Top 10 fielders on show in the IPL
When the IPL starts in India, the cricketing world comes to a standstill. This year, it has been no different and it gets bigger when we go into the business end of the tournament.
While the tournament has always been about monstrous sixes and toe crushing yorkers, what separates the champion team from the rest is their fielding. “A run saved is a run scored” is what the experts say and the best in the business are proving that it is true. From flying saves at point to juggling saves on the boundary line, this IPL has unveiled a lot of men who make a difference with their sheer magic on the field.
10. Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane’s story is one that would inspire every aspiring cricketer. He is a typical talented kid spotted and groomed by the Rajasthan Royals and has become one of the best fielders that the country has produced. He is extremely flexible and sensible.
Be it fielding in the slips, stopping potential boundaries at point, or near the boundary, he does what the team wants him to do. Speaking about Rahane, MS Dhoni once remarked, “He says yes, to everything”.
9. Brendon McCullum
Here is a superb fielder from the franchise which has arguably the best fielding side in the tournament. He leaps, dives and saves a ball that could not have otherwise been stopped by anyone but him. He is probably the only man who can bend 180 degrees and take absolute screamers on the boundary.
Baz (as he is fondly called) is an astute fielder and an unbelievable sprinter who flings his arms at anything and everything if the situation demands it.
8. Glenn Maxwell
Fresh from Australia’s World Cup win, Glenn Maxwell adds value to any team he plays for. While he is regarded as one of the biggest hitters currently, he brings more to the plate with his off-spin and excellent fielding skills.
His fielding exploits with Nathan Lyon in an international match took teamwork to a different level. With the Kings XI Punjab languishing at the bottom, Maxwell would be hoping to instil some confidence in the team with his electric presence on the field.