Fielding is an important part of cricket, especially in the T20 format. The fielders contribute heavily to the team’s cause in modern cricket, and, thus, make an impact on the outcome of the match. They build on the pressure on the batting team – tempting them to play a loose or rash shot.
The fielding standards in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is top-class. In the IPL, we have seen the fielders taking some implausible catches in each season. They have taken the level of fielding to another level – something not seen often in other leagues.
On that note, we take a look at the fielders with the most number of catches in an IPL innings:
Sachin Tendulkar (2008):
The first name to feature in this article is the Master Blaster, Sachin Tendulkar. The Mumbaikar took four catches in the inaugural edition of the IPL. Sachin achieved this feat against Kolkata Knight Riders at Wankhede.
Batting first, Kolkata Knight Riders were bundled out on a mere 67 – thanks to the sumptuous bowling performance of Shaun Pollock (3 wickets) and the good support from the other bowlers. Sachin took the catches of Salman Butt (13), Wriddhiman Saha (1), Ajit Agarkar (15) and Shoaib Akhtar (2) in the innings. Mumbai Indians won the match in the sixth over only, with Shaun Pollock adjudged as Man of the Match.
David Warner (2010):
The Australia opener, David Warner, also took four catches in the third season of the Indian Premier League. He accomplished the milestone against Rajasthan Royals in Delhi. Batting first, Delhi Daredevils made a good total of 188, with Dinesh Karthik top-scoring for them.
In reply, Rajasthan Royals failed to get even close to the target as DD bowlers restricted them to 121. David Warner took the catches of Michael Lumb (0), Adam Voges (15), Yusuf Pathan (24) and Sumit Narwal (12). Delhi Daredevils won the match comfortably, with Karthik named the Man of the Match for his blistering knock.
Jacques Kallis (2011):
The legendary all-rounder, Jacques Kallis, holds the third position, as he also took four catches against the Deccan Chargers. The South African reached the landmark in Kolkata in the 2011 edition of the IPL. Kallis was excellent throughout the game, as the right-handed batsman also made a fine fifty with the willow.
Batting first, KKR posted 163 on the board – courtesy Kallis’ 53 and decent contributions from the Indian batsmen. While fielding, Kallis grabbed the catches of Bharat Chipli (48), Kumar Sangakkara (16), JP Duminy (6) and Dwarka Ravi Teja (14). Kolkata Knight Riders won the game by nine runs, with Kallis adjudged with the Man of the Match award for his all-around performance.
Rahul Tewatia (2019):
No one would have forgotten Tewatia’s heroics against Kings XI Punjab in the IPL 2020. Well, there is another record to his name – taking the most number of catches in an IPL innings. While playing for Delhi Capitals, Rahul took four catches against the defending champions Mumbai Indians in 2019.
Batting first, Delhi made a huge total of 213 in 20 overs – thanks to the marvellous batting performance of Rishabh Pant. In the outfield, Tewatia held the catches of Rohit Sharma (14), Yuvraj Singh (53), Kieron Pollard (21) and Krunal Pandya (32). DC won the match easily by 37 runs.
David Miller (2019):
David Miller is known for his fielding skills, be it an inner or outer circle. Miller also took four catches while playing for Kings XI Punjab in 2019. He reached this feat against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
Batting first, Kings XI Punjab made a total of 197 – with KL Rahul scoring a sensational century. Mumbai, though, won the game easily as Kieron Pollard played an excellent knock of 83 runs off 31 balls only. David Miller took the catches of Quinton de Kock (24), Kieron Pollard (83), Hardik Pandya (19) and Krunal Pandya (1).
Faf du Plessis (2019):
The most recent fielder to register himself in the records section is the South African Faf du Plessis. He also grasped four crucial catches against Kolkata Knight Riders in the twelfth edition of the IPL. Batting first, KKR posted a fighting total of 161 – courtesy Lynn’s 82 off just 51 balls.
The 36-years old took the catches of Sunil Narine (2), Nitish Rana (21), Robin Uthappa (0) and Dinesh Karthik (18). The half-century of Suresh Raina and decent contributions from other batsmen ensured a five-wicket win for CSK. Imran Tahir, the Proteas leg-spinner, was handed the Man of the Match award for his four salient wickets in the match.
