IPL 2022: 3 IPL teams with the best fielding squad in tournament history
Just like batting and bowling, fielding plays a crucial role in the short form of the game. A stumping, a catch or a brilliant runout can alter the course of a match. In the Indian Premier League, teams look for players who are multidimensional and capable fielders. Good fielding is of immense importance in T20 events like IPL, the key between winning and losing.
Image credit: PA Images Ravindra Jadeja is a true cricket all-rounder in every sense of the wordWhen judging the fielding skills of a player, two things need to be considered. Firstly, how good they have been with their catching and often have they converted difficult catches into dismissals. Secondly, the ability to save runs for their team while fielding on the ground, even 10-15 runs saved by the fielders, can improve their chances of winning the match.
Former Indian cricketer and occasional captain Suresh Raina once described fielding saying, “You can get a bad ball while you bat and your bowling may not always be up there, but as a fielder, you are completely in control of how well you field”.
The 2022 Indian Premier League begins on March 26, 2022. While we wait for the event, let's look at the top three teams with the best fielding squad in the history of the Indian Premier League.
Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians have been one of the best teams in the Indian Premier League, winning the tournament five times. Along with good batters and bowlers, their players excelled in fielding. Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav are safe outfielders.
Kieron Pollard has taken some brilliant catches with his judgment skills. He has the second-highest number of catches in the history of IPL, taking 96 catches.
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Though Royal Challengers Bangalore have never won the IPL, they have had one of the most talented squads over the years. Their wicket-keeper Dinesh Kartik is second to only Mahindra Singh Dhoni with 147 dismissals in 213 matches. Virat Kohli, the former captain, has been one of the top batsmen as well as a fielder for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Dan Christian, who has been struggling with form over the last few years, has proved his worth as an exceptional fielder by taking multiple running catches. Glenn Maxwell is also renowned as a top fielder and has been retained ahead of the 2022 Indian Premier League.
Chennai Super Kings
Chennai Super Kings have been the second most successful team in the Indian Premier League. They have won the tournament four times and undoubtedly have one of the best fielding squads in the tournament. MS Dhoni has the best wicketkeeping stats in the history of this tournament with 161 dismissals in 220 matches. Faf Du Plessis is a swift runner and has taken several impressive catches around the boundaries.
Ravindra Jadeja is one of the rare cricketers who are skilled at almost everything from batting and bowling to fielding. The all-rounder is a capable fielder and is often seen catching, diving or running batters out.