5 Most underrated fielders today

Fielding is one of the most important aspects of cricket. Its significance cannot be quantified. A team that has a good fielding unit can save a lot of runs. In modern day cricket where the runs flow at a high rate, fielding makes a significant difference when it comes to the end result.

A good fielding side can save an average of around 20 runs in an ODI. A great fielder can be developed into a good batsman or bowler, but the converse is rarely possible.

In every discussion pertaining to the best fielders in the world, the names like Steve Smith, AB de Villiers, and Suresh Raina come into the mix. However, in this list, we will be taking a look at those fielders who are as good as or even better than the names mentioned above but never come into the discussion about the best fielders.

Here are the 5 most underrated fielders in cricket today.

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#5. Najibullah Zadran

Najibullah Zadran is probably the best fielder Afghanistan has produced so far.

Afghanistan is not a side that is known for its fielding. Even though the war-torn country has produced some amazing cricketers, they never had an exceptional fielder. Well, except Najibullah Zadran.

The hard-hitting left-hander is known for his ability to clear the boundary with ease. His one-handed six against UAE is a prime example for it. He was the player of the match when his team upset West Indies in 2016 T20 World Cup.

However, his fielding is something that we don't expect from a someone in a mediocre fielding side like Afghanistan. He has taken some great catches - including a crucial catch against West Indies during the T20 World Cup 2016.

He also played an important role in the field throughout the 2019 World Cup qualifiers.

#4. Corey Anderson

Plucked from thin air.

Between 2008 U19 World Cup and 2017 Indian Premier League, Corey Anderson took some mind-blowing catches. He is a very safe fielder and his ability to move swiftly is a great asset for any side he is playing for.

Even though the New Zealander is not in his best form with bat and bowl, his fielding ability still speaks volume. His most notable catch was in IPL 2017 when he took a stunner to dismiss Dinesh Karthik who was in blistering form.

#3. Ravindra Jadeja

Jadeja is the best fielder in Indian team setup

Ravindra Jadeja is a very versatile fielder. But his best fielding attribute is his bullet arm, which makes him a special outfielder. During middle overs, opposition batsmen hesitate to go for the extra run when they hit around Jadeja, as Jadeja's flat and accurate throw is very lethal.

Ravindra Jadeja is a very versatile fielder. But his best fielding attribute is his bullet arm, which makes him a special outfielder. During middle overs, opposition batsmen hesitate to go for the extra run when they hit around Jadeja, as Jadeja's flat and accurate throw is very lethal. His outstanding catching skill is just an icing on the cake.

During the final overs, Jadeja comes back inside the circle to cut singles and effect some direct hits. Anyone who saw the match between Gujarat Lions and Mumbai Indians in IPL 2017, will know how difficult is it to get a run after hitting the ball around the rockstar.

#2. Adam Milne

The Kiwi pace bowlers are generally more athletic than those from other countries. Trent Boult and Tim Southee have made their marks as brilliant fielders, both inside and outside the ring.

Adam Milne is another kiwi pacer who is outstanding in the field. The lanky pacer is known for his excellent pace bowling and wicket taking ability. He is a permanent presence in the New Zealand outfield. He is quick, agile and athletic. His height gives him an extra reach when compared to other pacers in the New Zealand squad.

His most notable catch came in Australia's 2016 ODI tour of New Zealand. Milne caught Matthew Wade in a catch that was reminiscent of Daniel Vettori's one-handed catch to dismiss Marlon Samuels in 2015 World Cup.

#1. Kane Williamson

Williamson dives to catch Stuart Broad's shot.

Although he is a part of every conversation pertaining to the current crop of best batsmen in the world, Kane Williamson is criminally overlooked as a fielder. He has lightning quick reflex while fielding at slip cordon. In Tests, he usually occupies 3rd or 4th slip or gully. The Kiwi skipper has taken so many blinders that this column won't be enough to mention them all.

In limited overs, Williamson usually occupies mid-on or mid-off. There has been an instance when he ran all the way from mid-on to long-on to take a catch. Even though he took it cleanly, his momentum propelled him onto the boundary line. He has one of the safest pairs of hands in world cricket.