Over the years, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has become synonymous with thrilling big hits, graceful stroke play, deceptive slower balls, and yorkers that crush toes. However, fielding has also been a crucial skill that has influenced the outcome of several matches at different stages, in addition to batting and bowling.
Fielding not only provides a significant boost to team morale on days when they defend subpar totals but is also unaffected by various factors such as pitch conditions and ground size, unlike batting or bowling. The ability to field well is reliant on effort, athleticism, anticipation, and reflexes.
The IPL has witnessed many matches where the outcome has hinged on either a stunning catch or a missed opportunity in the field. When great fielders are present in different areas of the ground to save runs or dismiss opposition batters, it gives bowlers and captains a significant confidence boost.
The IPL has produced some incredible fielding efforts, with exceptional fielders such as Suresh Raina, Kieron Pollard, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and AB de Villiers, among others. Each edition of the IPL has also witnessed its fair share of dropped catches and poor fielding efforts that have proved detrimental to teams’ success.
This season, Rajasthan Royals (RR) batsman Shimron Hetmyer, Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman Virat Kohli, and Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Aiden Markram have taken the most number of catches, with six each.
With that said, let us examine the three worst fielding teams in IPL 2023.
#3. Mumbai Indians
MI, known for their excellent fielding, has surprisingly shown weakness in this area, dropping seven catches in five games this season. In the last two seasons, they have been among the top two teams in terms of the least dropped catches.
The absence of regular playing XI members, such as Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, and Kieron Pollard, who are exceptional fielders, has led to a significant decline in MI’s fielding standards this season. Furthermore, the absence of Jofra Archer, who is one of the world’s best fielders, due to injury has also contributed to MI’s fielding woes.
MI’s seven dropped catches have resulted in 12 additional runs for the opposition, which includes a boundary and a six.
#2. Chennai Super Kings
CSK’s poor fielding in recent seasons can be attributed to fielding experienced players in their playing XI. While the experience of these players can be beneficial in many situations, it also means that they may not be as agile in covering the ground and taking catches.
With around five to six players above the age of 30 in their playing XI, CSK’s fielding has suffered, with them dropping 18 catches last season, the third-highest in the league. This played a significant role in their second-to-bottom finish in the points table.
Their fielding has not improved this season, with them dropping ten catches in five matches, averaging two drops per game. In their recent match against RCB, CSK dropped Faf du Plessis, which almost proved costly.
#1. Sunrisers Hyderabad
Despite having an experienced fielding coach in Hemang Badani, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has been one of the poorest fielding teams in IPL 2023, having dropped the most number of catches so far this season.
SRH has dropped 12 catches in their five games, averaging a concerning 2.4 dropped catches per match. The consequences of these drops have cost them 22 runs, apart from giving opposition batters a second chance.
What’s surprising is that SRH skipper Aiden Markram, who is among the best fielders in the world, has already taken some breathtaking catches this season. Nonetheless, the team’s poor fielding has played a significant role in their position second-to-last in the points table with only two wins from five matches. Last season, SRH dropped the most catches in the league, finishing last in the points table.
