Fielding in cricket is often overshadowed by flashy batting and potent bowling, but it’s a crucial piece of the puzzle, especially in the fast-paced world of One-Day Internationals (ODIs). Taking catches is a pinnacle skill within this realm, separating agile athleticism from sheer reflex and anticipation. Today, we dig into the record books, honouring the players who have scaled the summit of fielding brilliance, claiming the most catches in ODI cricket history.
Most catches in ODI Cricket till 2024
Cricket, often dubbed the “gentleman’s game,” is a sport that seamlessly blends power, strategy, and skill. One of the most crucial aspects of the game is fielding, and catches, in particular, have the potential to turn the tide of a match in an instant. In this article, we explore the fascinating world of One Day International (ODI) cricket and delve into the players who have mastered the art of taking the highest number of catches in this format.
Here is the list of the most catches in ODI Cricket:
| S.No. | Player | Country | Span | Matches | Catches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Mahela Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | 1998-2015 | 448 | 218 |
| 2. | Ricky Ponting | Australia | 1995-2012 | 375 | 160 |
| 3. | Mohammad Azharuddin | India | 1985-2000 | 334 | 156 |
| 4. | Sachin Tendulkar | India | 1989-2012 | 463 | 140 |
| 5. | Ross Taylor | New Zealand | 2006-2022 | 234 | 139 |
| 6. | Virat Kohli | India | 2008-2022 | 260 | 151 |
| 7. | Stephen Fleming | New Zealand | 1994-2007 | 280 | 133 |
| 8. | Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 1996-2014 | 328 | 131 |
| 9. | Younis Khan | Pakistan | 2000-2015 | 265 | 130 |
| 10. | Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | 1993-2011 | 350 | 130 |
Most catches in ODI Cricket: Mahela Jayawardene
At the top of the pyramid stands Mahela Jayawardene, the Sri Lankan maestro. With a staggering 218 catches to his name, Jayawardene’s grace and skill in the slips cordon were legendary. His ability to judge the trajectory, pluck aerial deliveries out of thin air, and pull off stunning diving efforts made him a nightmare for batsmen worldwide.
Ricky Ponting
Chasing closely behind is the Australian legend Ricky Ponting, who snagged 160 catches during his illustrious career. Ponting’s leadership resonated through his fielding as well, always in the thick of the action, directing his teammates, and often pulling off spectacular grabs himself.
Mohammad Azharuddin
The Indian stalwart Mohammad Azharuddin occupies the third spot with 156 catches. Azharuddin’s fielding prowess went beyond just numbers. His anticipation, quick reactions, and acrobatic dives near the boundary were a constant source of entertainment and highlights.
Virat Kohli
The modern era sees Virat Kohli rising through the ranks, currently boasting 151 catches. Kohli’s athleticism and energy are infectious, translating into remarkable catches in all positions. His diving effort to dismiss Hashim Amla at long-on in the 2015 World Cup remains etched in memory.
Most catches in ODI Cricket World Cup
The Cricket World Cup – a stage where batting pyrotechnics and epic bowling spells captivate millions. But amidst the drama, another battle unfolds the silent war for the most catches. These men, leaping for glory, transform grounds into aerial hunting grounds, etching their names in the record books with each breathtaking grab.
Here is the list of the most catches in ODI Cricket World Cup:
| S.No. | Player | Country | Matches | Innings | Catches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | R Ponting | Australia | 46 | 46 | 28 |
| 2. | J Root | England | 26 | 26 | 25 |
| 3. | V Kohli | India | 37 | 37 | 20 |
| 4. | D Warner | Australia | 29 | 29 | 17 |
| 5. | S Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 38 | 38 | 18 |
| 6. | C Gayle | West Indies | 35 | 35 | 17 |
| 7. | F DU Plesis | South Africa | 23 | 22 | 16 |
| 8. | CL Cairns | New Zealand | 28 | 28 | 16 |
| 9. | E Morgan | England | 29 | 29 | 16 |
| 10. | I UL-Haq | Pakistan | 35 | 34 | 16 |
Most catches in ODI Cricket by Wicket-Keeper
In the dynamic realm of One-Day Internationals (ODIs), where runs flow freely and bowlers unleash fiery spells, a crucial yet often unsung position stands guard: the wicketkeeper. Beyond the responsibility of safeguarding the batsman’s end, wicket-keepers are the silent assassins of the field, weaving a web of anticipation and agility to snare catches that defy belief.
Here is the list of the most catches in ODI Cricket by Wicket-Keeper:
| Player | Country | Span | Matches | Innings | Catches | Stump | Dis/Inn |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC Gilchrist | Australia | 1996-2008 | 287 | 281 | 417 | 55 | 1.679 |
| MV Boucher | South Africa | 1998-2011 | 295 | 290 | 402 | 22 | 1.462 |
| KC Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 2000-2015 | 404 | 353 | 383 | 99 | 1.365 |
| MS Dhoni | India | 2004-2019 | 350 | 345 | 321 | 123 | 1.286 |
| BB McCullum | New Zealand | 2002-2016 | 260 | 183 | 227 | 15 | 1.322 |
| Mushfiqur Rahim | Bangladesh | 2006-2023 | 268 | 252 | 227 | 56 | 1.123 |
| JC Buttler | England | 2012-2023 | 181 | 176 | 221 | 37 | 1.465 |
| Moin Khan | Pakistan | 1990-2004 | 219 | 209 | 214 | 73 | 1.373 |
| Q de Kock | South Africa | 2013-2023 | 155 | 148 | 209 | 17 | 1.527 |
| IA Healy | Australia | 1988-1997 | 168 | 168 | 194 | 39 | 1.386 |
Conclusion: Most catches in ODI Cricket
The list of players with the highest catches in ODIs is a testament to the multifaceted skills possessed by these cricketing legends. Beyond their batting and bowling exploits, these players have left an enduring legacy with their remarkable fielding abilities. As the game continues to evolve, new players will undoubtedly emerge to challenge these records, but for now, the names on this list stand as a testament to their excellence in the field of cricket.
Also Read: Most Catches in International Cricket
FAQ on Most Catches in ODI Cricket
Question 1: Who has the most catches in ODI cricket overall?
Answer: Mahela Jayawardene of Sri Lanka holds the record for most catches in ODI cricket with a staggering 218 grabs.
Question 2: Who are the top 5 catchers in ODI cricket?
Answer:
- Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka): 218 catches
- Ricky Ponting (Australia): 160 catches
- Mohammad Azharuddin (India): 156 catches
- Virat Kohli (India): 151 catches
- AB de Villiers (South Africa): 145 catches
Question 3: Who has the most catches in a single ODI format?
Answer:
- Test cricket: Rahul Dravid with 210 catches
- One-Day Internationals (ODIs): Ricky Ponting with 162 catches
- Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is): David Warner (Australia) with 75
Question 4: Who are the top wicket-keepers with the most catches in ODI Cricket?
Answer:
- Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka): 482 catches
- Adam Gilchrist (Australia): 415 catches
- MS Dhoni (India): 350 catches
- Mark Boucher (South Africa): 291 catches
- Brendon McCullum (New Zealand): 224 catches
Question 5: Which team has the most players in the top 10 for most catches in ODI?
Answer: Australia and Sri Lanka are tied with 3 players each in the top 10:
- Australia: Ricky Ponting (2nd), Adam Gilchrist (6th), Michael Bevan (9th)
- Sri Lanka: Mahela Jayawardene (1st), Angelo Mathews (8th), Upul Chandrasekara (10th)
