5 Top cricketers who were dropped for poor fielding

Batting and bowling are, by nature, the two prime aspects that define the game of cricket. This has oftentimes undermined the value of the third-key aspect that exists in the gentleman’s game: the aspect of fielding.

But in recent times, fielding has started to evolve into a more important role than a mere, third-wheel presence in the sport. In fact, most modern-day team-building approaches nowadays require a player to meet a certain threshold standard for on-field agility and fitness. And in some cases, failing to meet those criteria can even result in the player being dropped.

5 Top cricketers who were dropped for poor fielding

1. Virender Sehwag

Back in his day, the Delhi-born, Nawab of Najafgarh used to pulverize bowling-attacks all around the globe with his hard-hitting batting. Sehwag’s prowess as one of India’s finest top-order batsmen is well evident from his stats; which read 8000+ runs in Tests and ODIs apiece at respectable strike rates of 82.23 and 104.33 respectively.

Batting aside, on field, too, Sehwag managed to build quite a strong reputation for himself. Primarily a fielder stationed at square areas of the wicket, Viru, in his international career, claimed a total of 184 catches across Tests and ODIs. His ability to move quick through the air made him an extremely agile fielding option.

However, towards the twilight of his career, Sehwag’s physical attributes experienced a steep decline, which oftentimes made him a liability on the ground. In fact, back in the 2011-12 CB tri-series, (ex) India captain MS Dhoni openly conveyed his reluctance in fielding ‘slow’ senior players like him on bigger grounds.

Not long after that observation, Sehwag, aged 34 then, found himself relegated to bench-warming roles; with the likes of Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane often getting the nod ahead of him. By 2013, the team management had completely moved past considering Viru as a viable squad member; so much so that his omission from the 2013 Champions Trophy team hardly raised any eyebrows.