Top 7 Most Catches Dropped by Player in IPL History
Cricket is often considered a game of uncertainties, and nowhere is this more evident than in the IPL. It’s here that a dropped catch can change the course of a match, sometimes turning victory into defeat. Due to the intensity and pressure of T20 cricket, even the most skilled fielders sometimes miss opportunities. In the 18th edition of IPL 2025, carrom-ball experts surprised fans. From veterans to modern-day greats, even the game’s best players have missed numerous opportunities on the field.
In this blog, we take a look at the top 7 players with the most dropped catches in IPL history.
1. Virat Kohli: 15 Dropped Catches
One thing that is undeniable is that Virat Kohli is one of the fittest and most energetic cricketers in the world. His energy on the field and quick reflexes make him one of the best fielders in international cricket. But even the best players make mistakes, and he tops the list with 15 dropped catches in IPL history. Kohli typically fields inside the circle early on and in deep positions towards the end of the innings, where catches can be crucial. Kohli has dropped two catches on five occasions in IPL 2025 alone, and this has attracted considerable attention. In fact, he has taken over 100 catches in IPL history.
2. Ravindra Jadeja: 14 Dropped Catches
Ravindra Jadeja is considered one of the best fielders in modern cricket, but “Sir Jadeja” has also frequently dropped catches. With 14 dropped catches in IPL history, he ranks second on the list. His quick reactions, sharp throws, and safe hands make him a dynamic player on the field. However, as an all-rounder, the number of balls he faces increases the likelihood of occasional mistakes. Given Jadeja’s involvement in every aspect of the game, these dropped catches are rare but crucial moments.
3. Robin Uthappa: 12 Dropped Catches
At number three comes Robin Uthappa, who has dropped 12 catches in his IPL career, a surprising achievement. Uthappa began his IPL career as a wicketkeeper-batsman and later became a part-time fielder. His wicketkeeping experience has helped him assess the ball accurately, but there have been occasions when he has lost his concentration at crucial moments and dropped catches. Nevertheless, Uthappa’s contributions as a reliable batsman for teams like KKR and CSK are commendable.
Read More: List of Hat-Tricks Players in IPL Cricket History
4. Harbhajan Singh: 12 Dropped Catches
Off-spinner Harbhajan was fondly called “Bhajji.” He was aggressive with the ball, but not always reliable with his hands. In his long IPL career, he dropped 12 catches while fielding at various positions. As a bowler, Bhajji had numerous opportunities to take catches. Sometimes a quick reflex catch off his own bowling, sometimes a high-scoring catch under floodlights. However, his missed opportunities did not diminish his match-winning spells and his impressive presence on the field.
5. Rohit Sharma: 11+ Dropped Catches (Exact Number Unconfirmed)
Rohit Sharma, captain of five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians, is one of the game’s finest strategists and batsmen. But he has dropped many catches, especially in pressure-packed matches. However, the actual number of dropped catches hasn’t been officially recorded for the past few seasons. It’s estimated that Rohit has dropped 11 to 12 catches in his IPL career. He fields at the slip position early in the innings and at deep mid-wicket or long-on later in the innings.
6. Suresh Raina: Around 10 Dropped Catches
Suresh Raina, known as “Mr. IPL,” was a master of fielding, yet even he hasn’t been able to escape a few dropped catches over the years. Raina has reportedly dropped around 10 catches in the IPL, although the exact figures vary by season. Playing for CSK, Raina’s fielding consistency has been remarkable. He patrols the inner circle with unmatched energy, often converting half-chances into dismissals. Still, as a top-order batsman and a highly experienced fielder, a few dropped catches were inevitable
7. Kieron Pollard: 9 Dropped Catches
The last name on this list is Kieron Pollard! This powerhouse West Indies player is known for his spectacular one-handed catches and equally memorable dropped catches. Over the past few years, Pollard has dropped around 9 catches in the IPL, some of them at crucial moments. His fielding position, which is usually deep, is ideal for taking pressure catches at high altitude. Although he has taken some of the best catches in IPL history, some of those difficult catches have cost the Mumbai Indians some crucial opportunities.
Conclusion
Dropped catches are part of the charm of cricket – these heartbreaking moments remind us that players are human too. Be it Kohli’s intensity or Pollard’s brilliant dive, every fielder has faced that nerve-wracking moment when the ball slips out of their hands. The IPL is constantly evolving, and the standard of fielding is constantly improving. The next time you see a dropped catch, remember, it could be the foundation of a great moment.
FAQs: People Also Ask
Q1. Who has dropped most catches in IPL history?
The record for most dropped catches in IPL history is held by Virat Kohli with 15, followed by Ravindra Jadeja with 14.
Q2. Are dropped catches recorded in the official IPL statistics?
Dropped catches are not part of official IPL statistics. The figures are an estimate based on fielding data, match analyses and independent tracking done by sports databases.
Q3. Which IPL team has dropped the most catches collectively?
Historically, RCB and PBKS have been among the teams known for having inconsistent fielding seasons, acc. to various analyses on ESPN and Cricbuzz.
Q4. Does dropping a catch affect a player’s career?
Not usually, even elite players like Kohli, Jadeja, or Raina have dropped catches. Fielding is just one part of a player’s overall performance.
Q5. Who is the best fielder in IPL history?
AB de Villiers, Suresh and Jadeja are the three fielders who have generally known as the best over IPL history.
