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Top 5 Indian cricketers with most catches in WTC history
Test cricket is indeed known for its skillset extending beyond the realms of batting and bowling. Among these, fielding emerges as an essential factor for the payers, especially in the red ball game. However, mastering the art of catching requires a fusion of athleticism, unwavering focus, and pinpoint precision.
Meanwhile, as the landscape of cricket evolves, the significance of exceptional fielding has witnessed a notable surge. Notably, players now recognize that proficiency in batting and bowling alone is insufficient, realizing that subpar fielding can tilt the balance on any given day. Indeed, instances of players facing exclusion from teams due to inadequate fielding fitness have become more prevalent. India, throughout its cricketing journey, has produced some outstanding fielders in Test cricket.
Speaking about the same subject, this listicle delves into the realm of Indian cricketers who have amassed the highest number of catches in the World Test Championship Cycle for Team India, showcasing their prowess in the field.
5 Indian cricketers with the most catches in WTC history:
5. Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill (Source – Twitter)
India’s young opener, Shubman Gill, made his Test debut during the World Test Championship (WTC) and showcased his fielding power in the slip position. With a total of 15 catches in the WTC, Gill stands as the fifth-highest among Indian players and the 24th-highest overall in terms of catches taken during the championship.
Notably, the 24-year-old cricketer’s noteworthy fielding skills were consistently evident in Test cricket.
4. Cheteshwar Pujara
Cheteshwar Pujara (Source – Twitter)
Specialist Test batter and dependable slip fielder Cheteshwar Pujara for the Indian team has contributed significantly with 21 catches in the World Test Championship (WTC). Notably, the top-order batter took 34 matches to be on the elite list of the WTC.
However, this places him as the fourth-highest among Indian players and the 18th-highest overall in terms of catches taken during the WTC. In addition, Pujara’s commendable fielding prowess is evident in his consistent performances, achieving the milestone of two catches in a match on six occasions.
Meanwhile, the great batter is not part of Team India and didn’t get the chance in the Test series against the West Indies and South Africa. He is a big miss in the ongoing England Test series as he failed to show his talent when India needed him most in the WTC Final 2023 in both innings.
3. Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane (Source – Twitter)
India’s star cricketer, Ajinkya Rahane, who is renowned as one of the most magnificent middle-order batsmen, has showcased his fielding excellence with 29 catches in the World Test Championship (WTC). Notably, the stylish right-handed batter took 26 matches with an average of 1.12 to achieve this great feat.
However, this achievement places him as the third-highest among Indian players and the ninth-highest overall in terms of catches taken during the WTC.
2. Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma (Source – Twitter)
Team India’s skipper Rohit Sharma, acclaimed as one of the great openers in the cricketing fraternity, stands out with 30 catches in the World Test Championship (WTC). Notably, the 36-year-old skipper took just 22 matches to achieve this remarkable feat with an average of 1.36.
In addition, this accomplishment positions him as the second-highest among Indian players and the eighth-highest overall in terms of catches taken during the WTC. The dashing batter’s exceptional fielding prowess was evident in multiple instances, with his highest tally of three catches in a match achieved on three occasions.
1. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli (Source – Twitter)
Former India skipper Virat Kohli holds the record for the most catches in the World Test Championship (WTC) among Indian players, securing a total of 39 catches from 31 matches with an average of 1.26. Notably, this remarkable feat positions him as the fourth-highest overall in terms of catches taken by any player in the WTC.
In addition, the 35-year-old cricketer’s exceptional fielding skills were evident in several matches, where he achieved his highest tally of three catches in a match.