ICC ODI World Cup 2023: 5 best Indian fielders in WC history

The likes of Virender Sehwag and Kapil Dev have taken some important catches in ODI World Cups.

While batting and bowling remain the more celebrated forms of cricket, the third aspect that needs an equal level of importance is fielding.

Indian fielders have been involved in some important moments in the field at ODI World Cups and have taken some crucial catches that has changed the course of the match.

Here are 5 Indians who have taken most number of catches in ODI World Cups:

5.Virender Sehwag-11 catches (2003-2011)

Across three World Cups, Sehwag took 11 catches in 22 matches at a catches per innings ratio of 0.5. The opening batter took one of the catches when Ashish Nehra ripped through England in his spell of 6 for 23 at Durban in the 2003 World Cup.

But the catch that most Indian fans might remember more fondly could be the one that dismissed Upul Tharanga in the 2011 World Cup final off Zaheer Khan's bowling.

4. Sachin Tendulkar-12 catches (1992-2011)

Tendulkar featured in six ODI World Cups for India and took 11 catches in 45 matches with a catches per ratio of 0.272. The batting legend took a few crucial catches during his World Cup career that included the catch to dismiss Moin Khan off the bowling of Venkatesh Prasad at Manchester in the 1999 World Cup.

3.Kapil Dev-12 catches (1979-1992)

Arguably India's best ever fielder, Kapil Dev took 12 catches in 26 games with a catches per innings ratio of 0.48. Among those 12 takes, the one catch that will remain etched in memory of most Indian fans is the one that dismissed Sir Viv Richards in the 1983 World Cup final, when the Indian captain ran all the way from midwicket to claim a stunning catch which turned the final in India's favour.

2.Anil Kumble- 14 catches (1996-2007)

Leading the list jointly for the highest catches taken by an Indian fielder at ODI World Cups is Anil Kumble. The 52-year-old former leg spinner played in four World Cups and took a total of 14 catches in 18 matches with a catches per innings ratio of 0.777.

Famously, Kumble claimed the catch of Wasim Akram off the bowling of Venkatesh Prasad to help India beat Pakistan by 47 runs in the 1999 World Cup match at Old Trafford, Manchester.

1. Virat Kohli- 14 catches (2011-Present)

The former India captain has the opportunity to surpass Kumble for the most catches by an Indian player in World Cups at the 2023 edition. Kohli has taken 14 catches in 26 matches with a catches per innings ratio of 0.538.