5 best short leg fielders in the world right now
The short-leg area is one of the most crucial fielding positions in cricket especially when a spinner is bowling.
The short-leg fielder converts edges into catches and also keeps the batsman in constant pressure with this appearance. However fielding at this position is a daunting task as it requires extremely quick reflexes and impeccable focus.
The short-leg fielder also has a constant threat of getting hit by the ball as he is in the firing line and most of the catching opportunities are half-chances. Hence, very few players have excelled in fielding at this position.
However, in the current era, there are a handful of cricketers who possess the perfect skills and the ability that make them an effective fielder at the short-leg position.
Here we take a look at five such brilliant fielders.
#5 Cheteshwar Pujara
Patience is the key quality required for a short-leg fielder to excel and in the current Test arena, Cheteshwar Pujara arguably has the best patience.
Pujara is known for his impeccable focus and has a habit of concentrating for long durations without any lapses. His focus and determination also help him in fielding. He is currently India's go to man for the short-leg position.
After the retirement of India's fab-four batsmen, the team struggled in the department of close catching as the youngsters lacked the requisite skills. However, Pujara took giant steps and has emerged as a reliable fielder in this position.
India's ace spinner R Ashwin likes to drift the ball and it results in several inside edges for the right-hand batsmen. In such situations, the work of the short-leg fielder is extremely crucial as there is always an opportunity for a catch.
Pujara, with his patience and focus, is able to latch on to these opportunities and hence is a key man for India in the fielding department.