Is Rinku Singh the best fielder in modern-day IPL/T20s?

While not known for acrobatic grabs, Rinku Singh stands out for his sheer efficiency and omnipresence on the field.

In just 61 IPL appearances, he holds the record for the most outfield catches for the Kolkata Knight Riders (41). This surpasses players with far more games: Andre Russell (40 catches in 133 matches) and Sunil Narine (36 in 191).

Among the 125 players with at least 20 outfield catches in IPL history, Rinku's catches-per-innings ratio of 0.683 is second only to AB de Villiers (0.692).

Best catches/innings ratio in the IPL (non-wicketkeepers, min. 20 catches)

This efficiency extends beyond the IPL. In Men's T20Is (min. 30 catches), his ratio of 0.84 (37 in 44 innings) is again just behind de Villiers (0.846). Across all Men's T20s (100-catch cut-off), he ranks third at 0.627.

Since the start of IPL 2022, Rinku leads all players with 36 catches, taken at a rate of 0.7 per innings. More impressively, he has dropped just one chance in that period, giving him the best catching efficiency.

Best catching efficiency in the IPL since 2022

His overall fielding impact, measured by dismissals affected from chances created (including run-outs), is also elite.

Best dismissals percentage in the IPL since 2022 (min. 100 balls fielded)

Dismissals affected out of total chances created including catches, stumpings, and run-out opportunities.

Rinku and Devon Conway are the only non-wicketkeepers on this list. Of his 36 catches since 2022, 34 have come outside the powerplay, with 18 at the death, often protecting the boundary.

His athleticism also translates to running between the wickets, evidenced by his strategic use in a T20I Super Over against Afghanistan. Kolkata Knight Riders' status as the team with the best catching efficiency since 2022 (82.1%) can be significantly attributed to Rinku Singh's contributions.