Top 10 Fielders with the Most Catches in ODI History

Fielding is one of the most important aspects of cricket, especially in One Day Internationals (ODIs). A brilliant catch can change the course of a match in seconds. While batters and bowlers often get most of the spotlight, fielders play a big role in helping their team succeed. Some players are known not only for their batting but also for their sharp catching and quick reflexes. Many of these cricketers also happen to be counted among the Most Catches in ODI, proving that their talent goes beyond just scoring runs. Let’s take a look at the top 10 players with the most catches in ODI history.

List of 10 Fielders with the Most Catches in ODI History

10. Muttiah Muralidaran

Muttiah Muralidaran is mostly known for his legendary bowling records, but few remember that he also stood out as a capable catcher. Although he wasn’t often placed in the slip cordon like many Most Catches in ODI, he still contributed impressively in the field. Between 1993 and 2011, he featured in 347 innings and secured 130 catches. This shows that like the Most Catches in ODI, Muralidaran had sharp focus and excellent reflexes. His catching rate of 0.374 per innings adds another layer to his all-round value on the cricket field Most Catches in ODI.

Player	Span	Mat	Inns	Ct	Max	Ct/Inn
M Muralidaran (Asia/SL)	1993–2011	350	347	130	3	0.374

9. Younis Khan

Younis Khan is one of Pakistan’s finest cricketers, known for both his runs and his slip catching. Like the Most Catches in ODI, he showed incredible concentration and patience. Between 2000 and 2015, Younis played 257 innings and took 130 catches. His ability to grab even the faintest edges made him a dependable option in the cordon. Many of theMost Catches in ODI have good reflexes, and Younis’s catching rate of 0.505 per innings fits right in with that elite standard.

Player	Span	Mat	Inns	Ct	Max	Ct/Inn
Younis Khan (PAK)	2000–2015	265	257	130	4	0.505

8. Jacques Kallis

Jacques Kallis was more than just a powerhouse all-rounder he was an alert and dependable fielder. Between 1996 and 2014, he played 324 innings and held onto 131 catches. Just as the Most Catches in ODI are known for their consistency and balance, Kallis displayed these same traits in the field. Whether he was in the slips or at short leg, he remained composed under pressure. A catching average of 0.404 shows how he always contributed in every area of the game, just like the Most Catches in ODI.

Player	Span	Mat	Inns	Ct	Max	Ct/Inn
JH Kallis (SA/ICC)	1996–2014	328	324	131	3	0.404

7. Stephen Fleming

Stephen Fleming brought grace and composure to both leadership and fielding. Representing New Zealand from 1994 to 2007, he played 276 innings and secured 133 catches. The Most Catches in ODI often set standards in temperament, and Fleming matched that with his calm presence in the field. He mostly stood at slip and short cover, always prepared for the slightest opportunity. With a catch-per-innings rate of 0.481, Fleming ensured he added value not only as a captain but also as a fielder on par with the Most Catches in ODI.

Player	Span	Mat	Inns	Ct	Max	Ct/Inn
SP Fleming (NZ/ICC)	1994–2007	280	276	133	4	0.481

6. Sachin Tendulkar

Known for his enormous contribution with the bat, Sachin Tendulkar also quietly built a strong fielding career. Playing from 1989 to 2012, he appeared in 456 innings and caught the ball 140 times. Like the Most Catches in ODI, Tendulkar was disciplined and sharp, especially when fielding in key positions like mid-on or slips. His catching rate was 0.307 per innings, and while that’s modest compared to others, his long-lasting presence and alertness made him an all-around contributor, just like the Most Catches in ODIalways are

Player	Span	Mat	Inns	Ct	Max	Ct/Inn
SR Tendulkar (IND)	1989–2012	463	456	140	4	0.307

5. Ross Taylor

Ross Taylor’s fielding was an underrated yet vital part of his cricketing journey. From 2006 to 2022, Taylor featured in 232 innings and collected 142 catches. His catching rate of 0.612 per innings is one of the best. While most of the attention went to his batting, Taylor fielded with the same awareness and reliability we expect from the Most Catches in ODI. Whether in slips or close-in positions, his ability to take difficult chances made him invaluable like many of the Most Catches in ODI.

Player	Span	Mat	Inns	Ct	Max	Ct/Inn
LRPL Taylor (NZ)	2006–2022	236	232	142	4	0.612

4. Mohammad Azharuddin

Mohammad Azharuddin brought elegance to batting and agility to fielding. Representing India between 1985 and 2000, he played 332 innings and grabbed 156 catches. With a catching average of 0.469, his ability to move swiftly and judge the ball made him one of the sharpest fielders of his time. The Most Catches in ODI often excel in all departments, and Azharuddin’s athleticism matched that standard. His unique movements and reflexes gave India an edge, just as the Most Catches in ODI deliver in crucial moments.

Player	Span	Mat	Inns	Ct	Max	Ct/Inn
M Azharuddin (IND)	1985–2000	334	332	156	4	0.469

3. Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting is remembered as a fierce competitor and a smart tactician, and his fielding was no less remarkable. From 1995 to 2012, Ponting featured in 372 innings and claimed 160 catches. Like the Most Catches in ODI, he remained focused throughout the game, often creating moments of brilliance with his quick reflexes. His average of 0.43 catches per innings reflected his high-level field awareness and agility. The Most Catches in ODI inspire their teams, and Ponting did that both with the bat and in the field.

Player	Span	Mat	Inns	Ct	Max	Ct/Inn
RT Ponting (AUS/ICC)	1995–2012	375	372	160	3	0.43

2. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli, a modern-day icon, is widely celebrated for his batting, but his catching skills are equally notable. Since 2008, Kohli has played 299 innings and taken 161 catches. Like the Most Catches in ODI, he shows exceptional anticipation, especially in pressure situations. With a catch-per-innings ratio of 0.538, his presence in the field has consistently delivered results. Kohli’s energy and focus match the high standards set by theMost Catches in ODI, making him a key player on any day.

Player	Span	Mat	Inns	Ct	Max	Ct/Inn
V Kohli (IND)	2008–2025	302	299	161	3	0.538

1. Mahela Jayawardene

Mahela Jayawardene sits comfortably at the top, not just for his batting but also for his fielding brilliance. From 1998 to 2015, he appeared in 443 innings and completed 218 catches more than anyone else in international cricket. Like the Most Catches in ODI, Jayawardene displayed unmatched consistency and awareness. With a 0.492 catch-per-innings rate, he set an example for how fielding could win matches. His role in the slip cordon and his steady hands made him a complete cricketer, reflecting all the qualities we see in the Most Catches in ODI.

Player	Span	Mat	Inns	Ct	Max	Ct/Inn
DPMD Jayawardene (SL/Asia)	1998–2015	448	443	218	4	0.492

Fielding has often been overlooked in discussions about cricketing greatness. Yet, as shown by the players in this list, many of the Most Catches in ODI were also among the most reliable fielders in ODIs. Their ability to change matches with a catch reflects their all-around mastery of the sport. Whether in the slips, at point, or on the boundary, these players proved that a sharp catch could be as valuable as a century. Their contributions continue to inspire future generations to value fielding just as much as batting or bowling.