Fielding is a crucial aspect of cricket that can often make a significant difference in the outcome of a match. While batting and bowling usually steal the limelight, The significance of fielding cannot be overstated. India, known for its cricketing history, has produced amazing fielders who have shown their brilliance on the international stage. In this article, we look at the Top 10 Indian fielders with most catches in international cricket. These players have demonstrated their agility, reflexes, and safe pair of hands but have also played a vital role in shaping India's success across formats. From acrobatic catches in outfield to dismissals in the slip, these individuals have established themselves on cricket.
1. Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid has taken the most Test catches. He took 210 catches in 334 est matches.is also the fifth-highest catch taker with 196 catches in ODI. Rahul Dravid has taken three catches in an innings of a Test Match. He is one of the finest slip fielders in the history of Test cricket.
2. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli has over 300 catches in international cricket. He is the fifth-highest catch-taker among Indian fielders and the highest among current players. Virat Kohli is a very active fielder who capitalizes on every opportunity he gets in the field. He has taken numerous catches in IPL history. In international cricket, most notable dismissals include a one-handed diving catch to dismiss Peter Handscomb in Adelaide, a one-handed leap off Quinton De Kock in Southampton in 2019, and a one-handed running catch to pick the wicket of Martin Guptill in Manchester, 2019.
3. Mohammad Azharuddin
Mohammad Azharuddin has taken 261 catches in international cricket. He is the fourth-highest catch-taker among Indian fielders and third-highest among non-wicketkeepers in ODI. Some of his most famous dismissals include a diving catch off Anil Kumble‘s bowling to dismiss Mark Waugh, a one-handed catch to take the wicket of Brian Lara, and a low one to dismiss Michael Bevan in the 1998 Sharjah ODI. He has taken five catches in Test Cricket and four in an ODI.
4. Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin, with 256 catches, including 115 in Tests and 140 in ODI, is the second-highest catch-taker in ODI Cricket. He has taken a maximum of four catches in a single ODI inning. Some of his most famous dismissals include the long-on boundary wicket of Inzamam-ul-Haq, a running catch off Shahid Afridi, and the one-handed catch of Allan Lamb at the Lord’s in 1990.
5. Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma has taken 195 catches in international cricket, with 58 in Test Cricket, 77 in ODI, and 17 in T20. He is the second-highest catch-taker among current players. Rohit is mostly at slips in Test Cricket and the cover region in T20 Cricket. He is known for his sharp reflexes and safe hands at the slip cordon, where he has taken some brilliant catches off both fast and spin bowlers. Some of his most notable dismissals include a one-handed catch to dismiss David Warner and a one-handed leap to take the wicket of Glen Maxwell.
6. Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag has taken 192 catches in international cricket, with 91 in Test Cricket and 93 in ODI. He is the fourth-highest catch-taker among non-wicketkeepers in international cricket. Sehwag often fields at the slip position in Test Cricket and the inner circle in ODI. He has taken stunning catches off both fast and spin bowlers. He is known for quick reflexes and anticipation. He has taken a six catches in a Test match and three in an ODI.
7. Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly has taken 170 catches in international cricket, with 71 catches in Tests and 100 in ODI. He is third-highest catch-taker among Indian fielders and the second-highest among non-wicketkeepers. He has taken four catches in Test and three in an ODI. Some of his most famous dismissals include a diving catch to dismiss Brian Lara and a low one to finish off Matthew Hayden in the 2001 Kolkata Test.
8. Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina has taken 167 catches in international cricket. He is the 46th-highest catch-taker among all fielders in international cricket. He has taken three catches in an ODI and a T20. Suresh Raina fields at the backward point in all formats. He is a very agile and athletic fielder and has taken some absolute blinders and made outstanding run-outs with his deadly throw accuracy. He is versatile and can field infield or outside the inner circle. Some most notable dismissals include his running catch against Mumbai Indians in the IPL final in 2010 and a one-handed catch to dismiss Michael Clarke in the 2008 Nagpur Test.
9. Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane has taken 163 catches in international cricket, with 36 in Test Cricket, 102 in ODI, and 29 in T20. He is the 10th-highest catch-taker in international cricket. He is known for his safe hands at the slips and for his boundary-stopping abilities. He fields at the slip position in Test Cricket and the cover in ODI and T20 Cricket. His most notable dismissals include Steve Smith at the 2020 Adelaide Test and Marnus Labuschagne in the 2020 Melbourne Test. He has also taken 60 catches overall in the IPL with Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and Mumbai Indians.
10. Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja is one of the most athletic fielders in international cricket. He has taken over 140 catches in international cricket. He fields at the outfield region and is noted for his acceleration, catching skills, and deadly throw accuracy, through which he has dismissed many batters throughout the years. He is one of India‘s and CSK's finest fielders. His most notable dismissals include a catch off Imran Tahir's bowling to dismiss Ab De Villiers in the 2019 IPL. He is also the fourth outfielder to make more than 90 catches in IPL.
