Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been admired for more than just some swashbuckling batting and thrilling bowling displays. Past seasons of the league have seen some of the most aggressive athletes enter the field, cementing their place in cricket history with their speed, accuracy, consciousness and stunning catches. The title of the best fielder in IPL history is a fiercely contested one, with legendary players like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Kieron Pollard leaving an indelible mark through their game-changing contributions. As we delve into this list of the IPL best fielders, prepare to relive moments that redefined what it means to be a true all-round cricketer.

Top 5 Best Fielder In IPL History

5. Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja is considered to be one of the best fielders in IPL history because of his speed and accuracy while throwing the ball. In terms of catching, run-outs and dismissals he has 103 catches in 240 matches averaging 0.43 dismissals per match. He has consistently been a major factor due to his remarkable ability to quickly gauge and react to circumstances at hand in the circle. In terms of being a fielder, statistics do not do justice to what Jadeja brings onto the field as he can create unforgettable moments during the match.

During match number 34 of the year, he reached the notable milestone of taking a breathtaking one handed catch at point to eliminate KL Raw who was comfortably sitting on 82 runs off 53 balls. Rahul attempted to hit a cut shot off Matheesha Pathirana’s bowling when Jadeja caught the ball in mid-air, this was a turning point for CSK as with the utilization of his fast reflexes and agility he was now able to catch the ball.

4. Virat Kohli

As a fielder he is equally competent in contribution along with his batting which makes it so iconic. With a total of 114 catches made during 252 matches that he played and a dismissal per match ratio of 0.456, Kohli has been one of IPL’s best fielders, performing outstandingly on the field and impressing due to sheer determination and fitness. Being one of the best fielders in IPL, Kohli’s catch holding ability and his sheer will to succeed often gets the best of him, which in tight situations is a time to shine.

Kohli, as an RCB fan, never misses a chance to show off his batting prowess, but he was impressive in the field in IPL 2024 Eliminator clash between his side and the Rajasthan Royals. In the 14th over when RR was batting, Dhruv Jurel was run out and that was mainly due to Kohli’s alertness. Kohli was well stationed at his position and when he saw a powerful shot from Riyan Parag, he immediately grabbed it and with a perfect throw to the keeper, which was enough to dislodge Jurel at the crease.

3. Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina, fondly called “Mr. IPL,” has been a cornerstone of fielding excellence. With 109 catches in 205 matches and a dismissal-per-match ratio of 0.534, Raina has been a vital player for his teams. Known for his ability to patrol the covers and mid-wicket areas with precision, Raina has taken some of the most memorable catches in IPL history. His consistency and impact in clutch moments have cemented his place among the league’s finest fielders.

Suresh Raina’s fielding brilliance was on full display during his stint with the Gujarat Lions in the 2016 and 2017 IPL seasons, where he showcased his remarkable reflexes and athleticism. He won the prestigious Best Catch of the Season award twice consecutively for his incredible grabs at the slips. In the ninth edition of the league, Raina pulled off a stunning catch to dismiss SuryaKumar Yadav of the Kolkata Knight Riders on a delivery from Dwayne Smith, leaving fans in awe of his anticipation and quick reaction. The following year, he repeated his heroics by claiming another jaw-dropping catch to dismiss Ajinkya Rahane of the Rising Pune Supergiants, this time off a delivery by Praveen Kumar.

2. Kieron Pollard

The towering Kieron Pollard has redefined fielding standards for big men in cricket. With 103 catches in 189 matches and a dismissal-per-match ratio of 0.544, Pollard’s athleticism and reach have been invaluable for the Mumbai Indians. Often positioned in the deep, Pollard has taken some unbelievable catches that defy physics. His ability to save runs on the boundary and execute pinpoint throws makes him a complete package in the field and one of the best fielders in IPL history.

In 2014, during a match against Rajasthan Royals, Pollard demonstrated remarkable presence of mind and athleticism when he took a breathtaking catch at long-on to dismiss Kevon Cooper, leaving fans and critics in awe. This catch not only highlighted his impeccable judgment but also his ability to deliver in crunch moments. Pollard repeated his heroics in 2019, winning the Best Catch award yet again. In match number 15 against CSK, he grabbed a stunning catch at the point region to dismiss Suresh Raina, showcasing his versatility and skill in adapting to different fielding positions.

1. AB de Villiers

Topping the list is AB de Villiers, whose nickname “Superman” perfectly encapsulates his fielding prowess as IPL best fielder. With 90 catches in 184 matches and a stellar dismissal-per-match ratio of 0.692, de Villiers is undoubtedly the best fielder in IPL history. His extraordinary athleticism and ability to pull off seemingly impossible catches have left fans and players in awe. Whether in the slips, the outfield, or close to the wicket, de Villiers has consistently delivered spectacular moments, solidifying his legacy as an all-time great.

AB de Villiers’ fielding prowess has often left spectators and fellow cricketers in awe, with his extraordinary athleticism earning him nicknames like “Superman” and even “Spider-Man.” One such instance came in 2018 during a game against Sunrisers Hyderabad when de Villiers pulled off a jaw-dropping catch at the boundary to dismiss Alex Hales. Leaping high into the air and stretching to his full extent, he defied gravity to complete the dismissal. The catch was so spectacular that even his teammate, Virat Kohli, couldn’t hold back his admiration, dubbing de Villiers “Spider-Man” for his unreal ability to make the impossible look effortless.

Impact of the IPL Best Fielders

Fielding in cricket is often an underrated aspect, but the Indian Premier League has shown time and again how critical it can be to the outcome of a match. The players highlighted in this list of IPL Best Fielder—Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Kieron Pollard, and AB de Villiers—have not only set exceptional standards with their skills but have also inspired a generation of cricketers to prioritize fitness, agility, and precision in the field. Their extraordinary efforts, ranging from gravity-defying catches to crucial run-outs, have etched unforgettable moments in IPL history.

As we celebrate these best fielders in IPL History, it’s clear that their contributions transcend mere statistics—they bring energy, enthusiasm, and a winning attitude to the game. Whether diving to save runs, leaping for spectacular catches, or delivering under pressure, these players embody the spirit of cricket. They remind us that in a sport often defined by bat and ball, it is the art of fielding that can make all the difference.