In modern cricket, fielding has transcended from a complementary skill to a game-defining element. Its pivotal role lies in preventing runs, creating wicket-taking chances, and fostering team morale. Fielders' agility and accuracy in limited-overs formats can dictate match outcomes. The energetic and athletic nature of fielding not only lifts team spirits but also contributes to positive momentum. Versatility in players, strategic field placements, and the impact of technology further underscore the importance of fielding. Beyond statistical analysis, fielding embodies teamwork, uniting players in shared celebrations and contributing to an overall positive team culture, making it an indispensable aspect of contemporary cricket.
Let us look at team wise some of the players who are slow movers across the Turfs team-wise:
1. Rohit Sharma (MI)
One of the most famous and successful sides in the history of the competition is Mumbai Indians. They are also the joined winners of most IPL trophies in the history of the tournament. Led by Hardik Pandya, Mumbai Indians boast a formidable squad of international and Indian cricket stars.
But talking about the dark horse for the team in the field is their former skipper Rohit Sharma. Rohit Sharma stands as one of the premier batters with impressive statistics, but criticism has arisen due to perceived laziness and remarks on his physique. Despite facing trolling for his body shape and apparent reduction in speed over time, the 36-year-old remains a crucial asset for the Indian team in all formats. While excelling in white-ball cricket, the Hitman has also demonstrated notable performances in Test matches in recent years.
2. Moeen Ali (CSK)
Another franchise has been a formidable setup in the competition. CSK is also the joint most IPL-winning team (five times). For the franchise also there is Moeen Ali who has been among the slowest or laziest among the players. It is considerable for the team as the majority of the players in CSK are in their 30s.
Moeen Ali has often been caught in the space where has misfielded on crucial occasions of the game which has somewhere cost CSK.
3. Karn Sharma (RCB)
One of the most followed teams, RCB has always been a good fielding side. With Virat Kohli at the helm for a significant amount of time have ensured that the fitness and fielding standards of the team are always high. Now, that Faf du Plessis is the skipper he has also not let that ideology slip off.
However, Karn Sharma and Reece Topley are among the players who can be said laziest on the team. Both the bowlers, whenever they play are being asked to field at positions where the ball is least expected to travel to them. Reece Topley, because of his height faces discomfort in fielding.
4. Mohammed Shami (GT)
GT has been one of the formidable sides in the last two editions of the IPL. Right from their inclusion into the tournament where they won the Title, the team hasn’t settled for anything less than glory. They also have carried this ideology when it comes to fielding. The likes of Shubman Gill and Rashid Khan are there in the team who are brilliant movers in the field.
However, players like Mohammed Shami are concern points for the team when the fielding department is considered. Mohammed Shami has been someone who is criticized for his fielding not only in the franchise but also for the Indian team.
5. Amit Mishra (LSG)
LSG started their journey with GT in the 2022 IPL and since then have been one of the strongest teams in the tournament. Under the leadership of the skipper KL Rahul, the franchise has played both the playoffs but has unfortunately never made it to the final. Considering the strength in their team they should have won the IPL until now.
The spinner Amit Mishra are among the players who are the laziest when LSG is considered. For Mishra, age is a factor. Not only in fielding but running in between the wickets is also something that the legendary spinner has struggled with. There have multiple instances where he has been caught off guard and involved in hilarious run-outs.
6. Marco Jansen (SRH)
Sunrisers Hyderabad encountered a crucial juncture in their efforts to overhaul their squad and advance in the upcoming 2024 IPL edition during the recent auction. The Men in Orange have been successful in winning the Title only once that too in the year 2016. With some of the fittest players in the leagues, the side still faces issues with some slow movers in the field.
The likes of fast bowlers, Marco Jansen have been one of the concerns for the franchise in the fielding department. The fast bowler is being placed in positions where the ball goes the least. It is his height which causes hinderance in his fielding efforts.
7. Sunil Narine (KKR)
The champions from 2012 and 2014 will certainly be one of the teams to look out for in the IPL 2024. The KKR team, under the mentorship of Gautam Gambhir, will certainly be looking to register the hat trick of the title wins.
But the problem for the franchise will be the fielding of Sunil Narine. The legendary spinner has struggled with dropping numerous straightforward catches in the outfield, and covering ground has proven challenging for him. As a result, he is frequently seen fielding in the third man or fine-leg region.
8. Arshdeep Singh (PBKS)
The Punjab Kings franchise has done well this time around in fixing their playing XI for the IPL 2024. The team have been one of the dark horses in the history of the tournament. The team have not played to its full potential until now.
For PBKS, Arshdeep Singh is certainly the dark horse for them in the field. In the international arena, he has often dropped catches at crucial junctures of the game. These catches have also made his franchise lose matches. His agility across the field is limited, leading the captain to deploy him in positions with minimal running opportunities.
9. Kuldeep Yadav (DC)
Under the leadership of Rishabh Pant the Delhi Capitals will be looking to make up for the losses they have had in previous seasons. The team for the IPL 2024 looks formidable. But when the fielding is considered, they are certainly not the best unit going around.
For the franchise, Kuldeep Yadav is not considered one of the most physically fit cricketers. His movement on the field is sluggish, and his catching skills are not outstanding. Therefore, Kuldeep must focus on improving his speed and agility to enhance his overall game.
10. Ravichandran Ashwin (RR)
The inaugural winners of the IPL, Rajasthan Royals have seen a hot and cold season so far. The franchise has seen great partnerships with batters as well as bowlers and under the leadership of Sanju Samson will be looking to win the second title.
For them, Ravichandran Ashwin is someone is amongst the slowest fielders. He is a safe catcher but fielding is something he needs to improve on.