We often talk about how much of an impact the batsmen and bowlers create in the game but seldom it's discussed on how important the fielders are for the team and how much of a difference fielders can bring about the target. The Indian Premier League is the home of grooming young talents and over time it has also shown us the best fielders in the world and some out of the world catches.
As the IPL is all set to begin in a few weeks from now. Cricwizz takes a look at the top 5 fielders who can create an impact in the upcoming season.
1) Kieron Pollard
Talk about fielding and taking some stunners of catches. This man does it all. The West Indian star all-rounder is one that comes as a whole package. While he not only changes the match with his tremendous hard-hitting, he also pulls out stunners to dismiss the batsmen. He was the winner of the perfect catch of the season in 2019.
The 33-year old has played 148 matches and claimed 82 catches. He ranks 4th in the list of most catches by a player in the IPL.
2) Ravindra Jadeja
The Indian all-rounder needs no introduction. He is a live wire on the field and has one of the strongest and fastest arms in the sport. If watching his flawless shot making is a joy, watching him shoot the ball from the long-on boundary is an even better one. He makes his presence felt throughout the ground and it was recorded he alone saved upto 50 runs for Team India in the 2019 World Cup. It would be no surprise to see the Chennai Super Kings all-rounder to win the perfect catch of the season 2020.
The 31-year old has played 170 matches in the IPL and claimed 63 catches.
3) Suresh Raina
He might be 33 but do not put him away for that. This former Indian Batsmen is undoubtedly one of the best fielders in the World since the last decade and it has been difficult for players to replicate his concentration and reflex on the field. He is one of the very few fielders who do a very good job irrespective of the position. From slip to long-on, Raina masters it all.
The Left-hander has played 193 matches in the IPL and claimed 102 catches. He ranks No.1 in the list of most catches in IPL and also is the only player in the league to cross the 100 catches mark.
4) Ben Stokes
Yet another all-rounder grabs a spot in our list and this in form of English Star all-rounder Ben Stokes. The 29-year old is on a roll with both the bat and ball and he left nothing behind in his fielding too. He showed his fielding brilliance in the 2019 World Cup where he saved over 45 runs for the team merely with his fielding.
It would be exciting to see the lad take some fine catches for Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming season.
5) AB de Villiers
No, he is not only one of the best batsmen in the World. But also one of the best fielders. He is called Mr.360 for his ability to strike the ball all over the ground. He is no less when it comes to fielding as well, he is all around the ground and saves valuable runs for the team. The former Proteas captain not only relies on his reflex and speed but also on his vast experience.
The 36-year old has played 154 matches in the IPL and claimed 84 catches. He is ranked No.2 in the list of most catches in the IPL.
Cover Credits: IPLT20
