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Cricket has witnessed numerous exceptional fielders whose agility, reflexes, and anticipation have significantly impacted the game. Among these, South Africa's Jonty Rhodes is widely regarded as the best fielder in the world. His revolutionary fielding techniques and athleticism set new standards, inspiring future generations to prioritize this crucial aspect of the sport.
Let's take a look at the top 12 best fielders in the history of cricket, whose performances and stats are truly worth admiring.
| Rank | Name | Total Catches (ODI+Test+T20) | Total Run Outs (All Formats) |
| 1 | Jonty Rhodes (South Africa) | 139 | 56 |
| 2 | Ricky Ponting (Australia) | 364 | 78 |
| 3 | Herschelle Gibbs (South Africa) | 210 | 41 |
| 4 | Paul Collingwood (England) | 219 | 31 |
| 5 | Andrew Symonds (Australia) | 107 | 27 |
| 6 | AB de Villiers (South Africa) | 463 | 40 |
| 7 | Ravindra Jadeja (India) | 148 | 40 |
| 8 | Suresh Raina (India) | 167 | 31 |
| 9 | Faf du Plessis (South Africa) | 168 | 9 |
| 10 | Steve Smith (Australia) | 319 | 21 |
| 11 | Mark Waugh (Australia) | 289 | 18 |
| 12 | Colin Bland (South Africa) | 10 | 0 |
Jonty Rhodes is regarded as the best fielder in the world due to his exceptional agility, reflexes, and acrobatic dives. He redefined fielding with his lightning-fast reactions and remarkable accuracy, particularly in direct hits and boundary saves. His iconic run-out of Inzamam-ul-Haq during the 1992 World Cup is a defining moment in cricket history, showcasing his unparalleled fielding prowess.
A prolific batsman and exceptional fielder, Ponting's sharp reflexes in the slips and powerful throws from the infield made him a dual threat on the field.
Gibbs combined batting prowess with outstanding fielding, particularly in the cover region, where his speed and safe hands thwarted many scoring opportunities.
Collingwood's versatility allowed him to field adeptly in various positions, with his one-handed catches and diving stops being particularly noteworthy.
Symonds' athleticism and strong throwing arm made him a formidable presence in the outfield, often saving crucial runs and effecting pivotal run-outs.
A dynamic player, de Villiers' quick reflexes and ability to field in multiple positions, including as a wicketkeeper, showcased his exceptional versatility.
Celebrated for his lightning-quick reflexes and bullet throws, Jadeja's prowess in the field has been instrumental in elevating India's fielding standards.
Raina's enthusiasm and agility made him a live wire on the field, with his sharp catching and ground fielding contributing significantly to India's success in limited-overs cricket.
Du Plessis' safe pair of hands and swift movements in the field have been pivotal in South Africa's defensive setups, often turning matches with his fielding brilliance.
Beyond his batting genius, Smith's exceptional catching ability, particularly in the slips, has been a cornerstone of Australia's fielding unit.
Waugh's elegance extended beyond his batting; his anticipation and catching in the slip cordon were instrumental in Australia's dominance during his era.
Often referred to as the 'golden eagle' of fielding, Bland's prowess in the cover region during the 1960s set benchmarks for future generations.
Fielding is a critical component of cricket, with exceptional fielders often turning the tide of matches through remarkable catches, run-outs, and saved runs. The players listed above have not only showcased individual brilliance but have also inspired teams worldwide to emphasize the importance of fielding, thereby enhancing the overall quality and competitiveness of the sport.
As of 2025, Ravindra Jadeja continues to be celebrated as one of the premier fielders globally, maintaining his exceptional standards in agility, reflexes, and precision throws.
Currently, Ravindra Jadeja is widely regarded as the best fielder in international cricket, consistently demonstrating outstanding fielding performances across all formats.
Jonty Rhodes is often hailed as the 'king of fielders' for his revolutionary impact on fielding standards and his extraordinary athleticism during his career.
Ravindra Jadeja is considered the best fielder in India, known for his quick reflexes, sharp catching, and accurate throws that have significantly contributed to India's fielding prowess.
