Catches can win matches in cricket. Some players are known for their safe hands and sharp reflexes. In this guide, we will share the names of players like Rahul Dravid, Mahela Jayawardene, AB de Villiers, Ricky Ponting, and Joe Root, who have taken the most catches in international cricket (Tests + ODIs + T20Is) and look at how they have become legends on the field.
Top 15 Catchers in International Cricket History
Fielding is as important as batting or bowling, and catching is a key part of it. This list of the top 15 catchers in international cricket history celebrates players who have made fielding their strength. Legends like Joe Root, Mahela Jayawardene, AB de Villiers, and Rahul Dravid have taken hundreds of catches across all formats, leaving a lasting mark on the game.
| Rank | Player | Span | Matches | Innings | Catches |
| 1 | DPMD Jayawardene (SL) | 1997–2015 | 652 | 768 | 440 |
| 2 | RT Ponting (AUS) | 1995–2012 | 560 | 717 | 364 |
| 3 | LRPL Taylor (NZ) | 2006–2025 | 453 | 549 | 353 |
| 4 | JH Kallis (SA) | 1995–2014 | 519 | 664 | 338 |
| 5 | V Kohli (IND) | 2008–2025 | 550 | 659 | 336 |
| 6 | R Dravid (IND) | 1996–2012 | 509 | 571 | 334 |
| 7 | SPD Smith (AUS) | 2010–2025 | 356 | 464 | 332 |
| 8 | JE Root (ENG) | 2012–2025 | 373 | 512 | 320 |
| 9 | SP Fleming (NZ) | 1994–2008 | 396 | 480 | 306 |
| 10 | GC Smith (SA) | 2002–2014 | 347 | 454 | 292 |
| 11 | ME Waugh (AUS) | 1988–2002 | 372 | 488 | 289 |
| 12 | BC Lara (WI) | 1990–2007 | 430 | 537 | 284 |
| 13 | AR Border (AUS) | 1978–1994 | 429 | 547 | 283 |
| 14 | Younis Khan (PAK) | 2000–2017 | 408 | 503 | 281 |
| 15 | M Azharuddin (IND) | 1984–2000 | 433 | 509 | 261 |
DPMD Jayawardene (SL) – Master of Catches
Mahela Jayawardene of Sri Lanka is widely regarded as one of the finest fielders in cricket history. During his career from 1997 to 2015, he played 652 matches across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, taking 440 catches. His name features prominently in the list of players with the Most Catches in International Cricket. Jayawardene’s safe hands and quick reflexes, especially in the slips, often turned key moments in Sri Lanka’s favor.
Record and Achivements
- Captaincy Achievements: Led Sri Lanka to several ICC finals, including the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 final
- Batting Milestones: Scored over 12,000 international runs, including 34 centuries, showcasing his all-round cricketing excellence
- Record Partnerships: Holds the record for the highest partnership in Test cricket (624 runs with Kumar Sangakkara vs South Africa in 2006)
- Awards & Recognition: ICC Hall of Fame inductee; widely regarded as one of the greatest slip fielders of all time
Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting was not just one of Australia’s greatest batsmen but also a brilliant fielder. Over his career from 1995 to 2012, he played 560 international matches and took 364 catches across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. Known for his sharp reflexes, safe hands, and excellent anticipation, Ponting excelled both in the slips and the outfield. His remarkable consistency and ability to take crucial catches often changed the course of matches, earning him a reputation as one of the best fielders of his generation.
| Format | Matches | Catches |
| Tests | 168 | 160 |
| ODIs | 375 | 199 |
| T20Is | 17 | 5 |
| Total | 560 | 364 |
Records & Achievements
- Scored 27,483 international runs (Tests + ODIs + T20Is combined)
- Hit 71 centuries, one of the few to reach this milestone
- Led Australia to two consecutive ICC Cricket World Cup wins (2003 & 2007)
- Also captained the team in the 2011 World Cup
LRPL Taylor (NZ)
LRPL Taylor has been a key figure for New Zealand, both as a batsman and a fielder. During his career from 2006 to 2025, he played 453 matches and took 353 catches across all formats. Taylor’s sharp reflexes, calm presence, and ability to catch under pressure have made him one of the best fielders in international cricket today.
| Format | Matches | Catches |
| Tests | 102 | 80 |
| ODIs | 304 | 266 |
| T20Is | 47 | 7 |
| Total | 453 | 353 |
Records & Achievements
- Scored over 11,000 international runs
- Hit 41 centuries across all formats
- ICC ODI Team of the Year: multiple selections
JH Kallis (SA) – Legendary Fielder
Jacques Kallis, one of South Africa’s greatest cricket legends, is ranked fourth in the list of players with the Most Catches in International Cricket. Over his career from 1995 to 2014, he played 519 international matches and took 338 catches across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
| Format | Matches | Catches |
| Tests | 166 | 160 |
| ODIs | 328 | 172 |
| T20Is | 25 | 6 |
| Total | 519 | 338 |
Records & Achievements
- Scored over 25,000 international runs
- Hit 62 centuries across formats
V Kohli (IND) – Elite Fielder
Virat Kohli, one of India’s cricketing superstars, is also among the leaders in the Most Catches in International Cricket. Since making his debut in 2008, Kohli has played 550 international matches across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is and has taken 336 catches. Known for his sharp reflexes, agility, and safe hands, Kohli is a brilliant fielder in the inner circle and the outfield. His consistency and ability to take crucial catches in pressure situations have made him one of the most respected fielders in modern cricket.
| Format | Matches | Catches |
| Tests | 111 | 115 |
| ODIs | 245 | 202 |
| T20Is | 194 | 19 |
| Total | 550 | 336 |
Records & Achievements
- Scored over 25,000 international runs
- Hit 76 centuries across all formats
- Scored over 25,000 international runs
- Hit 76 centuries across all formats
Top 10 Most Catches in Test Cricket
Catches in Test cricket can often decide the outcome of a match, and the best fielders have made their mark by holding onto every opportunity. Over the years, players like Mahela Jayawardene, Rahul Dravid, Ricky Ponting, and Jacques Kallis have stood out with their sharp reflexes, safe hands, and incredible consistency in the field. This section highlights the top players with the most catches in Test cricket, showcasing the fielding legends who have turned crucial moments into match-winning opportunities for their teams.
| Rank | Player | Span | Matches | Innings | Catches |
| 1 | JE Root (ENG) | 2012–2025 | 158 | 301 | 213 |
| 2 | R Dravid (IND) | 1996–2012 | 164 | 301 | 210 |
| 3 | DPMD Jayawardene (SL) | 1997–2014 | 149 | 270 | 205 |
| 4 | SPD Smith (AUS) | 2010–2025 | 119 | 227 | 201 |
| 5 | JH Kallis (SA) | 1995–2013 | 166 | 315 | 200 |
| 6 | RT Ponting (AUS) | 1995–2012 | 168 | 328 | 196 |
| 7 | ME Waugh (AUS) | 1991–2002 | 128 | 245 | 181 |
| 8 | AN Cook (ENG) | 2006–2018 | 161 | 300 | 175 |
| 9 | SP Fleming (NZ) | 1994–2008 | 111 | 199 | 171 |
| 10 | GC Smith (SA) | 2002–2014 | 117 | 225 | 169 |
Top 10 Most Catches in ODI Cricket
Catches often make the difference between winning and losing in ODIs, and some of the best fielders in history have made their mark with safe hands and sharp reflexes. Players like Mahela Jayawardene, Virat Kohli, Ricky Ponting, Mohammad Azharuddin, and AB de Villiers have consistently taken crucial catches and saved runs for their teams. This section highlights the top players with the most catches in ODI cricket, showcasing the legends whose fielding skills have turned key moments in matches.
| Rank | Player | Span | Matches | Innings | Catches |
| 1 | DPMD Jayawardene (SL) | 1998–2015 | 448 | 443 | 218 |
| 2 | V Kohli (IND) | 2008–2025 | 302 | 299 | 161 |
| 3 | RT Ponting (AUS) | 1995–2012 | 375 | 372 | 160 |
| 4 | M Azharuddin (IND) | 1985–2000 | 334 | 332 | 156 |
| 5 | LRPL Taylor (NZ) | 2006–2022 | 236 | 232 | 142 |
| 6 | SR Tendulkar (IND) | 1989–2012 | 463 | 456 | 140 |
| 7 | SP Fleming (NZ) | 1994–2007 | 280 | 276 | 133 |
| 8 | JH Kallis (SA) | 1996–2014 | 328 | 324 | 131 |
| 9 | Younis Khan (PAK) | 2000–2015 | 265 | 257 | 130 |
| 10 | M Muralidaran (SL) | 1993–2011 | 350 | 347 | 130 |
Top 10 Most Catches in T20IS Cricket
In the fast-paced T20 format, every catch counts and can change the momentum of a match instantly. Some of the finest fielders in the world have made their mark with quick reflexes and safe hands in crucial moments. Players like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Ross Taylor, MS Dhoni, and David Warner have stood out for their consistency and agility in T20Is. This section highlights the top players with the most catches in T20I cricket, celebrating the fielding legends who have turned tight games in their team’s favor.
| Rank | Player | Span | Matches | Innings | Catches |
| 1 | DA Miller (SA) | 2010–2024 | 130 | 129 | 81 |
| 2 | Mohammad Nabi (AFG) | 2010–2025 | 142 | 142 | 76 |
| 3 | Muhammad Waseem (UAE) | 2021–2025 | 89 | 89 | 70 |
| 4 | MJ Guptill (NZ) | 2009–2022 | 122 | 121 | 68 |
| 5 | GH Dockrell (IRE) | 2010–2025 | 146 | 143 | 66 |
| 6 | TG Southee (NZ) | 2008–2024 | 126 | 124 | 65 |
| 7 | RG Sharma (IND) | 2007–2024 | 159 | 159 | 65 |
| 8 | DA Warner (AUS) | 2009–2024 | 110 | 110 | 62 |
| 9 | GJ Maxwell (AUS) | 2012–2025 | 124 | 123 | 62 |
| 10 | S Muniandy (MAS) | 2019–2025 | 105 | 103 | 60 |
Final Words
Fielding is often called the backbone of cricket, and catches are one of the most crucial ways a fielder can influence a match. The players featured in this guide—legends like Mahela Jayawardene, Ricky Ponting, Rahul Dravid, Virat Kohli, and Jacques Kallis—have shown how sharp reflexes, safe hands, and consistent effort can turn the tide in crucial moments.
From Tests to ODIs to T20Is, these top catchers have not only made history with their numbers but have also set a standard for future generations. Their contributions remind us that cricket is not just about batting and bowling—it’s also about brilliance in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who has taken the most catches in international cricket?
Mahela Jayawardene holds the record for the most catches across all formats of international cricket, with over 440 catches in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is combined.
2. Which player has the most catches in Test cricket?
Joe Root of England leads the charts in Test cricket, with 213 catches in 158 matches.
3. Who holds the record for most catches in ODIs?
Sri Lankan legend Mahela Jayawardene tops the ODI fielders’ list, with 218 catches in 448 matches.
4. Which fielder has the most catches in T20Is?
David Miller from South Africa is the leading catcher in T20Is, with 81 catches in 130 matches.
5. Why are catches important in cricket?
Catches can change the course of a match. A single catch can dismiss a key batsman, shift momentum, and boost the team’s morale.
6. Are all fielders equally skilled at taking catches?
No. Fielders in slips, close-in positions, or the outfield often specialize in catching. Players like Rahul Dravid, AB de Villiers, and Virat Kohli are known for exceptional reflexes and safe hands.
7. Do wicketkeepers count in this list?
This guide focuses on catches taken by non-wicketkeepers. Wicketkeepers have separate records for dismissals, including catches and stumpings.
