Five wicket-keepers who made an impact with their Ground Fielding

5. Andre Fletcher

Cricket in the Caribbean has a history of fostering the development of outstanding fielders. However, a few players can set the fire just by fielding and catching. For a West-Indian wicket-keeper turned fielder, Andre Fletcher had many of his countrymen to emulate, and Pollard was the best among them (as a fielder).

The aggressive bat announced his arrival in 2008; It took him a year to make his presence felt, and that opportunity came to him in England during the WC T20 in 2009. The opener bat initially joined the team to serve as a reserve wicket-keeper for Dinesh Ramdin; however, he was never given a chance to put on the gloves and keep wickets. As a result, only six of his 25 international one-day international matches (ODI) have been played, with him keeping wicket. Nevertheless, anytime Fletcher has been called to guard the outfield, he has performed admirably for the squad and not let them down.

The well-built West Indian possesses an accurate throwing shoulder/arm and has frequently been a factor in some genuinely outstanding run-outs. The right-hander compensates for the fact that he isn’t as quick as his competitors by having a perfect judgement of the ball in the air and its landing, and his hands are outstretched to catch them perfectly. Fletcher is a dashing batsman, reliable wicket-keeper and a superman on the field.

4. Dinesh Chandimal

Yet another player, but this time from a different Island, made his mark in 2010. We are referring to Dinesh Chandimal, who impressed everyone with his batting and fielding. Originally a wicket-keeper, he had to wait for the veteran Sangakkara to lay down his gloves for him to do it. Nevertheless, Dinesh was a fantastic close-on fielder and batsman, later a fantastic Keeper and Batsman. Quality prevails whatever Dinesh Chandimal does.

3. Dinesh Karthik (DK)

The existence of M.S.Dhoni has made it difficult for Dinesh Karthik to secure a permanent place in the Indian team. Although he’s only been around for a few months, the man from the South has already built quite a reputation for himself. In 2004, Dinesh Karthik made his international debut. In and out of the lineup for a long time, the right-handed batter ultimately impacted the Indian Test squad.

On the other hand, Karthik had to make room for Dhoni because of the latter’s arrival. As a result, DK took advantage of his limited chances on the world stage, although he was rarely allowed to keep wickets.

In the circle, the right-hander served as a powerful ball-stopper and an adept long-range fielder. In the end, he proved to be among India’s best fielders. 

2. Brendon McCullum

The Kiwi bird does not fly. But one Kiwi player can. His name is. Brendon McCullum. He opens the batting and gives the team a flying start. Then he dons the glove and is found flying behind the wickets. Alas, the Kiwi injured his back and laid down his gloves. But all was not over. He was the man near the boundary ropes, and he took flight again, taking some catches that justified his inclusion. McCullum is a class apart.

1. AB de Villiers

Why should a sportsperson be nick-named Mr. 360? Probably for his all-around abilities?

The title found its rightful place in AB de Villiers crown. He could bat. He could occasionally bowl. He is an excellent Wicket- Keeper—more than all, a class-fielder that none can emulate. 

AB could do all this with ease as he is a born sportsman. He took to Tennis early in his life. He ended up as a champion in School. Later, he followed it up with swimming. Once again, he swam like a fish. Then he took on Cricket. He had to wait a long time before Mark Boucher gave it up. 

Sharp-eye-hand coordination helped him win everything. Including people’s hearts, He never sledged—extreme polite behaviour. But, on the field, he was the Tiger. He was menacing and pounced at everything which came his way. That’s why he makes it to the top of our list.

• Matches –Test+ODI+T20
• Catches- As WK + on-Field catches