Fielders, batters, and bowlers are the nucleus of the game of cricket. While batters and bowlers hogg the maximum limelight, it is the fielders whose contribution often goes unnoticed. However, one brilliant fielding display has the potential to turn the result of the match. A good save in the field, a running catch, or a run-out, can shift momentum towards the opposition. Moreover, the best fielder in the world always ensures to keep a check on the flow of runs and build pressure on the opposition.
With a growing interest in the white-ball format, fielders also grab plenty of attention as their acrobatic in the field remains etched forever in the memory of their fans. The likes of former cricketers Jhonty Rhodes, Ricky Ponting were some of the finest fielders in the past. However, we take a look at the five best fielders in the modern game.
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Here's a list of Top 5 best fielders in the World:
1. Ravindra Jadeja
Indian cricket is blessed with the presence of Ravindra Jadeja in the national team. The Saurashtra-based all-rounder is revered as the current best fielder in the world. Be it his unbelievable diving catch against Bangladesh in the 2016 T20 World Cup, or his fast and direct throws at the wicket from the outfield in the 2019 World Cup, he has proved his athleticism in the field times and again.
In 168 ODI matches, Jadeja has picked up 60 valuable catches for the team. There's hardly a cricketer who can match his accurate throws and the agility to quickly cut down angles in the field. He's an asset in the field and incessantly contributes to the team. As a result, India's swordsman is arguably the best fielder in the world.
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2. Faf Du Plessis
The premier South African cricketer often strengthens the performance of his team with his fielding prowess. Faf Du Plessis is agile and remains energetic onfield as he saves plenty of runs standing at the outfield close to the boundary. The 37-year-old has accounted for as many as 81 catches in 143 ODIs till now.
Moreover, the former Proteas' skipper cherishes to grab stunners at the long-off or long-on position of the cricket ground. Eventually, Faf features in the list of best fielders in the world on the back of brilliant rendition on the field.
3. Glenn Maxwell
The Australia allrounder, Glenn Maxwell is a complete package as he can pick up crucial wickets not just as a bowler but as a fielder as well. Over the years, he has cemented his impression as someone who can go beyond imagination to pick up catches.
In the match against South Africa in 2018, Maxwell dismissed well-set Faf Du Plessis as he juggled the ball over the boundary rope only to fall in his safe hands later. Subsequently, the 32-year-old is perhaps one of the best fielders in the world.
4. Virat Kohli
The Indian skipper has often caught the world's attention with his athleticism in the field. Apart from going hammer and tongs with the bat, Virat Kohli has earned the reputation of being an outstanding fielder in world cricket. He is often seen fielding within the 30-yard circle aiming to pressurize the batters with his quicksaves. Kohli's presence always tends to keep the opposition on their toes.
In 254 ODI matches, Kohli has claimed 132 catches. It won't be an exaggeration to say that Kohli remains as a front-runner in the race of the best fielder in the world.
5. Steve Smith
Former Australian skipper Steven Smith has often given glimpses of his unbelievable fielding skills. Steven Smith is often seen on the slip during the Test matches. He patiently waits for hours to grab the deviated ball which the batsmen edged off. His diving low one-hand catches remain unmatched and unparalleled to date.
Talking about his figures, the 32-year-old has played 77 Test matches bagging as many as 123 catches. Therefore, he is often adjudged as the best Australian fielder in modern times.
