IPL 2019: Rating the fielding unit of the eight teams
Fielding is an important aspect in a T20 game with everything happening so quickly. From catching to even ground fielding, every move becomes essential. Every run saved by fielding unit is a bonus in T20s as matches are often defined by the smallest of margins. We rate the fielding of all the eight franchises ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 season.
RCB boast of a quality fielding unit
Royal Challengers Bangalore are a top fielding side. Skipper Virat Kohli is always on his toes and his ability to take sharp catches is crucial. AB de Villiers always treats his fans with some great stuff. Last season, the two shared 14 catches between them. Further, Marcus Stoinis, Colin de Grandhomme and Shimron Hetmyer are top quality fielders. RCB get a rating of 8.5/10.
Mumbai Indians have some strong names as well
Mumbai Indians are always known for their efforts on the field. Skipper Rohit Sharma is himself a top entity and he is supported by Suryakumar Yadav and Pandya brothers, Hardik and Krunal. These four shared 33 catches between them last term. Ben Cutting is a special fielder as well. Yuvraj Singh can do an amazing role at cover. MI get a rating of 8.5/10.
CSK will rely on Raina, Jadeja on the field
Chennai Super Kings boast of a strong fielding unit. Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja are two of the top names. They also have added quality in the form of Faf du Plessis and Dwayne Bravo. In IPL 2018, Jadeja, Raina and Bravo took 29 catches between them. Further, there is no one sharper behind the stumps than MS Dhoni. Overall, we rate them 8/10.
SRH are smart on the field
Sunrisers Hyderabad's top quality bowling often creates plenty of catching opportunities. Manish Pandey and Kane Williamson are the best fielders. Rashid Khan's boundary fielding is top notch and Shakib Al Hasan has always been reliable. SRH are agile when it comes to saving runs on the field. Their catching needs a bit of improvement. SRH get a rating of 8/10.
Delhi Capitals can do well on the field this season
Delhi Capitals will want to show their exploits on the field this season. Shreyas Iyer, Prithvi Shaw and Hanuma Vihari have strong attributes. The experience of Shikhar Dhawan will help DC. He hardly puts down catches. They have the talented Trent Boult, who bagged the 'Catch of the Tournament' last term. Colin Ingram adds more shine as well. DC get a rating of 7.5/10.
KKR's youngsters will need to stand up
Kolkata Knight Riders will rely on their young guns to do well on the field. Andre Russell's experience will help the youngsters to look up to him. Chris Lynn and Shubman Gill are able names. However, Robin Uthappa has slowed down a bit. The bowlers, in particular, will need to be more sharp and save runs. KKR get a rating of 6.5/10.
RR and KXIP need to improve their fielding
Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab are not as strong as the rest of sides when it comes to fielding. Their catching needs work and so does the ground fielding. KXIP will look up to David Miller in order to lift them up. Rajasthan's best fielders Steve Smith, Ben Stokes and Ajinkya Rahane need to inspire the rest. Both sides get 5.5/10.
