Virat Kohli
Stalwart batter Virat Kohli added another feather to his illustrious cap. He became the Indian cricketer with the most catches in the T20 format. This impressive feat unfolded during a fiery game between his IPL team, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and the Punjab Kings (PBKS).
The 35-year-old maestro showcased his fielding prowess by snaring two crucial catches – Jonny Bairstow and Shikhar Dhawan – propelling him to a new T20 milestone of 174 catches. This accomplishment dethrones the legendary Suresh Raina, who previously held the record with 172 catches.
Following Kohli on the list is India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, with a commendable 167 catches. Rounding out the top five Indian T20 catchers are Manish Pandey (146) and Suryakumar Yadav (136), demonstrating the depth of fielding talent within the national team.
However, when looking at the broader international T20 stage, a different name reigns supreme. The explosive West Indian all-rounder, Kieron Pollard, sits comfortably at the top with a staggering 362 catches. While Kohli may not be the global leader yet, his achievement signifies a well-rounded skillset that extends beyond his phenomenal batting prowess.
Looking beyond India, South African batsman David Miller emerges as the second-highest catcher in international T20 cricket, boasting an impressive tally of 290 catches. Another West Indian legend, the versatile Dwayne Bravo, follows closely behind with 271 catches, solidifying the Caribbean’s strong fielding reputation.
Kohli’s ascent to the top of the Indian T20 catching leaderboard is a testament to his dedication and athleticism. This accomplishment further cements his reputation as a complete cricketer, excelling not only with the bat but also with his fielding contributions. It will be interesting to see if Kohli can continue to climb the ranks and potentially challenge the dominance of Kieron Pollard in the international arena.
