Top 10 best men's Indian fielders of all time ft. Yuvraj Singh and Ravindra Jadeja
Fielding has often been an overlooked aspect of cricket until the modern era came along. The rise of fielding to be placed among batting and bowling as equals has led to an astronomical increase in quality. The realization that a massive improvement in the under-appreciated department could lead to seizing game-defining moments has changed the perception of it entirely.
India was not one of the nations known for its fielding back in the day. Sloppy outfielding and throws, along with overthrows and dropping catches were routine. The issue was that the impact of poor fielding performances was not emphasized enough as the spotlight naturally shifted to the high-profile batting and bowling performances. Furthermore, glimpses of good fielding led to the majority believe that the team was decent in the department, when the truth was far from it.
Improved fitness standards are the huge differentiator between fielding standards of the old and new. Enhanced training behind the scenes pertaining to reflexes and other isolated aspects of fielding have also led to generational fielders being churned out on a consistent basis.
On that note, let us take a look at the top 10 best men's Indian fielders of all time.
#10 Ajinkya Rahane
India have always had natural successors in the slip cordon with each passing transition. After the heavy red-ball transition in the early 2010s, the team was in search of genuine slip fielders after Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman's departures, and on came Ajinkya Rahane.
The batter ended up becoming a permanent feature in the slips for almost a decade, and one of the most reliable ones. His soft hands and incredible reflexes made him a genuine fit for the role, and he had a prominent impact doing the same.
#9 Mohammad Azharuddin
A right-handed batter who oozed class and flair, Mohammad Azharuddin exuded the same traits when it came to his fielding. Notable for his incredible ability while commanding the slip cordon, he was arguably one of the finest that India ever had.
He stood out in particular in his era because of athleticism which was not a non-negotiable like it is now. The former skipper ended up with 261 catches, and is ranked third on the list for most catches by an Indian player in international cricket.
#8 Robin Singh
Arguably the player who raised the level of fielding in Indian cricket, Robin Singh's efforts, which may seem ordinary and regulation now, were considered alien back in the 90s. He was not afraid to throw himself on the field in a bid to stop the ball, and his efforts were noted, making him the best Indian fielder of his generation, and among the world's best back then.
As a result, it was hardly surprising when he was appointed as the fielding coach of the Indian national team from 2007 to 2009. He ended up with 33 ODI catches, and his on-field partnership with Ajay Jadeja was electric and laid the na foundation and set a benchmark for the next crop of budding fielders to look upon.
#7 Eknath Solkar
A name that is foreign to the majority, Eknath Solkar was among the first Indian players who stood out for his fielding. His numbers read a total of 53 catches in 27 appearances, and one might imagine that his natural for a wicketkeeper with edges flying all over the place constantly. But, the fact is, Solkar was not a glovesman.
His rare ability to be a threat at short leg, that too in an era where protection was not a priority, is what made him a legend in the fielding circuit. The fielding position, though risky, was crucial in India's chances because of their spin-heavy bowling attack. His contributions may not have been viral like Jonty Rhodes' diving exploits and run outs, but it does not diminish his impact and legacy.
#6 Virat Kohli
The man who prioritized and initiated India's fielding revolution to a whole different level, Kohli led from the front when it came to his own fielding displays. After working on his fitness, he became a beast on the field.
Electric runs by the boundary, incredible reflxes and his natural athleticism helped him be on par with his peers amid the growing standards of the art of fielding.
#5 Yuvraj Singh
A tall frame coupled with peak athleticism, it was impossible how Yuvraj Singh could be a poor fielder. He had the built to be a successful fielder, and to his credit, he did not take it for granted. The all-rounder honed his skills to be the among the finest the nation has ever seen. Instead of settling into the average standard of the team in his time, he elevated the standards by prioritizing fielding.
Yuvraj has taken several memorable catches and made some crucial stops, stationed anywhere from the belt ranging from point to mid-off over the course of his career.
#4 Mohammed Kaif
It is impossible to name Yuvraj Singh without naming Mohammed Kaif in the same sentence when it came to fielding. Much like batting and bowling partnerships, Yuvraj-Kaif hunted in pairs to stop anything that came their way in any way possible.
Kaif's lean physique made him svelte and he just raced though the outfield. His incredible athleticism added to his favor, and it helped his case as his fielding traits were considered on par with his batting, meaning selection on a consistent basis.
#3 Rahul Dravid
Record holder of most catches by an Indian fielder in history, Rahul Dravid made his presence as one of the most versatile candidates in history. His judgement in the slips, his short fielding and his ability as a wicket-keeper makes him among the best fielders India have ever produced.
He played a huge role in Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh amassing wickets in their careers by claiming catches off their bowling. Making the attempts look easier than it was, might have been the factor that showcased how truly great Dravid was as a fielder.
#2 Suresh Raina
A fan favorite, Suresh Raina was not explosive like some of the other top fielders with him, but he made up for it with his reliability and presence of mind. His catch to dismiss Younis Khan in the 2012 Asia Cup is a prime example of that.
He did not have the tall frame to dominate the hotspots or the circle edges, but he still managed to be an imposing presence while protecting the area and hardly let any catching opportunity slip by.
He has not lost his fielding traits as he is still at his best while playing in the Road Safety Series or the Legends League Cricket post his retirement.
#1 Ravindra Jadeja
When it comes to pure ability and all-round fielding skills, there is arguably none better than Ravindra Jadeja. If a hypothetical ideal fielder would have been asked for in the days of old, the result would have been Jadeja, because of how faultless he was across all facets.
A freak of a left arm, with an innate ability to judge, impeccable reflexes, and incredible athleticism, flexibility, and pace to match it all, Jadeja dominated the hotspots like it was his kingdom.
Batters would fear taking on Jadeja's arm fearing a potential run out, and there have been only a few fielders that have struck fear into the opposition's hearts.