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Slip fielding is one of the most demanding positions on a cricket field, requiring exceptional reflexes, unwavering concentration, and unmatched catching ability. Over the decades, India has produced some exceptional slip fielders, but identifying the greatest among them remains a topic of rich debate.
Recently, legendary spinner Anil Kumble weighed in on this discussion during a candid conversation with ESPNcricinfo. Known for his sharp cricketing mind and having benefited from several reliable fielders in the slip cordon during his playing days, Kumble was asked to pick the greatest Indian slip fielder from an elite list of names.
Anil Kumble names the greatest Indian slip fielder
Presented with options like Ajinkya Rahane, Sanjay Manjrekar, Sachin Tendulkar, Cheteshwar Pujara, VVS Laxman, Mohammad Azharuddin, Virender Sehwag, Wasim Jaffer, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Rahul Dravid—Kumble went through a thoughtful process before making his final pick.
Initially leaning towards Rahane, Kumble quickly reconsidered once Tendulkar’s name was mentioned. He then shifted focus to Azharuddin, widely admired for his elegant catching style. However, when Dravid’s name came up, Kumble didn’t hesitate. With a smile, he declared Dravid as the greatest slip fielder India has ever produced.
India's greatest slip fielder ✨
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo)
Also READ: Michael Vaughan names the greatest slip fielder in the history of cricket
Dravid’s slip legacy remains untouched in Indian cricket
Dravid, affectionately known as “The Wall,” was as reliable in the slip cordon as he was with the bat. Over a career spanning 164 Tests, Dravid took a staggering 210 catches—most of them in the slip region. His steady hands and immaculate technique made him a safe bet for bowlers like Kumble and Harbhajan Singh.
While Dravid held the world record for most catches by a non-wicketkeeper in Test cricket for many years, England’s Joe Root recently equalled his tally during the Headingley Test against India. Root achieved the feat in just 155 Tests, highlighting his own brilliance in the field, but Dravid’s consistency over the years still earns him the top honour from one of India’s greatest bowlers.
Also READ: ENG vs IND: David Lloyd sees shades of Mohammad Azharuddin in India’s new batting sensation
