It’s early days in the Indian Premier League (IPL) but the contest for the purple and the orange caps — given to the highest wicket taker and the top scorer of the tournament, respectively — is already heating up.

Away from the hype, however, another intriguing battle is taking place which is equally significant in terms of its impact on the results — the one for the best fielder. For the moment, Delhi Daredevils’ David Warner seems to be the frontrunner.

Warner took two catches and effected a run-out in Delhi’s 9-run win over Chennai Super Kings on Thursday. It was an effort that stood out besides those of centurion AB de Villers and Tillakaratne Dilshan.

And it’s not just the Australian, with the likes of South African de Villers, Lankan Dilshan and Englishman Paul Collingwood, Delhi on paper seem to the most athletic unit on the field. There is some competition from Hyderabad Deccan Chargers who have Rohit Sharma and Herschelle Gibbs, supposedly one of the best fielders in the world at the moment, in their ranks. It’s more than a coincidence, then, that the two teams are at the top of the chart after 10 matches.

“It will be an interesting battle and fielding will win or lose you a few games in the tournament,” says AB de Villers. “There are obviously quite a few good fielders, there’s Warner of course who’s leading the pack, myself and a few others.”

Concurs Virender Sehwag: “I think we are a good fielding unit and that has helped our side very much.” He, though, denies that bringing Warner in as a substitute to Manoj Tiwary in today’s match was a tactical move.

... contd.