This edition of the Indian Premier League has been one of the most intense ones. Apart from the defending champions, every team have faced a losing streak. And, most importantly, the underperforming teams like CSK have dragged some teams out of the tournament. Well, being the most competitive tournament in the circuit, IPL has witnessed some extraordinary moments.

During recent years, we have come across some iconic moments in the field that have left the critics as well as the fans awestruck. Most of you might remember Chris Lynn’s catch of AB de Villiers and Suresh Raina’s iconic slip catch for Gujarat Lions. This year has added a few more names to the list of the best catches in the history of IPL.

Talking about catches, you might also like to have a look at the best fielding moments which turned the tides for many teams. Nicholas Pooran’s iconic save and Faf’s jumping like an NBA player are some of the moments which depict the fielding standards of the tournament.

With the tournament entering the final stage, let us have a look at the best fielders of IPL 2020:

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-459171" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Ruturaj-Gaikwad.jpg" alt="Ruturaj Gaikwad" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-459171" class="wp-caption-text">Ruturaj Gaikwad. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

The most unusual fact about this year’s IPL is CSK’s early elimination. The three-time champions had managed to sneak into the playoff every season except this year. However, few players stood up for them during the final matches in the group stage. One of the players amongst them is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/crictracker/photos/4039760506054640" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ruturaj Gaikwad</a>.

This youngster had a terrible start as early on, he was infected by COVID-19. Adding on, a duck against the Mumbai Indians raised serious questions related to his capabilities. But, during the match against RCB, he stood up and scored a magnificent half-century. This was followed by two more half-centuries against Kolkata and Punjab. Apart from contributing with the bat, he also contributed on the field.

The opener was trending because of his athleticism during the IPL when he and Faf du Plessis created magic near the boundary line. Faf took a brilliant catch of Padikkal but there was a possibility that he might have touched the boundary line. But, at the right time, there was the right man, Gaikwad! Although most of the credit goes to Faf.

But the catch would have not been completed without the helping hand of Gaikwad. Another instance of Gaikwad’s brilliance came against KXIP when he took a pool-like dive to dismiss James Neesham. His elbows hit the ground badly, but he managed to grip the ball brilliantly. The future of CSK looks bright! He is ranked tenth on this list.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-450198" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Devdutt-Padikkal-2.jpg" alt="Devdutt Padikkal" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-450198" class="wp-caption-text">Devdutt Padikkal. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Before the start of the season, captain Virat Kohli had stated that RCB will try being the best fielding team of the season. And with a mature player like Devdutt Padikkal playing responsibly, RCB have performed way better than their previous campaigns. Talking about the fielding Padikkal has been phenomenal. By making excellent saves and taking sensational catches, he has established himself as an important fielder in the team.

One of those instances came against the defending champions in Abu Dhabi. After scoring a fluent 74, he backed the senior spinner, Yuzvendra Chahal, by taking an excellent diving catch of Saurabh Tiwary. Saurabh had targeted the mid-off area and looked to clear Padikkal, but he mistimed it and the ball was dropping short of Padikkal. But his super athleticism ensured that he grabbed the ball.

In another instance, he took a superb juggling catch of Shreyas Iyer near the boundary ropes. His presence of mind ensured that he never touched the ropes, and the catch was successful. Now, with the level of fielding increasing exponentially, Padikkal is one of the bright stars of the game and a future mega-star!

Finally, RCB have someone who can handle pressure when Kohli and ABD are unable to drag the team from trouble. Padikkal is ranked ninth on this list.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-452311" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Krunal-Pandya-1.jpg" alt="Krunal Pandya" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-452311" class="wp-caption-text">Krunal Pandya. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Mumbai are the only team that have been consistent throughout the tournament. Adding on, everyone is contributing and ensuring that Rohit Sharma&#8217;s injury does not affect the team’s performance. MI became the first team to qualify for the playoffs and the main reason behind this is their team’s performance in every sector of the game. The man who has been the backbone of the team is Krunal Pandya.

Apart from bowling tight overs and taking wickets during the crucial phases, Krunal has also contributed to the fielding sector. One of the best instances is his catch off Ravi Ashwin during their recent encounter. Ashwin was trying to score some important runs for the struggling Capitals before he hit one from the cue-end off the bat from Trent Boult’s delivery and Pandya took off a spectacular catch.

The reason why this catch was remarkable is the fact that while taking the catch, Krunal had to cover a lot of ground and he had to avoid a collision with Pollard. And, this time, Krunal showed brilliant athleticism as he tumbled after taking the catch but managed to grab the ball.

Adding on, he took the catch just when the ball had passed him, which showcases his reflexive skills. For his sheer athleticism, Krunal is ranked eighth on this list.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-460785" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Ben-Stokes-3.jpg" alt="Ben Stokes" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-460785" class="wp-caption-text">Ben Stokes. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Ben Stokes is the backbone for any team he plays. And the case of Rajasthan depending on him adds another feather to his hat. Apart from playing match-winning knocks and bowling economical spells, Stokes’s temperament and fielding ensured that Rajasthan makes a comeback in the tournament. His sharp fielding in the 30-yard circle helped the bowlers to make their economy rate impressive and hence, pressuring the opposition batsmen.

His presence at the boundary ropes has also resulted in a decrease of catches being dropped and RR making a comeback in the game regularly. Now, with England’s top three players in the same team, you might guess the standards of the fielding of the Royals. Stokes joined the team after some matches but was one of the best players in the tournament for them.

Stokes has implemented perfect dives and has given his 100% for his team every time he stepped on to the field, especially as a fielder. During RR’s match against KXIP, he almost took an incredible catch of Chris Gayle but missed by a fingertip. For his brilliant efforts on the field, Stokes is one of the most complete cricketers of this tournament. And, talking about his fielding rank, he is ranked seventh.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-457052" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Mayank-Agarwal-2.jpg" alt="Mayank Agarwal" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-457052" class="wp-caption-text">Mayank Agarwal. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

This year’s IPL witnessed the first double super over in the history of the game. With KXIP and MI unable to win even by the first super over, the game went on to the second one. The man of the moment for KXIP was Mayank Agarwal, because of his fielding efforts! After making a remarkable save, he also ensured that KXIP goes over the line and start their five-match winning streak.

In the first super over, Jasprit Bumrah showed his class and bowled excellently, ensuring that KXIP posted a below-par score. However, MI’s failure gave Punjab another chance to win the match via another super over. Mayank pulled off the save of the tournament by jumping and throwing the ball in the field, saving vital runs for his team.

Later, Mayank, along with the universe boss, ensured that KXIP was successful chasing 12 in the super over. Apart from this shocking effort, Mayank has been a safe fielder for the Indian cricket team and KXIP. He has saved many runs when KXIP bowlers were leaking runs.

But his efforts during the match against KXIP impressed their fielding coach which is the most important accomplishment for any fielder. For his outstanding effort, Mayank is ranked sixth.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-460437" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Ravindra-Jadeja-3.jpg" alt="Ravindra Jadeja" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-460437" class="wp-caption-text">Ravindra Jadeja. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/nothing-like-getting-behind-your-sponsor-ravindra-jadeja-pointing-to-india-cements-on-his-jersey-triggers-meme-fest/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ravindra Jadeja</a> is the first name that comes across one’s mind when he/she hears the world fielding. But this year has been an awkward one of the Chennai Super Kings and one of the main reasons is the age factor and lack of intent. But they had the best fielder in their arsenal. And this man was one of the best players for CSK this year.

During CSK’s match against KKR, he was trending because of his incredible efforts near the boundary line. He dived to the ground at deep midwicket when he took the catch. But he was about to touch the boundary ropes, but a sheer presence of mind enabled him to throw back the ball towards Faf, who completed the catch. The best fielding duo ensured that Sunil Narine did not hamper their bowler’s economy.

Apart from guarding the boundaries, he takes care of the 30-yard circle as well. The batsmen never challenge his arm and avoid taking quick singles when the ball is in his hands. The frequency of Jadeja’s direct hits is so high that even when he misses one, he gets criticised. The best fielder in the world is ranked fifth, only because of few dropped catches.

4. Jofra Archer

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-455716" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Jofra-Archer-2.jpg" alt="Jofra Archer" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-455716" class="wp-caption-text">Jofra Archer. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Jofra Archer came into the limelight because of his incredible bowling and fielding efforts. This year, the Royals have benefitted heavily because of his sheer pace and athleticism. He is also a contender for the player of the season award! Apart from his bowling and fielding, he has smacked few balls out of the parks too!

During RR’s match against MI, Archer showcased his top-class fielding skills by pulling off a one-handed blinder to send back MI’s star batsman Ishan Kishan. This occurred during the 11th over of the game when Kartik Tyagi bowled a short delivery and Ishan Kishan slashed a cut. But Jofra misjudged it initially and somehow, he managed to take the catch. This catch is one of the best of the tournament so far.

Apart from taking screamers at the boundary ropes, Jofra has also saved many runs with his superb fielding for the Royals. His sheer brilliance with the ball combined with his fielding skills has made him one of the most important players of the Rajasthan-based franchise.

However, he had a bad day in the outfield against CSK because of which he is ranked fourth in this list. But his skills are priceless, and he is counted as one of the best fielders of the game.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-450201" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kieron-Pollard-2.jpg" alt="Kieron Pollard" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-450201" class="wp-caption-text">Kieron Pollard. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Over the years, Kieron Pollard has been the man guarding the boundary ropes for the Mumbai Indians. His height, power, and swift moments have helped him to save valuable runs for the most successful team in the tournament. This year too, he has taken some good catches and saved many boundaries for the bowlers.

The best fielding from Pollard came against RR when he took an outstanding catch of Jos Buttler. Buttler was the only batsman who was hitting the ball from the middle of his bat and was looking extremely dangerous for the MI bowlers. But when he tried to clear the fence with Pollard guarding the boundary down the ground, the fielder grabbed the ball out of thin air and ensured that he held on to the catch.

Well, for a player in the final phase of his career, this was nothing short of spectacular. This catch is one of the best ones this season. Pollard, over the years, has created a reputation for being a safe fielder. And this has grown over the years tremendously.

Now, the batsmen don&#8217;t aim for the boundaries which are in his arc. Well, this is the safest way to clear the fence though. Pollard, for his brilliant efforts, has been ranked three in this list.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-446910" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Faf-du-Plessis.jpg" alt="Faf du Plessis' catch" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-446910" class="wp-caption-text">Faf du Plessis&#8217; catch. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Faf belongs to the group of CSK players who had a decent IPL. And he began this edition of IPL with some consistent performances. However, the lack of support from the end ensured that CSK was the first team to be eliminated. But the poor performances from the veterans in the CSK dugout never hampered his enthusiasm as he continued taking brilliant catches.

His series of brilliant efforts started in the very first game against the Mumbai Indians. His performance against MI ensured that CSK were in the game even when few players were dropping catches and leaking runs. Faf was involved in brilliant fielding efforts with Jadeja and Gaikwad which showcases his talents and dedication towards the team.

Now, with CSK entering another phase post-2020 IPL, it will be interesting to see how the fielding unit improves with Faf and Jadeja being the leaders of the CSK fielding unit. Because of his extraordinary efforts in the boundary line and saving countless runs for his team, Faf is second in this list.

This edition of IPL was lit up by his NBA-like leaps to grab the ball and gifting wickets to the bowlers. His co-ordination with his team members while fielding along with his sharp reflexes makes him one of the best players of the tournament. Also, talking about his fielding, he is the second-best this season.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-449813" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Nicholas-Pooran.jpg" alt="Nicholas Pooran" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-449813" class="wp-caption-text">Nicholas Pooran. (Photo Source: Disney + Hotstar VIP)</figcaption>

If you have closely followed this edition of the Indian Premier League, you will not be surprised by seeing Pooran at the top of this list. Yes, we are talking about an instance during KXIP’s match against RR! The relay catches are no longer surprises, hence, if one wishes to draw the attention of fans and critics, he/she must pull off something spectacular, as Pooran did.

This instance was arguably one of the greatest pieces of the fielding of all time. Even though it did not result in a wicket for his team, Pooran ensured that the ball was inside the boundary line. This effort was so good that even Sachin Tendulkar stated that this was the best save he has ever seen in his life. Although Punjab lost the game, they found their best fielder.

Later, he kept wickets whenever KL Rahul wanted to field. So, Punjab had wicketkeeping flexibility in their team thanks to Pooran. Now, with Punjab out of the tournament, cricket fans will surely miss the entertainment KXIP provided, especially Pooran. His sharp throws and safe hands ensured that Punjab were never blown away against RR.

But a couple of defeats in their last two matches dragged them towards the exit door of the tournament. For, his brilliant save, Pooran is ranked first.

~Written by Kumar Tatwamasi

Decent fielding can save around 10-20 runs, making it a crucial aspect of the game.

IPL 2020: Ranking top 10 fielders of the tournament

Well, being the most competitive tournament in the circuit, IPL has witnessed some extraordinary moments. During recent years, we

IPL 2020: Ranking top 10 fielders of the tournament

Decent fielding can save around 10-20 runs, making it a crucial aspect of the game.

1. Nicholas Pooran