We discussed in the previous article about the Top 5 Indian players with most catches in Tests and we stressed on the importance that the catching at slips and near the bat was the most important thing in tests. However, in the ODI format of the game, not only the in ring catching is if utmost importance but the catching at the boundary and the difficult catches are even more important as the batters try to hit the bowlers our of the ground more often.
There have been a number of fielders who have taken lots of catches in the ODI format for India over the decades and some of them have taken outstanding ones that are still remembered to this day very fondly by all Indian fans. Let’s take a look at the Top 5 Indian players with most catches in ODIs.
1. Mohammad Azharuddin (156 catches):
In the test format he was one of the best but in the ODI format of the game, he wax the single best fielder the Indian team had produced over the years and the numbers are proof of that. Mohammad Azharuddin revolutionized fielding in the Indian team as more and more young players wanted to become better fielders and more agile while watching this great man on the field for India. His Records are very impressive as well as in the 332 innings he fielded he took an impressive 156 catches to his name and established himself as one of the best fielders in the world at that moment in time.
Also Read | Best bowling figures by Indian bowlers in ODIs
2. Sachin Tendulkar (140 Catches):
Sachin Tendulkar was one of the most athletic fielders in the history of Indian cricket and even after there being so much stress for his batting, he would be fully committed to taking catches in the ring and in the boundary as well throughout his career. He played in 456 Innings and not in every innings he used to get catches but his influence in the field was also a big positive for the Indian team over the years. He got better as time went on and became an example as to how one should field on the pitch. He took a total of 140 catches throughout his ODI career.
3. Virat Kohli (132 catches and counting):
He is the only player in the Top 5 of this list that is very much active and is one of the best fielders in this stacked group of excellent catchers in the modern times of the game of cricket. Virat Kohli takes diving catches as well and taking sharp catches inside the circle too. He should surpass the Top 2 and gold the number 1 spot in this list in the future. He not only is an extraordinary batsman but also contributes amazingly while fielding.
Also Read | Indian batsmen with highest strike rate in ODIs
4. Rahul Dravid (124 Catches):
Rahul Dravid was not only a fielder but also a wicket keeper in the ODI format of cricket for India. He was a total team man aid he would always do whatever the team needed of him and that’s the reason why he was so respected by everyone. He has taken a lot of important and great catches in this format as well and helped India win a lot of matches in ODIs I er the years.
Also Read | Best innings of Rahul Dravid in Test Cricket
5. Suresh Raina (102 catches):
He has played many fewer innings as compared to the other people on this list but Suresh Raina was known for his out of the world fielding mostly throughout his career. He would take such catches that would blow people’s minds away and energize the whole team as a result. He took a lot of crucial catches at important stages of the game and he will forever be remembered as one of the greatest catchers in Indian cricket.
