bowlers, this sport also produced some of the greatest fielders of all time. And here they are!
10. Faf Du Plessis – Best Fielder in South Africa Cricket
Position: Right-Handed Batsman / Right-Arm Leg-Break Bowler
National Side: South Africa
Test Debut: 23rd November 2012 vs. Australia
ODI Debut: 18th January 2011 vs. India
T20I Debut: 8th September 2012 vs. England
Francois du Plessis, also known as Faf du Plessis, is a well-known international cricketer. He is an excellent fielder and one of the best cricket batsmen from South Africa. He is also an occasional bowler and right-handed batsman. At the international level, Faf represents the South African cricket team. During his time as captain of the South African national team, Faf du Plessis played in all formats.
A player with a degree of intelligence can quickly adjust his batting style depending on the game situation. He is one of the greatest fielders in cricket of the South African team, and possessing the responsibility of being captain has made him even better. In his team, he has a significant role as a middle-order batsman. In addition to playing for South Africa at the international level, he also played domestic matches.
South African cricketer Faf du Plessis played for the South African teams Northerns and Titans. As well as playing cricket for Lancashire, he played for the English county team Yorkshire. He has also played in the Big Bash League for the Melbourne Renegades. Furthermore, he played for the Chennai Super Kings and Rising Pune Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
IPL player Faf has played an essential role for Chennai Super Kings. During the 2018 Mzansi Super League, he made his debut for Paarl Rocks. Captaining his team and playing as a batsman, he has several exceptional records. In the Men’s category, he was named Player of the Year in South Africa for 2019. One of the most reliable batsmen globally, he has consistently performed for the South African team.
9. Suresh Raina – Greatest Fielder In IPL Cricket
Position: Left-Handed Batsman / Right Arm Off-Spin Bowler
National Side: India
Test Debut: 26th July 2010 vs. Sri Lanka
ODI Debut: 30th July 2005 vs. Sri Lanka
T20I Debut: 1st December 2006 vs. South Africa
As an Indian cricketer, Suresh Raina is a fearless middle-order left-handed batsman and a part-time off-spinner. Additionally, Raina is regarded as one of the greatest cricket fielders. Suresh Raina plays all formats of local cricket for Uttar Pradesh. Besides being the vice-captain of the Chennai Super Kings, he also led the Gujarat Lions. A former captain of the Indian team, he is the second-youngest captain to lead India.
For the first time in the history of international cricket, Suresh Raina has hit a century in all three formats. When Suresh Raina was 19 years of age, he played his first ODI against Sri Lanka. Though, his Test debut came around five years later against a similar opponent. In his first Test appearance, he smashed a century. While playing for India, Suresh played an essential role in their 2011 World Cup victory.
Suresh Raina, who grew up in Muradnagar, decided to become a famous cricketer in 2000 and moved to Lucknow to join Guru Gobind Singh Sports College. A member of Uttar Pradesh’s U-16 team, he played as captain. Then, as a 15-year-old and half years old, Raina caught the eye of the Indian selectors in 2002 because he was nominated for the U-19 England tour. During these U-19 Test tournaments, he made two half-centuries.
One of the greatest IPL fielders, Suresh Raina, also toured Sri Lanka with the U-17 squad in February 2003. He made his first Ranji Trophy debut for Uttar Pradesh against Assam when he was only 16 years old and did not play a new match until the following season. After that, Raina traveled to Pakistan for the U-19 ODI Championship in 2003 and then went on to play in the U-19 World Cup of 2004.
8. Steve Smith – Best Cricket Fielder Ever
Position: Right-Handed Batsman / Right-Arm Leg Spin Bowler
National Side: Australia
Test Debut: 13th July 2010 vs. Pakistan
ODI Debut: 19th February 2010 vs. West Indies
T20I Debut: 5th February 2010 vs. Pakistan
Steve Smith, one of Australia’s top batsmen, started his career at his local club, Illawong Cricket Club, where he played for his first season. Two years in a row, Smith won the Junior Cricketer award for the club. 1998/99 marked the first time he hit a century. His maximum score was 141, making him the only person to score six centuries.
Besides his batting, Smith always surprises his fans and opponents with his fielding and is also known as one of the greatest fielders in cricket. As part of the T20 International matches in Melbourne in 2010, he made his international cricket debut against Pakistan. Australia was runner-up to West Indies at the 2010 International Cricket Council World Twenty20.
He took 11 wickets in just seven matches while averaging 14.81 and was the winner in his way. The IPL has a lot of interest in Smith. A former member of Rajasthan Royals and Pune Warriors India, he joined Rising Pune Supergiant in 2015. His team reached the finals of IPL 10 under his leadership.
Following a ball-tampering case involving Australia and South Africa in 2018, he was banned from cricket for one year. The Bangladesh Premier League was his first competitive match after serving his ban. A few games into the season, Smith hurt his shoulder and was unable to play. In IPL 2019, he played some match-winning blows and returned to the game after missing IPL 2018.
7. Ravindra Jadeja – Greatest Indian Fielder In History
Position: Left-Handed Batsman / Slow Left-Arm Orthodox Bowler
National Side: India
Test Debut: 13th December 2012 vs. England
ODI Debut: 8th February 2009 vs. Sri Lanka
T20I Debut: 10th February 2009 vs. Sri Lanka
Ravindra Jadeja, popularly known as Ravindra, is a very famous Indian cricketer. In addition to bowling left-arm slow and batting middle order left-handed, he is an all-rounder. During the 2006-07 season, he represented the West zone with the Duleep Trophy. Jadeja is one of the greatest fielders in cricket who always astonish their fans with his remarkable performances. Besides, he is also among the best spinners in cricket right now.
With 42 wickets and 739 runs in the 2008-09 Ranji Trophy, Jadeja grabbed the eye of the national selectors, and he was picked for the ODI series towards the end of the year. He made his international debut on 8 February 2009 in the final match of the series, scoring 60*, although India lost. India’s failure to win the 2009 World Twenty20 came as a result of Jadeja’s slow performance.
In late 2009, Jadeja took Yusuf Pathan’s place at No. 7 in the ODI team after the all-rounder lost form. On 21 December 2009, Jadeja won the match award for his four wickets during an ODI against Sri Lanka. Against Australia, Jadeja took 24 wickets during the historic 4–0 series win in February/March 2013 with five dismissals of Australian captain Michael Clarke.
While he didn’t contribute much with the bat, he was considered an all-rounder for the team. During the final Test match, he took seven wickets, including five in the second innings. In 2013, he played a crucial role in India, winning the ICC Champions Trophy. As of August 2013, he was ranked No.1 among ODI bowlers by the ICC.
6. Paul Collingwood – Greatest Fielders In Test Cricket
Position: Right-Handed Batsman / Right-Arm Medium Pace Bowler
National Side: England
Test Debut: 2nd December 2003 vs. Sri Lanka
ODI Debut: 7th June 2001 vs. Pakistan
T20I Debut: 13th June 2007 vs. Australia
Former English cricketer Paul Collingwood was born on 26 May 1976 in Shotley Bridge, Durham. Collingwood was an integral part of the Test, ODI, and T20 sides of England. Additionally, he served as the captain of the England ODI team from 2007 to 2008. The excellence and technique of Collingwood make him a cricketer worth admiring.
During his time in England, he performed as an all-rounder who batted right-handed and bowled medium pace. With 11,221 runs, Collingwood has averaged 34.52. His 272 wickets have also achieved a 33.47 average. Besides that, Paul has also been regarded as one of the greatest fielders in cricket of his time.
At the beginning of his international career, he seemed like just a replacement brought in to fill in the void. At Nagpur in 2005, he made his first century on an incredibly dusty field after hitting 96 and 80 in Lahore. While playing in the 2006-07 Ashes at Adelaide, an English cricketer became the first to score a double century in Australia in the past 78 years.
As an ODI all-rounder, Collingwood’s reputation increased dramatically. He started solidifying his squad’s position when he surpassed Viv Richards’ best all-around performance against Bangladesh with a century and six wickets.
5. Andrew Symonds – Greatest Australian Fielder
Position: Right-Handed Batsman / Right-Arm Off Break Bowler
National Side: Australia
Test Debut: 8th March 2004 vs. Sri Lanka
ODI Debut: 10th November 1998 vs. Pakistan
T20I Debut: 17th February 2005 vs. New Zealand
Originally from Australia, Andrew Symonds represents Team Australia in cricket. Since 1998, he has been a member of the team and has been a top performer. During his time with the team, Andrew Symonds was a great asset.
Andrew Symonds was born on 9 June 1975 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. Australian National Cricket Team player Andrew Symonds played his first ODI in 1998. And now, he is widely regarded as one of the best Australian ODI batsmen ever to grace the ground.
Andrew Symonds’s leading role in the team is that of a batsman, and he is a prolific right-handed batsman, having scored plenty of runs for the teams, both in domestic and international cricket. He can also bowl part-time spin and bowls right arm.
His fielding skills are excellent, and he can play anywhere. He is good at ground fielding and catching and is known as one of the fielders in cricket.
4. Herschelle Gibbs – Greatest ODI Fielder In Cricket History
Position: Right-Handed Batsman / Right Arm Medium Pace Bowler
National Side: South Africa
Test Debut: 27th November 1996 vs. India
ODI Debut: 3rd October 1996 vs. Kenya
T20I Debut: 21st October 2005 vs. New Zealand
Having been a member of the South Africa National Cricket Team since 1990, Herschelle Gibbs is a professional cricket player. One of the greatest opening batsmen in cricket history, he has achieved great success. Gibbs’ tenure with the side has been successful. Cape Town-born Herschelle Gibbs was born on 23 February 1974. South Africa National Cricket Team’s Herschelle Gibbs debuted in 1990 for ODIs, Twenty20s, and Tests.
The opening batsman, who has played at multiple tournaments for South Africa, has been a representative of both world tournaments. During his time in the IPL, he played for the Mumbai Indians and Deccan Chargers. Following rugby and soccer, he played cricket as his first meaningful sport.
Cricket player Herschelle Gibbs has been one of the most successful greatest fielders in cricket. His talent and efforts in fielding changed the seniority of the match, which excites cricket fans. Gibbs announced the appointment of a disciplinary panel after Cape Colored made racist comments during the 1st Test against Pakistan on 15 January 2007.
His words had been picked up on the stump microphone, saying remarks such as “go back to the zoo” and swearing to the Pakistani players and heard across the world. According to reports, the statements appeared to be directed at teammate Paul Harris, as he had been abused by them while playing fielding. Gibbs was banned for two Tests after Pakistan’s management raised the issue with referee Chris Broad.
3. Ricky Ponting – Best Cricket Fielder Of All Time
Position: Right-Handed Batsman / Right Arm Medium Pace Bowler
National Side: Australia
Test Debut: 8th December 1995 vs. Sri Lanka
ODI Debut: 15th February 1995 vs. South Africa
Ricky Ponting is one of the most successful captains in cricket history because the number of wins is the main criterion. Having won two World Cups with Australia in 2003 and 2007, he is the country’s most successful captain. Australia has won 108 tests and 262 One Day Internationals during Ricky Ponting’s captaincy. However, he faced a lot of criticism for his arrogance on the field. Despite that, he experienced success in his 17 years of cricket.
He is the highest run-getter for Australia in Tests and ODIs and the captain who has the maximum number of wins under his belt. Among his favorite moments in his career were his cover drive and pull-back, as well as his 140 against India in the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup final. Both formats have seen him score over 13000 runs.
One of the most significant facts about Ponting’s first World Cup as captain is that Australia lost no games while playing in the tournament. Australia’s undefeated victory in the World Cup was the highlight of my life, as Ponting once said. The rumor that he had used a spring for his unbeatable knock in the finals turned out to be one of the biggest stories of his cricket career because it led to the unbeatable reversal in the finals.
His historic cricket career has become synonymous with this. Ponting is also known as one of the greatest fielders in cricket. Ricky Ponting scored 13704 runs throughout 375 ODIs at an average of 42.04, including 30 centuries and 82 half-centuries, with the highest score of 164 against South Africa.
2. AB de Villiers – Best Fielder of All Time
Position: Right-Handed Batsman / Right Arm Medium Pace Bowler / Wicketkeeper
National Side: South Africa
Test Debut: 17th December 2004 vs. England
ODI Debut: 2nd February 2005 vs. England
T20I Debut: 24th February 2006 vs. Australia
As a batsman, wicketkeeper, or fielder, AB de Villiers has completely changed the way cricketers approach their jobs. The cricket field has been revolutionized because of his superhuman skills. In a paragraph, ABD’s career cannot be summed up by how he paddle sweeps, delivers incoming 150 clicks, and jumps on the fence to grab one-handed stunners.
His aura traversed boundaries, and he was adored by all, making him one of the most famous batsmen in cricket history. Besides his batting, AB’s fielding is one reason for his popularity. His energetic performances shock the fans and opponents due to his energy level. His fans widely dubbed him one of the greatest fielders in cricket.
He is now also widely regarded as one of the hardest hitters in cricket. The first time AB played an ODI was on 2 February 2005 at Bloemfontein. It was England who batted first and scored 270/5 in its 50 overs. It took eight wickets for South Africa to score 270, to keep the match tied. In 56 balls, AB scored 20 runs.
His maiden ODI century came in the World Cup Super-8 game against West Indies, where he scored 146 from only 130 balls, including six sixes and 12 fours. The South African side had made it to the final of the quadrennial tournament thanks to the performance of De Villiers. Against West Indies, ABD scored 150 in 64 deliveries en route to the semi-finals.
1. Jonty Rhodes – Greatest Cricket Fielder Ever
Position: Right-Handed Batsman / Right Arm Medium Pace Bowler
National Side: South Africa
Test Debut: 13th November 1992 vs. India
ODI Debut: 26th February 1992 vs. Australia
The former cricketer and commentator Jonty Rhodes come from South Africa. His speed as a right-handed batsman made him outstanding, but as a defensive fielder, he was best known for catching, ground fielding, and throwing from a backward point position, his most typical. The brilliant fielder Jonty is considered among the best of all time.
He scored his first Test century in a three-match series against Sri Lanka during the 1993–1994 season (101*), enabling South Africa to claim a series win of 1–0. In Mumbai, Rhodes recorded the most dismissals by a fielder with five catches against the West Indies on 14 November 1993.
The Brisbane Cricket Ground hosted the fifth match in the 1992 World Cup between South Africa and Pakistan. Imran Khan turned back Inzamam ul Haq’s run when the score had reached 135/2. When Jonty saw the ball rolling towards him, he ran from the backward point, picked up the ball, and ran towards the wicket to run out one of the greatest Muslim athletes and legendary batsman, Inzamam.
Jonty threw the ball at his stumps with all his strength. His fans still regard it as one of the most spectacular feats of that World Cup and a defining moment in Rhodes’ career.
Final Words
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FAQs Regarding Greatest Fielders In Cricket
Q. Why is Jonty Rhodes the best fielder?
Many sportswriters cited Rhodes as one of the greatest fielders in cricket of all time, stating that he goes for the ball, which he has done successfully. He has made some excellent catches in the outfield, the slips, and the circle.
Q. Who are the best catchers in the world in cricket?
The top three top catchers (by non-wicketkeepers) in Test cricket are Mark Waugh, Ricky Ponting, and Mahela Jayawardene of Sri Lanka.
Last Updated On: April 2024
