This is about the unsung heroes of the game—the fielders. We’ll delve into the players who have set the bar with the most catches in IPL history. These moments of athleticism, timing, and precision highlight the players’ exceptional skills and play a pivotal role in shaping the outcomes of matches. Let’s explore the best fielders who have elevated the game and set new benchmarks for future generations.
Most Catches in IPL 2024
Several stunning fielding efforts were displayed in the latest edition of IPL. As the years progressed, fielders have become even more lethal, managing to take numerous catches in the air. 2024 was no different, with many youngsters becoming top fielders.
Player | Team | Matches Played | Catches Taken | Catching Efficiency |
Axar Patel | Delhi Capitals | 14 | 13 | 95% |
Dhruv Jurel | Rajasthan Royals | 15 | 11 | 90% |
Shreyas Iyer | Kolkata Knight Riders | 15 | 10 | 88% |
Delhi Capitals’ off-spinner Axar Patel excelled at taking catches with his quickness and accuracy. Not only did he pick up regular wickets, but he also scored odd runs with the bat. He made an absolute impact with his outstanding fielding effort.
Most Catches in IPL 2023
In 2023, a number of young players demonstrated their proficiency in fielding. Not to forget, 34-year-old Virat Kohli also made the list. Therefore, we will remember the 2023 edition as a time when the experienced players outperformed the younger ones. Here’s a table for your perusal:
Player | Team | Matches Played | Catches Taken | Catching Efficiency |
Ruturaj Gaikwad | Chennai Super Kings | 16 | 17 | 95% |
Virat Kohli | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 14 | 13 | 90% |
Aiden Markaram | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 13 | 11 | 88% |
In addition to Kohli, Indian youngster Ruturaj Gaikwad significantly transformed the game for young fielders. Besides opening for CSK, Gaikwad did his best, plucking balls out of thin air. He was given a run for the money by Sunrisers Hyderabad’s South African recruit Aiden Markram, who himself caught 11 catches in 13 games he played, saving runs on the boundary with his athletic fielding.
Most Catches in IPL 2022
While the younger players excelled in 2023, the experienced players maintained their dominance in the 2022 edition. The likes of Kane Williamson and India’s Mayank Agarwal gave young Riyan Parag some competition. Here’s the table that will tell you the story:
Player | Team | Matches Played | Catches Taken | Catching Efficiency |
Riyan Parag | Rajasthan Royals | 17 | 17 | 100% |
Mayank Agarwal | Punjab Kings | 13 | 10 | 90% |
Kane Williamson | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 13 | 10 | 88% |
The show’s star was Riyan Parag, a player for the Rajasthan Royals. He played 17 games and went on to take 17 catches. Agarwal, who represented Punjab Kings that season, closely followed him. On the other hand, Williamson, one of the top batters in the world, came third with 10 catches in 13 games.
Most Catches in IPL 2021
Even in 2021, the veterans were taking all the catches. As seen in the table below, the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Faf du Plessis, and Steve Smith made the art of catching the ball look so easy.
Player | Team | Matches Played | Catches Taken | Catching Efficiency |
Ravindra Jadeja | Chennai Super Kings | 16 | 13 | 100% |
Faf du Plessis | Chennai Super Kings | 16 | 12 | 90% |
Steve Smith | Delhi Capitals | 8 | 9 | 88% |
CSK, who had won the title that year, produced two of the best catchers that season: Jadeja and du Plessis, who competed against each other. The former took 13 catches, while the latter accounted for one short. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals’ Steve Smith was the third-best fielder with nine catches in eight games.
Most IPL Catches in IPL | All-Time Record
When it comes to records, it is India’s Virat Kohli who has the most number of catches to his name. Suresh Raina, his compatriot, closely trails him with the second-highest number of catches in the IPL. West Indies’ Kieron Pollard, with 103 catches, follows both the Indians. Here’s a full table:
Name | Span | Matches | Inns | Catches | Max | Ct/inns |
Virat Kohli (RCB) | 2008-2024 | 252 | 250 | 114 | 3 | 0.456 |
Suresh Raina (CSK/GL) | 2008-2021 | 205 | 204 | 109 | 3 | 0.534 |
Kieron Pollard (MI) | 2010-2022 | 189 | 189 | 103 | 2 | 0.544 |
Ravindra Jadeja (CSK/GL/Kochi/RR) | 2008-2024 | 240 | 239 | 103 | 4 | 0.43 |
Rohit Sharma (DCH/MI) | 2008-2024 | 257 | 257 | 101 | 3 | 0.392 |
Shikhar Dhawan (DC/DCH/MI/PBKS/SRH) | 2008-2024 | 222 | 222 | 99 | 3 | 0.445 |
AB de Villiers (DC/RCB) | 2008-2021 | 184 | 130 | 90 | 3 | 0.692 |
David Warner (DC/SRH) | 2009-2024 | 184 | 183 | 86 | 4 | 0.469 |
Manish Pandey (DC/KKR/LSG/MI/PWI/RCB/SRH) | 2008-2024 | 171 | 171 | 83 | 3 | 0.485 |
Final Thoughts
Fielding often remains the most ignorant aspect of cricket. However, this is no longer the case! With the introduction of T20 cricket, particularly the IPL, fielding has gained significant prominence. Broadcasters usually make a video loop of some of the best catches each season and also give away a separate trophy and prize money to the man who has taken the best catch in that particular season. This ensures that fielders give their best, and they also understand that if you can’t score runs with the bat, you can actually save for your team with some outstanding fielding.
That’s why so many players post-2000 have made a name for themselves in fielding. This phenomenon is particularly evident in the IPL, where players such as Kohli, Raina, and Pollard previously dominated the field. Now, players like Hardik Pandya and Riyan Parag, renowned for their ability to hit the ball effortlessly, are taking over.
With the IPL setting new standards, fielding is only going to become a more strategic aspect of the game. As the league expands, one should expect even more amazing pitch performances.
FAQs
Virat Kohli leads with 114 catches in IPL history, showcasing consistency throughout his career.
Chennai Super Kings are known for their exceptional fielding, led by stalwarts like Ravindra Jadeja and Faf du Plessis.
Axar Patel of the Delhi Capitals was the standout fielder in IPL 2024, taking 13 catches with a catching efficiency of 95%.