In cricket, off side matters a lot. We have seen players like Ricky Ponting and Sourav Ganguly using off-side to make most of their runs. It is because when a bowler gives a little room, the batsman plays a powerful cut or a sublime cover drive and it becomes difficult for the bestest of fielders to stop it. However, we have seen many players who have been amazing off-side fielders of the game.
They rightly say that cricket is a game where fielding can often make the difference between winning and losing. You can witness the matches, the difference between the two teams always remains is of fielding. Among the various fielding positions, the off-side is crucial. Here is a look at some of the best off-side fielders in cricket.
Ravindra Jadeja is often hailed as one of the best fielders in the world and his prowess on the off-side is unmatched. Be it in the covers, deep mid-off or point, we have seen him flying and taking catches. Not just it, Jadeja’s ability to cover ground quickly and his sharp reflexes allow him to make stunning saves and run-outs. We have seen him multiple times turning the tide in favour of his team with his impactful fielding.
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There are only a few players in the world who are as legendary as AB de Villiers. Known for his versatility and athleticism, he has been an outstanding fielder on the off-side in his days. His quick movements and accurate throws from the deep have saved countless runs for South Africa and for his franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore. No cricket fan can forget his iconic superman catch that he took on the boundary.
Glenn Maxwell’s fielding is a spectacle in itself as he dives, jumps and showcases all his abilities to save runs for his team. Whether at point, cover, or deep on the off-side, Maxwell’s speed and agility have wo the crucial matches for Australia.
Faf du Plessis is another South African who has set high standards in off-side fielding. We have witnessed him being one of the safest fielders and with his ability to take catches and make quick stops has often provided crucial breakthroughs for his team.
Suresh Raina, although retired, remains a legendary name in the fielding domain. His contributions on the off-side, particularly at point and cover were exceptional. Raina’s speed and ability to anticipate the ball made him a consistent performer. In his days, he was the best.
Paul Collingwood was one of England’s best fielders, known for his incredible agility and precision on the off-side. His ability to field at backward point and cover with exceptional speed and accuracy set him apart.
No list of top fielders is complete without Jonty Rhodes, the man is a legend when it comes to modern fielding. Rhodes has single-handedly revolutionized fielding with his extraordinary speed, agility, and acrobatic dives. No one can forget his iconic runout in the world cup. His performances at backward point are legendary, making impossible saves and creating run-out opportunities with his quick reflexes and bullet throws.
These are some of the amazing fielders of the off-side whom the world will never forget.
