Catches win matches, and that’s the old proverb going on from the start of the game of cricket. Whether it’s the T20s, the ODIs, or even the longest format of the game, catches always help a side in putting their dominance over the opponents. Fielding has always been a vital aspect in the game as it puts pressure on the sides with the new batters walking in. From Joe Root to Rahul Dravid to Mahela Jayawardene to Steve Smith, everyone has earned success in this field. 

One can look back at the opening Test of the ongoing five-match series between England and India, where the Shubman Gill-led side dropped four catches in their first innings, with the ball, at Leeds. Yashasvi Jaiswal was the culprit on many occasions, whether at the gully region or even in the outfield. The result was known to all as India lost the contest by five wickets with the home side chasing a record fourth-innings total.

Let’s take a look at the top 5 players with the most catches in Test cricket.

5. Jacques Kallis (200 catches)

There was hardly anything the former South African player couldn’t do. If one needs to score runs at the top, or pick wickets in the middle overs, or grab those fine catches at the slip region, or any other places in the ground, Jacques Kallis would always walk at the top. The veteran is fifth on the list of most catches in the longest format with 200 scalps in 315 innings. He had bucket hands, and there was hardly any catch that he dropped in his days.

See Also: [WATCH]: ENG vs IND 2025: Shubman Gill furious with umpire for changed ball

He was also the third highest run-getter of the longest format with 13289 runs in 280 innings at an average of 45.37, thanks to 45 centuries and 58 half-centuries at the best score of 224 runs.

4. Steve Smith (200 catches)

The former Australia captain and the current batter of the side, Steve Smith, is fourth on the list, jointly with Kallis, thanks to 200 catches in 225 innings. He will have a chance, though, to go up the ladder. Smith is another fabulous fielder in the slip region. There are the brilliant one-handed grabs from the New South Wales batter that caught the eyes of the fans around the globe. Smith always stands with relaxed hands and pays full concentration to the ball till the last moment to grab it.

At the start of the year 2025, Smith crossed the 10000-run mark in the red-ball format and now has 10424 runs in 260 innings at an average of 53.62 with 36 centuries.

3. Mahela Jayawardene (205 catches)

c Mahela Jayawardene b Muttiah Muralidharan will always be the best combination in the five-day format. Whenever a team used to trip Sri Lanka in the past, the fear was the former legendary off-spinner. But he was excellent only because Mahela used to stand with his big safe hands at the slip region and caught thousands of the bowlers. Whenever a batter used to get an outside edge, there was no meaning to back; Mahela had already picked it.

With the bat, the Sri Lankan legend finished with 11814 runs as the country’s second leading run-getter in 280 innings at an average of nearly 50 with 34 centuries at the best score of 374.

2. Rahul Dravid (210 catches)

The amount of concentration the former Indian captain had; he was bound to be a successful slip fielder. Rahul Dravid was always attentive at the bowler with the bat, and it was the same case in the slip position. He was the leader of the list for a long time before slipping down to the second position. Dravid has picked up 210 catches in 301 innings. He will be among the best slip fielders, compared to many former players.

With the blade, he is the fourth-highest run-getter with 13288 runs in 286 innings at an average of 52.31 and a strike rate of 42.51, shouldering 36 centuries.

1. Joe Root (211 catches)

It was the Karun Nair wicket in the evening session of the third Lord’s Test that helped Joe Root overtake Dravid, as he now has 211 catches, the most by a fielder in the longest format, in 296 innings. Fielding in England is not an easy job. The ball tends to come at them most often, and that puts pressure on the fielders all the time. Also, the chilly weather doesn’t help in keeping the hands soft and warm. But Root was decent in the job.

He also went past Dravid earlier on the same day with 37 Test centuries and is now the fifth leading run-getter with 13219 runs in 284 innings at an average of 50.84. His eyes are the cherry on the cake, Sachin Tendulkar’s 15921 runs in 329 innings. At this age, he is still a fit guy to break the record.

The former England legendary batter, Kevin Pietersen, has drawn a comparison between the current Indian Test captain, Shubman Gill, and the former South Africa all-rounder, Jacques Kallis, after the former played two sensational knocks to set the platform for the Blue Brigade in their 336-run victory of the second Edgbaston Test to level the series at 1-1. 

Pietersen reckoned that just like Kallis didn’t perform at the start of his career and the management decided to give him a long rope, it was important for the selectors and coaches to stay calm with Shubman Gill, who couldn’t crack the red-ball formula at the beginning of his career. However, KP was trolled several times for making this comparison, and he reminded us of the same.

SEE ALSO: 'I think he will...' - Former England legend predicts whether Jofra Archer will play or not at Lord's Test

“I haven’t seen him bat. I haven’t watched any cricket. But I am not surprised to see his numbers. And I put my head on the block a few years ago saying that please back Shubman Gill. I said Jacques Kallis started very slowly and turned out to be an absolute superstar. And in Vizag, I told him on Star that he should please relax, chill, and back him. And he got a hundred the next day. He just oozes quality.” Pietersen expressed in London during a dinner party.

Kevin Pietersen compares Shubman Gill with Jacques Kallis

Shubman, before the start of the England series, was averaging 35 in the red-ball format. He had his issues due to various technical failures and batting on tough surfaces against quality bowlers. But once he has taken on the leadership responsibility, the 25-year-old has looked like a different campaigner with the bat. His average after four innings has flown up to 42.

In the first innings of the opening Leeds Test of the series, Gill cracked 147 with the bat. That was a period when India lost two successive wickets in the first session and had to bear with some fabulous bowling from the home side without losing any wickets. Gill’s change of stance has brought success for him, and it could bring more joy to his numbers.

#WATCH | London | On Team India test captain Shubman Gill's performance, Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen says, "...I am not surprised to see his numbers. I put my head on a block a few years ago, saying please back Shubman Gill. Jacques Kallis started very slowly and… pic.twitter.com/po0PTyYjHz

— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2025

The Gujarat Titans’ captain extended the purple patch in the second fixture with 269 in the first innings, followed by a 161 in the second at Edgbaston. Whether it’s about attacking the bowlers or soaking pressure, he was equally good on all occasions. Now his challenge moves to hold this form in the third clash at Lord’s.

Former England captain Joe Root is within reach of equalling a remarkable Test record held by two of the game's greatest all-time players—Ricky Ponting and Jacques Kallis. As England prepares for the second Test in the current five-match series against India, everyone will be watching Root, who is just one fifty-plus score behind the elite pair. There is no doubt that Joe Root's reliability with the bat has marked him out among the modern greats, and should he earn another fifty as his 103rd Test fifty-plus score, it would reaffirm his stature as a long-term high-class performer in the longest form of the game.

At present, Root has had 102 scores of fifty or more in Test cricket, while both Ponting and Kallis retired with 103 to their names, while only Sachin Tendulkar (119 fifty-plus scores) out-ranks them both. The ability to perform under pressure and his solid technique saw Root racking up 13,087 Test runs at an average of 50.92, placing him among England's best/fingers (reliabilities and proven performers) during several generations of players.

Also Read: 4 Players from ENG vs IND 2025 series who also featured in 2014 tour ft Ravindra Jadeja

In the first Test of the series at Headingley, Root helped with scores of 28 and an unbeaten 53*, as England chased 371. Reassured by this form, the 34-year-old will be looking to make history in the second Test at Edgbaston. A big innings could see him equal or even overtake the tallies of Ponting and Kallis, solidifying his modern legend status. The milestone awaits, and the stage is perfectly set for Root to rise once again.

England lead Test series 1-0

England took a 1-0 lead in the five-match Test series with a convincing five-wicket victory at Headingley. Despite trailing by a small margin after the first innings, the hosts maintained control and chased down a daunting 371-run target with confidence. Ben Duckett starred with the bat, scoring 62 and a match-winning 149, earning him the Player of the Match award. Key contributions also came from Ollie Pope, Harry Brook, skipper Ben Stokes, and pacer Josh Tongue, showcasing the team's all-round strength.

Looking ahead to the second Test at Edgbaston, the Stokes-led England side will aim to extend their lead. The management has backed the same playing XI that featured in the series opener, reflecting their trust in the current squad. Meanwhile, India, under the leadership of Shubman Gill, will need to address key areas and deliver a more polished performance. The visitors will be keen to bounce back strongly and level the series, but they’ll have to bring their A-game to challenge a confident and in-form English team.

Throughout the years, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been the site of many struggles for the biggest names in this sport, causing some of them to struggle with higher strike rates on particular venues, highlighting the difference in pitch conditions all over India.

Virat Kohli’s Struggles at Chepauk

Although he is one of the most dangerous run-scorers of the IPL till now, Bangalore Royal Challengers and Indian favorite Virat Kohli had a restrained run due to Chepauk. His career strike rate of 110.40 at this ground is the lowest among the majority of the people with at least 400 runs. The slowness and the turn of the ball offered by the track at Chepauk, which is basically a spin-friendly track, is the main reason for batsmen to struggle to make their shots. Consequently, they have to change the way they hit the ball. The other one is S. Badrinath, who has played many shots, but his strike rate of 116.80 is the lowest of all.

Also read:IPL 2025: latest points table after RCB vs CSK match

Eden Gardens – The Nightmares of the Greats

The Eden Gardens in Kolkata have been a slippery road to walk on for some of the biggest names who have ever arrived there. Some big names like Manoj Tiwary, Jacques Kallis, and Sourav Ganguly have encountered hurdles in reaching higher strike rates at the venue

Manoj Tiwary – 111.71
Jacques Kallis – 112.25
Sourav Ganguly – 119.01

Ajinkya Rahane, known for his classical style, has a strike rate of 114.95 at MCA, Pune.

Made public recently, it seems unlikely that these kinds of numbers will grow in the future. These numbers are clear enough to indicate the difficulty that the greatest of batsmen face when they have to adjust themselves to the venue in IPL. It happens because there are not just one but two main types of challenges. To start things off, some grounds in the IPL are offering support to the bowlers. It is essential to know how to adapt to the conditions if you want to be successful in the IPL.

Former South African captain AB de Villiers picked his top five ODI batsmen of all time. Since he played with or against them, his choices are based on their finishing skills, consistency, leadership, and all-around talent and skills in the game.

5. Jacques Kallis 

The last player on AB de Villiers’ list of top five ODI batsmen was his former South African teammate, Jacques Kallis. He wasn’t just a great batsman but also a top-class all-rounder who played a huge role in South Africa’s success in ODIs with both bat and ball.  

Jacques Kallis is a top-class middle-order batsman who could handle the pressure in crucial times. Jacques Kallis Known for his solid technique, patience, and consistency, he scored 11,579 runs in 328 ODIs, including 17 centuries and 86 fifties, with an impressive average of 44.36. He was effective with the ball, taking 273 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls and two four-wicket hauls, at an average of 31.79 and an economy rate of 4.84. To this day, he is the only all-rounder to score over 10,000 runs and take more than 250 wickets in both Tests and ODIs.

4. Ricky Ponting 

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting is in fourth place on AB de Villiers’ list of the best ODI batsmen list. Ricky Ponting was an aggressive player who loved to take on bowlers right from the first ball and aggressiveness makes bowlers mistakes. He had plenty of attacking shots and he was known for his consistency

He is one of the most feared batsmen of his time. But he wasn’t just a great batter and he is also a fantastic Captain. As captain, he led Australia to back-to-back ODI World Cup wins in 2003 and 2007.  

Ponting played 375 ODIs for Australia, scoring 13,704 runs at an average of 42.03. His impressive record includes 30 centuries and 82 fifties, securing his place as one of the greatest ODI players ever in all time.

3. Sachin Tendulkar

Former South African captain AB de Villiers placed Sachin Tendulkar at number three on his list. Tendulkar is one of the greatest batsmen of all time in all formats, scoring a record 18,426 runs in 463 ODIs, with 49 centuries and 96 fifties at an average of 44.83.  

He was the first player to score a double century in ODIs, achieving this feat against South Africa in 2010. As a classic opener, he built a strong partnership with Virender Sehwag at the top of the order. Tendulkar also played a key role in India’s 2011 World Cup win, helping the team lift the trophy after 28 years. With his solid technique, ability to adapt, and skill to dominate bowlers across generations, Tendulkar became a true legend of the game and was known as a master blaster.

2. Virat Kohli 

AB de Villiers’ second pick for the best ODI batsman, Virat Kohli. For more than 15 years, Kohli has been one of India’s most Consistent batters in all formats. 

He made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in 2008 and quickly became one of the greatest in the ODI format. Recently, Virat Kohli became the fastest player to score 14,000 ODI runs, reaching the milestone in just 287 innings. He also holds the record for the most centuries in ODIs, with 51 in the recent ICC Champions Trophy 2025. In 301 ODIs, Kohli has scored 14,180 runs at an average of 58.11, with 51 centuries and 74 fifties, proving why he is one of the best ODI batters of all time.

1. MS Dhoni 

AB de Villiers’ first pick for the best ODI batsman is MS Dhoni. Dhoni was one of the greatest ODI batters, known for his attacking style, incredible finishing skills, and ability to stay calm in difficult situations.  

Batting in the middle order as no.5, he could steady the innings and accelerate when needed. More than just a great batsman, Dhoni was also one of the best ODI captains, leading India to 110 wins in 200 matches. Under his Captaincy, India won the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. In 350 ODIs, Dhoni scored 10,773 runs at an average of 50.57, with 10 centuries and 73 fifties, making him one of the best finishers and best captains for India.

The International Masters League (IML) has announced the schedule and squads for its first season, starting on February 22. The tournament will started with an exciting match between India and Sri Lanka in Navi Mumbai.  

IML 2025 has  six teams -India, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Australia, West Indies, and England made up of retired cricket legends. The matches will be played in three cities. The first five games in Navi Mumbai, followed six matches in Rajkot and the tournament will move to Raipur for the semifinals and the grand finale.

IML 2025 Schedule: Full Fixtures, Stages, and Venues

Navi Mumbai Stage

February 22: India Masters vs Sri Lanka Masters – 7:30 PM

February 24: West Indies Masters vs Australia Masters – 7:30 PM

February 25: India Masters vs England Masters – 7:30 PM

February 26: South Africa Masters vs Sri Lanka Masters – 7:30 PM

February 27: West Indies Masters vs England Masters – 7:30 PM

Rajkot Stage

February 28: Sri Lanka Masters vs Australia Masters – 7:30 PM

March 1: India Masters vs South Africa Masters – 7:30 PM

March 3: South Africa Masters vs England Masters – 7:30 PM

March 5: India Masters vs Australia Masters – 7:30 PM

March 6: West Indies Masters vs England Masters – 7:30 PM

March 7: Australia Masters vs South Africa Masters – 7:30 PM

Raipur Stage

March 8: India Masters vs West Indies Masters – 7:30 PM

March 10: Sri Lanka Masters vs England Masters – 7:30 PM

March 11: West Indies Masters vs South Africa Masters – 7:30 PM

March 12: England Masters vs Australia Masters – 7:30 PM

Semi-Finals & Final

March 13: Semi-Final 1 – 7:30 PM (Raipur)

March 14: Semi-Final 2 – 7:30 PM (Raipur)

March 16: Final – 7:30 PM (Raipur)

ALSO READ: If Cricket Was a Game of Chess, These 5 Players Would Be Grandmasters

International Masters League 2025: Full Team Squads

India Masters Squad

Australia Masters Squad

West Indies Masters Squad

England Masters Squad

South Africa Masters Squad

Sri Lanka Masters Squad

International Masters League 2025: Where to Watch

TV Telecast:

• Colors Cineplex SD/HD
• Colors Cineplex Superhits

Live Streaming:

• Disney+ Hotstar (India)

The International Masters League (IML) T20 2025 promises a thrilling display of world-class cricket as great cricketers from all corners of the globe come out to have some fun in a T20 competition. Scheduled to kick off on February 22, 2025. when some of the biggest names in cricket captain six teams, every team representing a major cricketing nation.

Participating Teams and Captains

• India Masters – Captain: Sachin Tendulkar
• Sri Lanka Masters – Captain: Kumar Sangakkara
• West Indies Masters – Captain: Brian Lara
• Australia Masters – Captain: Shane Watson
• South Africa Masters – Captain: Jacques Kallis
• England Masters – Captain: Eoin Morgan

Venues for IMLT20:

• Navi Mumbai
• Vadodara
• Raipur

ALSO READ: Probable Finalists of the Champions Trophy 2025

Schedule for IMLT20 2025:

Schedule according to the venues and Date :

Navi Mumbai

Raipur

THE FULL SCHEDULE OF IML T20:

- Navi Mumbai, Vadodara, Raipur to host the legendary cricketers like Sachin, Sangakkara, Yuvraj, Watson, Morgan, Gayle, Lara. pic.twitter.com/Cd3OCAyjqs

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 5, 2025

Livestream and Telecast:

Fans can watch live in Disney+Hotstar, while Colors cinplex SD/HD and Colors cinplex Supherhits will telecast.

Have fun watching your cricket legends in to an action.

The highly anticipated International Masters League (IML) is ready to take the world of cricket by storm, featuring legendary players from six cricketing powerhouses: India, Sri Lanka, Australia, England, South Africa, and the West Indies. This T20 franchise tournament, set to run from November 17 to December 8, will bring together iconic cricket captains, with India’s Sachin Tendulkar leading the charge for his nation. The action-packed event will see 18 thrilling matches unfold across multiple venues in India, blending nostalgia with high-energy cricket.

The tournament will kick off on November 17 at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai with an exciting fixture between India and Sri Lanka, rekindling the legendary rivalry between Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara. This will be followed by a second match featuring Australia, led by Shane Watson, against Jacques Kallis’ South Africa. Other thrilling fixtures will include West Indies, captained by Brian Lara, taking on Eoin Morgan's England, ensuring fans are in for a treat of world-class cricket from their favorite legends.

Captains ready to lead their teams

Iconic cricket stars will lead their respective teams in the IML, bringing their unparalleled experience and competitive spirit to the T20 format. Captains include Sachin Tendulkar (India), Brian Lara (West Indies), Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka), Shane Watson (Australia), Eoin Morgan (England), and Jacques Kallis (South Africa). With the tournament spread across key Indian cities, cricket lovers can expect exhilarating action as these legends reignite their historic rivalries on the field.

India's cricket legend and IML Ambassador, Sachin Tendulkar, shared his enthusiasm about the upcoming league: “I am excited to lead and represent India Masters in the IML. The action on the field will undoubtedly be competitive and exciting. All the players are thrilled to be part of this league, and it's a great opportunity to inspire the next generation while celebrating the sport we love.”

Brian Lara, captain of the West Indies team, added, “It’s going to be amazing to step back onto the field with such a talented group of players. The format is fast and exciting—exactly what the fans want.”

See Also: Mahmudullah announces T20I retirement date

Venues and schedule set for IML action

The IML matches will take place in three venues across India, beginning at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, where four matches will be held. The action then moves to Lucknow’s Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee (BRSABV) Ekana Cricket Stadium on November 21, with India taking on South Africa. Six matches will be played in Lucknow before the league shifts to Raipur, which will host eight matches, including the semi-finals and the grand finale on December 8.

League Commissioner Sunil Gavaskar stated, “It’s a wonderful opportunity for these stalwarts to showcase their skills and prove that they are still at the top of their game. Fans can expect exciting contests that will keep them on the edge of their seats.”

The league will crown its first-ever champion at the final in Raipur, where the best teams will battle for glory. The event promises to be a memorable celebration of cricket, with fans reliving iconic moments and enjoying top-class competition from their favorite legends.

During the tournament, fans can expect a balanced format with innings breaks providing moments to recap the action, analyze key performances, and gear up for the thrilling second half. With cricket icons back in action, the excitement will be palpable both on the field and in the stands.