Top 10 Players with the Most Catches in ODI Cricket History

Fielding has always been an important part of One Day International (ODI) cricket. Matches can change in a single moment when a fielder takes a sharp catch. Over the years, many cricketers have made a name for themselves not only with the bat and ball but also with their safe hands in the field. The players with the Most Catches in ODI Cricket History show great consistency, awareness, and commitment to their teams. They are remembered not just for scoring runs or taking wickets but also for stopping opposition batsmen through brilliant catching. Let’s look at the top 10 players with the Most Catches in ODI Cricket History, starting from number 10 and moving up to the number 1 record holder.

List of 10 Players with the Most Catches in ODI Cricket History

10. Muttiah Muralitharan

Muttiah Muralitharan, one of the greatest bowlers the world has ever seen, was also a steady fielder. His career is mostly remembered for his record-breaking wickets, but he also took 130 catches, proving his value in every aspect of the game. Fielding close to the batsman, Murali had to stay very alert, and his sharp eyes helped him grab chances that came quickly. His ability to hold on to catches under pressure added another dimension to his legendary cricketing career. When we talk about the Most Catches in ODI Cricket History, Muralitharan’s contribution cannot be ignored because he showed that bowlers too could be dependable in the field Most Catches in ODI Cricket History.

Player	Span	Matches	Runs	Catches
M Muralitharan (Asia/ICC/SL)	1993–2011	350	674	130

9. Younis Khan

Younis Khan was known as one of Pakistan’s most reliable batsmen, but his fielding also made him stand out. He managed to collect 130 catches in ODIs, a number that places him among the cricketers with the Most Catches in ODI Cricket History. Younis was often positioned at slips or close to the wicket, where his quick reactions helped dismiss some of the world’s best batsmen. His clean technique and ability to stay calm in pressure situations meant that Pakistan always had a strong presence in the field. Even though he is mainly remembered for his batting, his fielding skills were equally valuable to the team.

Player	Span	Matches	Runs	Catches
Younis Khan (PAK)	2000–2015	265	7249	130

8. Jacques Kallis

Jacques Kallis is often called one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history because of his balance of batting and bowling. However, he also showed his fielding quality with 131 catches in ODIs. He was mostly stationed in the slip cordon, where judgment and patience are key. Kallis rarely dropped chances, and his reliability gave bowlers the confidence to attack batsmen. His all-round ability, including his place in the Most Catches in ODI Cricket History, proves how complete he was as a cricketer. Few players could contribute in as many areas as Kallis, and his fielding records show his dedication to the team’s success.

Player	Span	Matches	Runs	Catches
JH Kallis (Afr/ICC/SA)	1996–2014	328	11579	131

7. Stephen Fleming

Stephen Fleming, the former New Zealand captain, was not only a great leader but also a superb fielder. With 133 catches in ODIs, he gave his bowlers strong support by staying reliable in slip positions and infield areas. His safe hands and calm decision-making were part of what made him an outstanding leader on the ground. When cricket fans discuss the Most Catches in ODI Cricket History, Fleming’s name deserves to be highlighted because his contribution in the field was just as important as his leadership with the bat and as captain.

Player	Span	Matches	Runs	Catches
SP Fleming (ICC/NZ)	1994–2007	280	8037	133

6. Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar’s batting records are unmatched, but his fielding skills also deserve recognition. He took 140 catches in ODIs, often at slip or point, proving his sharpness and awareness on the field. Many of his catches came at crucial stages, which turned the match in India’s favor. His presence in the list of the Most Catches in ODI Cricket History shows that he was not just a batting giant but also a complete team player who gave everything to Indian cricket.

Player	Span	Matches	Runs	Catches
SR Tendulkar (IND)	1989–2012	463	18426	140

5. Ross Taylor

Ross Taylor is remembered as one of New Zealand’s most dependable batsmen, but his 142 catches also underline his fielding talent. His ability to judge the ball in the slips and outfield made him a reliable option for the team. He often grabbed tough chances that others might have missed. His place in the Most Catches in ODI Cricket History highlights how New Zealand relied on him not just for batting stability but also for safe hands on the field.

Player	Span	Matches	Runs	Catches
LRPL Taylor (NZ)	2006–2022	236	8607	142

4. Mohammad Azharuddin

Mohammad Azharuddin was stylish with the bat and graceful as a fielder. With 156 ODI catches, he was one of the safest hands for India in the 1980s and 1990s. His movements were quick, and his hands were soft, which helped him take catches in the slips and inner circle with ease. His record keeps him high in the chart of the Most Catches in ODI Cricket History, making him one of the best fielders India has ever produced.

Player	Span	Matches	Runs	Catches
M Azharuddin (IND)	1985–2000	334	9378	156

3. Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting, widely considered one of the greatest captains and batsmen of all time, was also famous for his fielding at point. His 160 catches in ODIs underline his incredible reflexes and energy. He often turned the game by taking a brilliant catch or creating pressure through his athletic fielding. Ponting’s place in the Most Catches in ODI Cricket History shows how his influence extended far beyond batting and captaincy. His aggressive style inspired many future cricketers to value fielding as much as batting and bowling.

Player	Span	Matches	Runs	Catches
RT Ponting (AUS/ICC)	1995–2012	375	13704	160

2. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli is one of the best modern-day cricketers, known mostly for his run-scoring ability, but his 161 catches prove his brilliance as a fielder too. His fitness and athleticism allow him to take diving catches in the circle as well as in the outfield. Kohli’s energy lifts the entire team, and he sets an example with his commitment. His position in the Most Catches in ODI Cricket History highlights his all-round contribution to India’s dominance in modern cricket.

Player	Span	Matches	Runs	Catches
V Kohli (IND)	2008–2025	302	13848	161

1. Mahela Jayawardene

Mahela Jayawardene holds the record for the Most Catches in ODI Cricket History with 218 catches, making him the best in this field. His anticipation, technique, and focus made him one of the safest hands in world cricket. Jayawardene usually stood at slip or close-in positions, where concentration was required, and he rarely let chances slip away. Along with his elegant batting, his fielding made him a complete package and one of Sri Lanka’s greatest players. His record of 218 catches may stand for many years, showing the quality and consistency he brought to the game.

Player	Span	Matches	Runs	Catches
DPMD Jayawardene (Asia/SL)	1998–2015	448	12650	218

The players with the Most Catches in ODI Cricket History have shown that cricket is not only about batting and bowling but also about fielding excellence. Their sharp reflexes, judgment, and calmness under pressure gave their teams the advantage needed to win matches. From Muttiah Muralitharan at number 10 to Mahela Jayawardene at number 1, each player contributed to the game in a way that fans will always remember. Fielding remains a key part of cricket, and these names will always be respected as the best catchers in the history of ODI cricket.