Top 5 fielders currently in Indian Cricket

There was a time when India was considered to be a weak fielding side. Dropped catches, misfields on the outfield were a common sight when the Indian team was on the field.

However, with time this scenario has changed drastically. The young generation of Indian players has been simply outstanding on the field. A lot of emphasis has been given to the fielding nowadays and rich dividends are paid. Also, the outfields and ground conditions in India have improved over time which has allowed players to give their hundred percent on the field without the fear of getting injured. Fielding has become a major criterion for selection in the Indian team and thus India has produced some of the finest fielders in World Cricket.

We will look at the top 5 fielders in Indian cricket.

#5 Suresh Raina

Raina takes a sharp chance at first slip

When Suresh Raina broke into the Indian team in 2005 he was considered to be a perfect all-rounder. He had great pedigree with the bat, he was more than useful with the ball and he was brilliant on the field. Over time, Raina has just enhanced his reputation as one of the best fielders in Indian cricket.

While Raina is exceptional in the circle in powerplays, he takes the duty of protecting the boundaries in the latter overs. The southpaw is known for his energy on the field and even at the age of 31, he is one of the finest fielders in India.

#4 Hardik Pandya

Pandya has been brilliant on the field for Team India

Hardik Pandya has been a revelation for Team India. He has provided the much-needed balance to the Indian team. Pandya has played match-winning innings for India playing in the lower-order and has been improving as a bowler with each match.

However, because of his all-round skills Pandya's fielding goes unnoticed. The 24-year-old has been a good addition to the strong Indian fielding unit. He has taken some stunning catches in the outfield and is a complete live-wire on the field. Hardik Pandya has turned out to be a complete package India was searching for.

#3 Manish Pandey

Pandey dives to stop a ball

The immensely talented Manish Pandey has been a bit of a disappointment because he hasn't been able to do justice to his talent with the bat. Pandey has been in and out of the Indian team and has failed to live up to the expectations. But one area in which he hasn't disappointed has been his fielding. Manish Pandey has been simply outstanding on the field for Team India.

The Karnataka batsman has taken some breathtaking catches near the boundary and is perhaps one of the safest fielders in the Indian team. If Pandey can cement his place in the team, India can be the best fielding unit in the world.

#2 Virat Kohli

Kohli has been as safe as houses on the field

Virat Kohli is the leader of the Indian team in all aspects. He scores runs with the bat, motivates the bowlers when India is bowling and leads by setting an example on the field. Kohli is one of the most energetic players in the world.

He puts his heart out when he is fielding. Kohli is as quick as a rabbit and gets to the ball in no time. The Indian captain doesn't shy away from taking responsibilities. He is always seen fielding at positions where the ball goes maximum number of times. Kohli covers the long-on and long-off area in the death overs and has grabbed some tough chances fielding in those positions. Batsmen rarely take on his strong arms.

#1 Ravindra Jadeja

Jadeja has probably got the strongest arm in World cricket

Shane Warne gave Ravindra Jadeja the nickname 'Rockstar'' when the two first played together for Rajasthan Royals in 2008. One of the major reasons for that nickname was his fantastic fielding skills. Jadeja is one of the quickest fielders in world cricket. He has the ability to field at any position. The all-rounder has affected some mind-boggling run-outs fielding at the point position. He possesses a rocket-arm and hits the stumps more often than not.

Jadeja is also a brilliant fielder of his own bowling. He has taken some jaw-dropping running catches in the outfield and has turned matches around with his fabulous fielding.