Top 10 Most Valuable Fielders in Cricket Across Formats

Fielding is one of the most important aspects of the game that can change the course of a cricket match. The likes of Jonty Rhodes, Herschelle Gibbs, Mark Waugh, and Derek Randall come to mind when we speak about fielders who took our breath away. 

Team India too has produced some brilliant fielders in the past like Mohammad Azharuddin, Yuvraj Singh, Mohammad Kaif, and Suresh Raina to name a few. In the current generation too there are lots of fielders in India and World Cricket who have the ability to make the crowd gasp. 

In an age and era where a player not only has to be good with the bat and ball but also in the field, the art of fielding has evolved. In an age where T20 and T10 cricket have become the staple diet, we have seen fielding get taken to the next level. 

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Here are the ten best fielders across formats:

10- Glenn Phillips – New Zealand 

New Zealand have always produced some outstanding fielders. The likes of Chris Harris, Stephen Fleming, and Brendon McCullum come to mind for their ability to stun the fans. In modern-day cricket, Glenn Phillips has been taking some mind-blowing catches inside the circle as well as outside. 

9- Ben Stokes – England 

The English Test skipper has been a great athlete for his national side ever since he made his debut over a decade ago. Ben Stokes is not only a competent batter and bowler but he is also more than agile as a fielder. His catch during the 2019 ODI World Cup vs South Africa or his running catch to dismiss Shreyas Iyer earlier this year proves why he is such a great fielder. 

8- Steve Smith – Australia 

The Australian superstar has been one of the best fielders for his side since his debut. Steve Smith has taken some blinders in the slips and has been a consistent fielder for his side. Steve Smith is not only a great slip fielder but also has pulled off some stunning catches inside the circle and pulled off some great runouts which has become an instant classic amongst the fans. 

7- Ajinkya Rahane – India 

Ever since the retirement of Rahul Dravid, team India have found an able replacement in Ajinkya Rahane. The veteran Indian star has been a livewire in the field and has been a constant presence in the slips. His reflexes and his smart catching have seen Rahane be touted as one of the best fielders of this era. 

6- Nicholas Pooran – West Indies 

In the last few years, Nicholas Pooran has become the best player for West Indies in the white ball format. Apart from his outstanding batting, his ability to keep wickets and take some amazing catches has made him a complete cricketer. Pooran was one of the standout players for West Indies during the current T20 World Cup. 

5- Glenn Maxwell – Australia 

The Australian star is a dangerous batter and a very good off-spin bowler. With the bat, Glenn Maxwell has shown how dangerous he can be during the 2023 ODI World Cup. It is in the field that Maxwell has shown what a livewire he can be. His catches at the point region or his ability to throw down the stumps and run out batters makes him a special fielder. 

4- Ashan Bandara – Sri Lanka

One of the most promising players from Sri Lanka, young Ashan Bandara has been at the top of his game and impressed everyone with his talents. He has been getting a lot of praise for his fielding during the Lanka Premier League season and has been pulling off some stunning pieces of fielding. 

3- Virat Kohli – India 

The former Indian skipper even at the age of 35 is still fit and agile as a cat. One will remember his stunning catch during the 2022 T20 World Cup warm-up match versus Australia. Virat Kohli is not only a great batter with loads of records under his armour but also one of the best fielders of all time. 

2- Wanindu Hasaranga – Sri Lanka 

The Sri Lanka all-rounder has bamboozled everyone with his spin bowling across formats. The 26-year-old is also one of the most agile fielders in world cricket and has the ability to pull of some stunning reflex catches. Wanindu Hasaranga and his ability to field well of his own bowling makes him one of the most feared fielders in the world today. 

1- Ravindra Jadeja – India 

The best fielder in the world tag in cricket currently goes to Ravindra Jadeja. The 35-year-old is a sight to behold when he chases the ball. Jadeja is also an expert fielder of his own bowling and has manned the point region to perfection. His catch to dismiss Jason Roy during the 2019 ODI World Cup or his pin-point accurate throws to run-out batters is the stuff of legends.