How Fielding Points Can Boost Your Fantasy Cricket Performance in 2025

Let’s talk about Joe Root’s exceptional fielding in the Afghanistan vs England match during the 2023 World Cup. In this match, Root was the star of the field. He took 4 catches during the game, which earned him 32 valuable fantasy points, along with an additional 4 points as a bonus for three catches in one match. Although he couldn’t score much with the bat and took only one wicket, his fielding performance single-handedly contributed significantly to his fantasy points.

Fielding may not always grab the spotlight in fantasy cricket, but as you just saw, it can be the difference between a win and a loss. Sometimes, that one catch or run out can give you just enough to edge ahead and secure a top position in the leaderboard. So, when picking your fantasy team, it's smart to think about the fielding skills of players to give yourself an extra advantage. In this article, we’ll explore the role of fielding in fantasy cricket, explain how it impacts point systems, and provide actionable insights for maximising your team’s potential.

How Fielding Statistics Impact Fantasy Cricket Points?

Fielding might not get as much attention as runs or wickets, but the points can really add up. Here’s a look at some of the most common fielding actions that earn you points:

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While batting and bowling contributions often dominate fantasy points, fielding can be a game-changer. Batting points are awarded for runs (e.g., 1 point per run), and bowlers earn points for wickets (e.g., 25 points per wicket) and a solid economy rate.

But when a match is close, those fielding points can really tip the scales. Let’s say a player scores 50 runs (50 points), grabs two catches (16 points), and executes a run-out (6 points)—that’s 72 points in total. Compare that to just batting or bowling alone, and you can see how fielding can make a massive difference in a player's overall contribution. 

Especially in tight matches, there is a higher chance of players being caught out or run out. Why? Because batters are often under pressure to accelerate the scoring rate, attempting risky shots or quick singles, which increases the likelihood of mistakes. Fielders in high-action zones, like the inner circle or boundary line, are more likely to get involved in catches and direct-hit run-outs. 

To understand the importance of fielding, let’s take the example of Ravindra Jadeja, the no.1 fielder in international cricket. In the semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 against New Zealand, Ravindra Jadeja’s exceptional fielding was crucial to India’s victory. Jadeja’s three key catches—Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, and Mark Chapman—had a significant impact on New Zealand’s chase and earned him 28 points (8 points per catch and +4 bonus points for taking 3 catches in a match) in fantasy cricket.

Maximise Fantasy Points with Fielding Insights in 11Wizards

The 11Wizards platform provides detailed insights into player performances, including their fielding abilities, helping users make more informed decisions. Here’s how 11Wizards simplifies the evaluation of fielders:

Advanced Fielding Metrics

11Wizards goes beyond traditional batting and bowling statistics by offering insights into fielding performances, specifically from the last five matches, showing points earned through fielding actions and a detailed breakdown of catches and runouts. This data is valuable for understanding a player’s recent fielding contributions, which can influence your fantasy team selection.

Predictive Analytics for Fielding

The platform doesn’t just show you what’s happened in the past—it predicts what might happen next. 11Wizards provides valuable insights to help you leverage fielding contributions smartly. Here’s how it works:

• More Wickets, More Fielding Points

When a team is expected to take a lot of wickets, the chances of catches, stumpings and runouts naturally increase. More chances of wickets mean higher expected fielding points.11Wizards factors this into its predictive models to refine overall predictions, giving you an edge in team selection.

• Role-Specific Fielding Impact

Not all players bring the same fielding value, and their roles often hint at their potential:

• All-Rounders: These players are usually fitter, quicker, and positioned in high-action zones. Whether it’s a diving catch or a lightning-fast runout, players like Glenn Maxwell or Ravindra Jadeja can bring your team valuable fielding points.
• Wicket Keepers: Wicketkeepers can be game-changers in fantasy cricket, especially when bowlers are in good form. If your team’s bowlers are taking wickets, the wicketkeeper stands to gain points through catches and stumpings. To capitalise on this, 11Wizards offers a 'Wicketkeeper Stacking' feature. The app automatically picks a wicketkeeper from the same team from which you have the maximum number of bowlers, boosting your chances of earning extra points. By aligning your wicketkeeper with your bowlers, you can enhance your team's performance and gain an edge in your fantasy league.
• Fast Bowlers and Tail-Enders: Typically stationed in low-traffic areas, they’re less likely to grab catches or get a chance for runouts. Their lower fielding impact is reflected in 11Wizards’ predictions.

Players That Entered the Best XI Based on Fielding Performance

Fielding isn’t just important for securing points—it can actually land the player a spot in the Best XI! Let’s take a look at some instances where players made it to the Best XI solely due to their fielding contributions:

• Aiden Markram vs. Bangladesh (2024 T20 World Cup): In the 21st match of the 2024 T20 World Cup, Aiden Markram made a huge fantasy impact, even though he only scored 4 runs off 8 balls. His exceptional fielding earned him 32 fantasy points, with four crucial catches: Jaker Ali, Shakib Al Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, and, most importantly, Mahmudullah in the final over. Additionally, he earned 4 bonus points for taking three catches, highlighting how fielding contributions can make a huge difference in fantasy cricket, even when batting performances fall short. Markram’s fielding contribution also secured his spot in the Fantasy Dream Team for the match.
• Glenn Maxwell vs. Namibia (2024 T20 World Cup): In this T20 World Cup match, Australia had a target of 73 runs to win the match. Glenn Maxwell made a significant impact with his fielding, taking four crucial catches: Michael van Lingen, Nikolaas Davin, Gerhard Erasmus, and Ruben Trumpelmann. Although he didn’t get a chance to bat or bowl, his remarkable fielding earned him 36 fantasy points (32 points for the four catches and 4 bonus points for 3 catches). In low-scoring matches like this, sharp fielders like Maxwell’s contributions helped secure his place in the fantasy XI, proving that even without a bat or ball in hand, fielders can be game-changers. We’ll showcase one more example of Glenn Maxwell’s outstanding contributions through fielding later.

If you’re serious about levelling up your fantasy cricket game, you can’t afford to overlook fielding. 11Wizards helps you spot the fielding maestros who might be flying under the radar but can make a huge difference to your fantasy points. By using these insights to your advantage, you can make smarter decisions and give your team the edge it needs to crush the competition. Whether it’s taking a game-changing catch or pulling off a direct-hit run-out, fielding is more than just a side hustle—it’s a key to maximising your fantasy points.

Evaluating Players Based on Fielding Skills

While runs and wickets dominate the limelight, a sharp fielder can quietly get valuable points for your team. So, how do you identify those hidden gems? Let’s understand some key metrics and player insights to help you evaluate fielding skills like a pro.

Metrics That Matter: Spotting the Best Fielders

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1. Fielding Points
The fielding points metric (as highlighted in the above screenshot) shows the total number of points a player earns from their fielding efforts (catches and runouts). This is the only fielding metric that matters from a fantasy team selection standpoint.

As mentioned above, players earn 8 points for every catch, and an extra 4 points for 3 catches in a single match. They also earn 6 points for an indirect runout (in which they are one of the last two players to touch the ball before the stumps are broken) and 12 points for a direct hit runout. Thus, fielding efforts can significantly impact the overall total fantasy points earned by a player.

For instance,  in the recent BBL match between Melbourne Stars and Brisbane Heat, Glenn Maxwell made it into the Best XI of the match purely on the basis of his fielding performance. Despite earning a negative score for his batting performance - he was out on a golden duck - and no points for his bowling performance either, Maxwell made it into the Best XI because he took 4 catches in the match, earning him 36 points. So, out of the total of 38 points that he earned, 36 came from his fielding effort. This just shows how an outstanding fielding performance can contribute to your team’s overall fantasy score.

Conclusion

Fielding is the unsung hero of the game, and factoring in a player’s fielding skills can be the game-changer your fantasy team needs. While fielding alone may not guarantee victory, it can provide a crucial edge in closely contested matchups. In many games, the difference between winning and losing can come down to a single catch or a timely run-out. 

But how do you spot the fielding stars in advance? Utilise 11Wizards, your ultimate fantasy cricket companion. With advanced analytics and detailed fielding metrics, 11Wizards helps you evaluate players based on their all-around abilities—including their fielding skills. So, if you’re looking to give your fantasy team that extra edge, it’s time to utilise the power of fielding and let 11Wizards guide your picks. 

FAQs

What impact can fielding points have on fantasy cricket scores?

Fielding points can significantly boost your team’s overall score. For instance,

• Catch: +8 points for each catch.
• 3 Catch Bonus: Additional +4 points awarded if a player takes three catches in a match.
• Stumping: +12 points for each stumping.
• Run Out (Direct hit): +12 points for a direct-hit run-out.
• Run Out (Not a direct hit): +6 points for assisting in a run-out that is not a direct hit.

These points can have a significant impact on fantasy cricket scores, especially if a player gets multiple catches or hits a direct run-out, along with the runs scored or wickets taken. 

Can selecting good fielders alone help me win fantasy leagues?

While fielding points alone may not guarantee victory, they can be a decisive factor in close contests. Combining strong fielders with consistent batters and bowlers gives you the best chance of winning.

Do all fantasy cricket platforms reward fielding points equally?

Fantasy cricket platforms Dream11 (D11), My11Circle (M11C), and Vision11 (V11) award similar points for fielding in T20 cricket. These platforms assign the following points:

• Catch: +8 points
• Stumping: +12 points
• Run-out (Direct Hit): +12 points
• Run-out (Indirect/Assist): +6 points
• 3 Catch Bonus: +4 points

However, Vision11 doesn’t offer any bonus points for multiple catches in a single match. In comparison to these three fantasy cricket platforms, MyTeam11 (MT11) differs slightly, as it awards +10 points each for stumping and run-out (direct hit). It also offers an additional 6 bonus points for 4-catch hauls and 8 bonus points for 5-catch hauls in one single match.

Who are the best fielders to consider for fantasy cricket in 2025?

Players like Ravindra Jadeja, Ben Stokes, and Glenn Maxwell are expected to continue their excellent fielding performances in 2025, making them valuable picks for your fantasy team.

Are wicketkeepers’ points considered part of fielding points in fantasy cricket?

Yes, wicketkeepers earn fielding points for actions like catches and stumpings. These points are usually categorised under fielding contributions in most fantasy platforms.

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