In the glitzy universe of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the limelight often falls on explosive batsmen and lethal bowlers. Sixes that travel into the night sky and toe-crushing yorkers steal headlines, while a crucial aspect of the game—fielding—quietly shapes the outcome of matches. From diving stops to direct hits, from boundary-saving acrobatics to high-pressure catches, fielders often turn the tide of games without ever facing a ball or delivering one.
Yet, amid the roar of the crowd and the glare of camera flashes, some of the most consistent, agile, and reliable fielders go underappreciated. These are the players who may not feature in the highlights reel night after night, but whose split-second brilliance saves dozens of runs each season and produces moments that shift momentum in their team’s favour. While players like AB de Villiers, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kieron Pollard have rightly earned reputations as elite fielders, there exists another tier of performers whose contributions often go unnoticed.
In this article, we shine the spotlight on the Top 5 Most Underrated Fielders in IPL History—those who may not have received the accolades they deserve but have been silent assassins in the field, game after game, season after season.
5. Riyan Parag
Franchise History: Rajasthan Royals
Riyan Parag is often known for his youthful exuberance and flair with the bat, but it’s his electric fielding that has truly set him apart in recent IPL seasons. A livewire in the outfield, Parag brings unmatched energy, quick reflexes, and fearless commitment to every game. His anticipation and ability to sprint across the turf make him a constant threat to opposition batsmen.
Frequently stationed at long-on, deep midwicket, or backward point, Parag consistently patrols key regions on the field. His diving stops and pinpoint throws have regularly saved crucial runs and created run-out opportunities. Parag’s aggressive body language and sharp presence inject intensity into the Rajasthan Royals’ fielding unit. Despite being one of the most active and reliable fielders in the IPL, his contributions often go unnoticed amidst batting blitzes and bowling heroics.
4. Gurkeerat Singh Mann
Franchise History: Kings XI Punjab, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders, Gujarat Titans
Gurkeerat Singh Mann may not have set the IPL on fire with his batting, but his fielding is a vastly underappreciated asset. The Punjab all-rounder has built a reputation for being one of the safest hands in the league. He is especially handy on the boundary ropes, known for judging flat shots and executing mid-air reverse-cupped catches with finesse.
Despite limited game time in recent years, Mann has pulled off game-changing moments with the ball in the air. One such instance came in 2019 while playing for RCB, where he completed a brilliant boundary catch, timing his leap to perfection, and saving vital runs for his team. His positional awareness and cool-headed execution make him a quietly impactful fielder.
3. Shreyas Iyer
Franchise History: Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings
Shreyas Iyer, known for his composure as a batsman and captain, is also one of the most alert fielders in the IPL. His athleticism is not showy but supremely efficient. Whether stationed inside the circle or at long-off during the death overs, Iyer has an uncanny ability to anticipate the ball’s trajectory early, leading to remarkable catches and crucial stops.
He’s especially adept at close-in fielding positions, such as short cover or extra cover, where his soft hands and quick reaction time have led to spectacular reflex catches. In the 2020 IPL season, Iyer led the Delhi Capitals to the final and was one of the top fielders in terms of catches taken under pressure. Unfortunately, due to his mild on-field demeanour and the heavy spotlight on his batting and captaincy, his fielding brilliance is often overshadowed.
2. Deepak Hooda
Franchise History: Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, Lucknow Super Giants, Chennai Super Kings
Deepak Hooda is the kind of cricketer every team needs—versatile, high-energy, and unafraid to dive headfirst into responsibility. While he has often flown under the radar due to inconsistent batting opportunities, his contribution in the field has been consistently stellar. Usually stationed in the deep or at midwicket, Hooda’s athletic frame and speed allow him to cover ground quickly, preventing boundaries that would otherwise seem inevitable. His judgment under high balls is impeccable, and he boasts a safe pair of hands under pressure.
One of his most memorable fielding moments came while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad, where a sprinting Hooda took a full-stretch dive at long-on to dismiss a well-set batsman—an effort that swung the match in SRH’s favour. His ability to maintain high fielding standards over the years has gone unnoticed, largely because he plays alongside more celebrated names.
1. Manish Pandey
Franchise History: Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Pune Warriors India, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants, Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders
Manish Pandey is often remembered for being the first Indian to score a century in the IPL, but his fielding prowess deserves equal recognition. A former U-19 star, Pandey has consistently displayed quick reflexes, sharp anticipation, and clean hands in the inner circle. Pandey is particularly efficient at diving saves and catching balls on the rise—skills that demand lightning-fast reflexes. His direct hits and rapid releases have led to numerous run-outs, including crucial ones in knockout matches. He rarely drops a catch and is known to make the difficult ones look routine.
Despite not being a flamboyant outfielder like some of his peers, his dependability, commitment, and athleticism have made him a captain’s dream in the field. However, his fielding brilliance is rarely spoken about, lost in the conversation of his batting form.
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