The importance of good fielding has grown over the years. Players have now understood that batting and bowling are not enough and that a bad day while fielding can lead to teams’ failure on any day. We have seen players getting sacked from the team due to their poor fitness on the ground. India has produced multiple great fielders over the years. These players have not only saved the team some runs but have taken some mesmerizing catches that have turned the course of the game in their favour. In this article, we will take a look at such Indian players who have taken the greatest number of catches in International Test cricket.
1. Rahul Dravid
We begin the list with Rahul Dravid. Rahul has caught 209 catches in 299 innings of 163 Test matches between 1996 and 2012. Also known as “The Wall” of Test cricket, the right-handed batter also served as the occasional wicketkeeper for the team. Armed with orthodox techniques, he is probably the last classical Test match batter.
2. VVS Laxman
On number two, we have VVS Laxman with 135 catches in 248 innings. Laxman has appeared in 134 Test matches during 1996-2012. The right-handed top-order batter was a sight for the gods when at his sublime best. He had the gift of hitting the same ball to either side of the ground. Still, his on-side game was super strong.
3. Sachin Tendulkar
Next up on the list is Sachin Tendulkar. While playing for the nation during 1989-2013, Sachin caught 115 catches in 366 innings of 200 matches. The right-handed batter was the most complete batter of his time. He was the most-prolific run-maker and arguably the biggest cricket icon the world has ever seen.
4. Virat Kohli
On the fourth spot, we have Virat Kohli, who has pocketed 109 catches in 207 innings. In his 108 matches since 2011, Kohli has served the team as a right-handed top-order batter. He is the most ambitious cricketer that India has given to the world. His fitness matches the top athletes in the world, and he is the most consistent all-format run accumulator of this era.
5. Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar stands in the fifth position on this list with 108 catches. Gavaskar featured in 216 innings of 125 matches between 1971 and 1987. The right-handed batter will be known as one of the best openers of all time. His defence was unbreachable, making it extremely hard to earn his wicket.
6. Mohammad Azharuddin
Making it to the sixth place on this list, is Mohammad Azharuddin. Azharuddin has bagged 105 105 catches in 177 innings of 99 Test matches during 1984-2000. The right-handed middle-order batter could turn a piece of willow into a magic wand. He had a strong leg side and had a successful run as a captain.
7. Ajinkya Rahane
On number seven of the list, we have Ajinkya Rahane with 99 catches under his name. While featuring in 157 innings of 82 matches since 2013, Rahane has played in the top order. The right-handed Mumbai batter made his Test debut in March 2013 and scored twin fifties in only his third Test match against New Zealand.
8. Virendra Sehwag
With 90 catches in his pocket, Virendra Sehwag stands in the eighth position on this list. While playing for the nation during 2001-2013, Sehwag appeared in 190 innings of 103 matches. With minimal footwork, the right-handed top-order batter has accumulated Test runs at a faster pace than anyone else.
9. Dilip Vengsarkar
On the ninth spot of this list, we have Dilip Vengsarkar. Dilip caught 78 catches in 202 innings. In his 116 matches during 1976-1992, Dilip served the team as a right-handed top-order batter. Tall and slim, Dilip was amongst the top batters of the world during the 80s.
10. Sourav Ganguly
Last but not least, the final player to make it to this list of elite fielders is Sourav Ganguly. Ganguly bagged 71 catches in 208 innings of 113 Test matches. The left-handed batter is regarded as one of the most successful Indian captains who forged a winning unit out of a bunch of talented but directionless individuals.
