Ranking the 10 best men's fielders in world cricket right now ft. Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli
In modern-day cricket, fielding has become a vital aspect that could often define the outcome of matches. In a game of tight margins, a well-timed save or a spectacular catch, or a brilliant run-out can prove to be the difference.
With the sport evolving constantly, fielding has gained prominence, with players being closely evaluated for their athleticism, fitness, agility, and decision-making on the field.
In today's time, every player is expected to contribute in the field. There are certain cricketers who, apart from their batting or bowling, also stand out for their exceptional fielding skills. These cricketers have often contributed to the side with their breathtaking catches, sharp run-outs, and stunning saves, creating a long-lasting impact and setting new standards.
On that note, here we rank the 10 best men's fielders in world cricket at present.
Ranking the 10 best men's fielders in world cricket right now
#10 Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes is arguably one of the finest all-rounders in cricket at the moment. His fielding is no exception either. Known for his safe hands and sharp reflexes, Stokes has been seen pulling off spectacular catches quite often, such as his unforgettable grab during the 2019 World Cup. His ability to cover ground in quick time, along with powerful throws, make him highly valuable for England on the field.
#9 Glenn Maxwell
Glenn Maxwell is valuable to Australia much beyond his all-round skills with the bat and the ball. As one of the swiftest fielders in world cricket, Maxwell has often been at the centre of some extraordinary fielding moments, particularly in limited-overs cricket. Whether it is a running catch or sharp reflex catches, Maxwell has shown why he is among the top fielders at the moment.
#8 Chris Jordan
Chris Jordan's reputation as a fielding specialist has often earned him a spot in England's T20I squads, even when his batting or bowling form has not been considerably great. Jordan, known for his acrobatic catches, particularly on the boundary line, has had iconic moments in T20 cricket, such as his stunning diving catch that he pulled off against Pakistan at the Kia Oval earlier this year. His versatility on the field makes him an all-rounder in the true sense.
#7 Aiden Markram
South Africa's current T20I captain, Aiden Markram has led by example on the field. His performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, where he took eight catches, the most in the tournament, contributed immensely to South Africa's run to the final. His ability to consistently deliver under pressure on the field makes him one of the standout fielders in international cricket at present.
#6 David Miller
Markram's countryman, David Miller, is also a certain on this list. Miller's fielding reached new heights in 2019 when he became the first cricketer to win a 'Player of the Match' award solely based on his fielding efforts in a T20I against Pakistan.
In that game, Miller took four catches and was also involved in a couple of run-outs, making a massive impact on the game. Known for his quick movement, agility, and ability to pull off stunners in the field, Miller is also among the best fielders globally.
#5 Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav, known for his 360-degree hitting with the bat, has also emerged as a top fielder. His incredible catch to dismiss David Miller in the final over of the T20 World Cup 2024 final, which changed the game in India's favor, has become an iconic moment in cricketing history.
For the same, he was also awarded the 'Best Fielder' award by the to-be ICC Chairman Jay Shah. Suryakumar Yadav has 389 catches in his career (international and domestic) and his fielding skills are invaluable to the Indian team.
#4 Virat Kohli
Former India captain Virat Kohli is known for changing the culture within the team and also setting high standards on the field. His supreme fitness is reflected not just in his batting but also in his fielding.
Kohli has earned a reputation for his speed and accuracy on the field, affecting crucial run-outs and taking key catches. He has a total of 319 catches in his international career across formats. His presence on the field, coupled with high energy levels, makes him a true leader in multiple ways.
#3 Glenn Phillips
Glenn Phillips has established himself as one of the most athletic fielders in modern-day cricket. Known for his acrobatic efforts, Phillips has often saved runs that would have otherwise been certain boundaries.
With 310 catches under his belt (international and domestic), both as a wicket-keeper and fielder, his contributions through brilliant dives and sprints across the field have been highly valuable to New Zealand.
#2 Steve Smith
Think of one of the safest hands in the game, particularly when it comes to slip-catching in Test matches, and Steve Smith comes to mind. While known for his batting, Smith's fielding, especially in the slip cordon, has been nothing short of phenomenal. His sharp reflexes have resulted in some jaw-dropping catches, particularly in Tests. His total of 310 catches in international cricket also places him second among Australians, only behind the legendary Ricky Ponting.
#1 Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja, widely regarded as arguably the best fielder in the world, is a live-wire on the field. Jadeja more often than not contributes with his safe hands and rocket arm. His quick reflexes allow him to pull off stunning catches from any position, while his sharp and bullet throws from the deep have often turned out to become match-winning moments. With an incredible 474 catches (international and domestic) to his name, Jadeja is a true warrior on the field.