The Women's Premier League has rapidly evolved into one of the most competitive T20s competitions in women's cricket. Although batting and bowling have received most of the credit, fielding has been a significant factor in many close calls. A sharp catch, direct hit, diving stop or boundary save can end up changing the trajectory of a game. Hence, the debate on the best fielders in wpl is gaining momentum among fans, analysts, and teams is crucial.
Ashleigh Gardner
Ashleigh Gardner is one of the best fielders in the WPL. She is athletically sound and fast on her feet, and has good hands in tight situations. As per WPL fielding records, Gardner has the most catches made by a fielder (excluding wicketkeeper) in a single season from 2023 to 2026 with 23. She also has the record of catching the most balls in a single season of the WPL with 12 catches for Gujarat Giants in 2026.
Gardner's contribution is her holistic presence. She can play in the inner circle and patrol the boundary; high pressure catches in key moments are her forte.
Smriti Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana is one of the most stylish batters in women's cricket and is a good fielder too. She is one of the best catch takers in the history of WPL with 21 catches in the last four seasons (2023-26).
Mandhana frequently plays in crucial situations where quick thinking and decision-making are critical. She is able to take catches with ease in pressure situations due to her calmness. Her field body language adds to the team's positivity as captain of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Jemimah Rodrigues
Jemimah Rodrigues is a dynamic fielder in the WPL. Quick and sharp, always on the field. Her ability to move in the inner circle makes her valuable as she can cut off singles, create run out opportunities and pressure batters to make them feel the threat.
According to WPL stats, Jemimah features among the top fielders for WPL, boasting 19 catches for the 2023-2026 season. She is most enthusiastic about her strengths. She adds life to the field and is a big influence on Delhi Capitals' temperament with her energy.
Radha Yadav
Yet another great fielder, Radha Yadav is definitely one to add to the list of best WPL players. She's recognized for her athleticism, diving abilities and her ability to catch the ball. She has 17 catches for the seasons from 2023 to 2026 in her WPL career, which makes her one of the best fielders in the tournament.
Radha is very useful in the ring, as she has quick reflexes. She can drive in life-saving runs and pressure with speed and commitment.
Amelia Kerr
Amelia Kerr is one of the brains on the ball in the WPL. She's not just a world-class all-rounder, she's also a safe, vigilant player on the field. She is very reliable with her anticipation, throwing accuracy and catching.
She is also one of the top 10 WPL fielders in 17 catches in the 2023-26 season. Kerr's fielding is also clean, composed and effective and thus a complete T20 package.
Shafali Verma
Shafali Verma is primarily known as an aggressive batsman, however, her fielding had significantly improved in the WPL. She has excellent outfield speed and has made some clutch catches for Delhi Capitals. According to WPL, she's recorded 17 receptions for 2023-2026.
She is also good on her athleticism and throwing arm, and can be effective in boundary positions and inside the circle.
Let's take a look at what makes a great fielder in WPL
Apart from catching, a good WPL fielder is not defined just by taking wickets. A great fielder makes saves, makes pressure, assists bowlers and alters the course of the match. Each of them has their own strengths and they all contribute greatly to their teams as fielders like Gardner, Mandhana, Jemimah, Radha, Kerr, and Shafali.
Final Thoughts
WPL's best fielders should possess the qualities of being athletic, aware, safe, and impactful in a game. Ashleigh Gardner is the top scorer while Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Radha Yadav, Amelia Kerr and Shafali Verma are still in the reckoning. Fielding is no longer just ‘support' in such a quick bowler - batters tournament as WPL; it is a game winning ability.
Tags : sports cricket analysis
