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Virat Kohli dominates at the top as Steve Smith follows in elite catch-taking list

Soumyajit Dutta

Mahela Jayawardene, Virat Kohli and Steve Smith [Source: @aramsuffi/X.com]Mahela Jayawardene, Virat Kohli and Steve Smith [Source: @aramsuffi/X.com]

Greatness as a cricketer is not only measured in terms of how well one bats or how well one bowls. Another metric that adds to the quality of a dominating cricketer is how well he fields. While there have been many players who contributed with sharp fielding and peak athleticism back in their days, contributing to wickets is the ultimate parameter.

Catches are crucial to turn the tide in a match, and though Jonty Rhodes, one of the most iconic fielders the world has ever produced, was known for his athleticism and reflexes, he failed to make it to the top five list of players as fielders with the most catches against a team.

Let's take a look at the top players who have the most catches in international cricket as a fielder.

5) Mahela Jayawardene - 68 catches

Mahela Jayawardene, one of Sri Lanka’s most elegant and prolific batters, was also a sharp and reliable fielder, particularly against Pakistan. Across 126 innings, Jayawardene displayed impeccable anticipation and safe hands, often turning half-chances into crucial dismissals with his 68 catches. 

Known for his quick reflexes in the slips and sharp ground fielding, he combined athleticism with cricketing intelligence, making him a constant threat in the field. His ability to read the batter’s intentions meant that Pakistan’s top-order often found themselves undone by his safe and spectacular catches.

4) Allan Border - 71 catches

Allan Border, Australia’s left-hander and legendary captain, was as dependable in the field as he was with the bat. Across 130 innings against England, Border showcased remarkable anticipation and safe hands, taking crucial catches that often tilted matches in Australia’s favour. His athleticism and sharp reflexes made him a key presence on the field.

Known for his relentless focus and no-nonsense approach, Border combined his fielding brilliance with an iron will, ensuring England’s batters frequently fell prey to his safe yet spectacular catches, reinforcing his status as a complete and influential cricketer.

3) Mahela Jayawardene - 72 catches

Mahela makes it to the list again, but this time with his catches against a different foe. Mahela grabbed 72 catches from his 94 innings against England, which again underlines his status as the quality fielder he was.

In ODI cricket, Jayawardene grabbed 218 catches, while in Tests and T20Is, he palmed balls 205 and 17 times, respectively. Against India, Jayawardene also boasts almost a similar record, where he grabbed 62 catches from his 110 matches. His peak performance on the field was in 2004, where he grabbed most of the catches in his career, which numbers to almost 38.

2) Steve Smith - 76 catches

Steve Smith has established himself as one of Australia’s sharpest fielders, especially in the slips, where his lightning reflexes and flawless hand-eye coordination make him a constant threat to opposition batters. Against England, Smith has taken 76 catches in 118 innings, often making difficult chances look effortless. 

His anticipation and ability to read edges perfectly have made him a nightmare for English batters throughout the Ashes battles. Whether leaping full-stretch or clutching low nicks, Smith’s consistency and focus have been unmatched. Notably, in February 2025, Smith surpassed Ricky Ponting (196) to become Australia's leading non-wicketkeeper catcher in Test matches.

1) Virat Kohli - 78 catches

Topping this list is Virat Kohli, who has been a nemesis for Australia with both the bat and his sharp fielding ability. Against Australia, Kohli has taken 78 catches in 130 innings, a testament to his consistency and sharp reflexes, especially in the covers and outfield. 

His powerful, accurate throws make him a constant threat to batters attempting risky singles. Renowned for his fitness and intensity, Kohli sets the fielding standard for modern cricketers. With two catches in the ongoing AUS vs IND 3rd ODI, Kohli now becomes the highest catch-taker in this list.