by Cricket can be confusing for beginners, especially with all its unique terminology.
Words like “silly point,” “gully,” and “third man” sound strange until you understand the game’s basic field structure.
Two of the most fundamental terms in cricket are “leg side” and “off side” — the two halves of the cricket field that define where shots are played and where fielders stand.
Understanding these concepts is crucial for enjoying cricket, whether you’re watching a match, reading commentary, or playing the game yourself.
The Difference Between Leg Side and Off Side in Cricket
Once you grasp leg side and off side, everything else in cricket becomes clearer.
You’ll understand why commentators say things like “beautiful cover drive on the off side” or “flicked to the leg side boundary.”
Let’s break down what leg side and off side mean in cricket — for both right and left-handed batsmen — in the simplest way possible.
Also Check: 15 Rules of Cricket
What is Leg Side in Cricket?
The leg side (also called the “on side”) is the half of the cricket field that’s behind the batsman’s body when they stand facing the bowler. Think of it as the side where the batsman’s legs are positioned.
Here’s the simple rule: The leg side is always on the same side as the batsman’s legs.
Key Points About Leg Side:
For Different Batsmen:
- For a right-handed batsman, the leg side is on the left of the pitch (from the bowler’s perspective)
- For a left-handed batsman, the leg side is on the right of the pitch (from the bowler’s perspective)
- The side switches based on which hand the batsman uses
Common Leg Side Shots:
- Pull Shot: Hitting a short ball to the leg side
- Sweep: Playing the ball from off to leg side (especially against spinners)
- Flick: Wristy shot, directing the ball to the leg side
- Hook Shot: Aggressive shot to a bouncer on the leg side
- Leg Glance: Delicate deflection using the bat angle
Leg Side Quick Reference Table:
| Batter Type | Leg Side Direction | Common Leg Side Shots |
|---|---|---|
| Right-handed | Left of the bowler | Pull, Hook, Flick, Leg Glance |
| Left-handed | Right of the bowler | Sweep, Leg Glance, On Drive, Flick |
Why “Leg” Side?
The name comes from the fact that this side is where the batsman’s legs are positioned when standing in their batting stance. It’s the natural direction for shots played behind the body.
Alternative Name:
The leg side is also referred to as the “on side” in cricket. Both terms mean the same thing, and you’ll hear commentators use them interchangeably.
Also Learn: How Long is Lunch in Test Cricket
What is Off Side in Cricket?
The off side is the half of the cricket field in front of the batsman’s body — the side facing the bowler’s bowling arm when the batsman stands ready to play.
Simple Definition: The off side is where the batsman’s bat naturally points when they take their stance.
Understanding Off Side:
Direction Rules:
- For a right-handed batsman, the off side is on the right of the pitch
- For a left-handed batsman, the off side is on the left of the pitch
- The wicketkeeper usually stands on the off side (behind the batsman)
Famous Off Side Shots:
- Cover Drive: Elegant shot through the covers
- Square Drive: Hit the square of the wicket on off side
- Cut Shot: Late horizontal bat shot on off side
- Late Cut: Delicate deflection past wicketkeeper
- Off Drive: Straight drive on the off side
- Square Cut: Powerfully cutting the ball square
Leg Side vs Off Side Comparison:
| Term | Direction (Right-Handed) | Direction (Left-Handed) | Common Shots |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leg Side (On Side) | Left of the batsman | Right of batsman | Pull, Sweep, Flick, Hook |
| Off Side | Right of batsman | Left of the batsman | Cover Drive, Cut, Square Drive |
Wicketkeeper Position:
The wicketkeeper is a reliable indicator — they almost always stand on the off side of the batsman. If you’re confused about which side is which, just look for the keeper!
Why “Off” Side?
The term comes from the side being “off” or away from the batsman’s body. It’s the open side where the bat face naturally points during the stance.
Leg Side and Off Side for Right-Handed Batsman
For a right-handed batsman (like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, or Joe Root), the field division is straightforward:
Leg Side for a Right Handed Batsman:
- Location: Left side of the pitch (from bowler’s view)
- Behind the batsman’s body
- Where the legs are positioned
Off Side:
- Location: Right side of the pitch (from bowler’s view)
- In front of the batsman’s chest
- Where the bat points
Common Fielding Positions:
Leg Side Fielders (Right-Handed Batsman):
- Square Leg: Directly sideways from the batsman
- Fine Leg: Behind square on the boundary
- Mid-Wicket: Between mid-on and square leg
- Leg Slip: Behind the batsman for catching edges
- Deep Square Leg: Boundary fielder
Off Side Fielders (Right-Handed Batsman):
- Cover: In front of square on off side
- Point: Square of the wicket on off side
- Mid-Off: Straight on the off side
- Extra Cover: Between cover and mid-off
- Gully/Slip: Behind the batsman for catches
- Third Man: Behind the point on the boundary
Strategic Note:
Captains often place more fielders on the off side because:
- Most dismissals (edges to the keeper/slips) happen on off side
- Right-handed batsmen tend to play more shots on the off side
- It’s easier to control run-scoring on off offside
Leg Side and Off Side for Left-Handed Batsman
When a left-handed batsman (like Rishabh Pant, David Warner, or Kumar Sangakkara) comes to the crease, everything mirrors:
Leg Side for Left-Handed Batsman:
- Location: Right side of the pitch (from bowler’s view)
- Opposite to right-handers
- Behind the left-hander’s body
Off Side for Left-Handed Batsman:
- Location: Left side of the pitch (from bowler’s view)
- In front of the left-hander
- Where their bat naturally points
Important Understanding:
Field Mirror Effect:
When a left-hander bats, the entire field layout mirrors that of a right-hander. What was the leg side for a right-hander becomes the off side for a left-hander, and vice versa.
Commentary Adjustment:
Listen carefully to cricket commentators when left-handers bat. They’ll say things like:
- “Flicked to the leg side” (which is now on the right of your screen)
- “Driven through the off side covers” (which is now on the left)
Bowling Strategy:
Bowlers must adjust their line:
- A ball outside off stump for a right-hander becomes a leg-side ball for a left-hander
- The entire bowling strategy reverses
- This is why left-right batting partnerships are valuable — they force fielding changes
Left-Handed Batsman Key Points:
- Everything reverses for right-handed batsman
- Leg side and off side switch positions on the field
- Fielders need to move to different positions
- The concept remains the same, just mirrored
Stump Leg Side and Off Side in Cricket
Understanding stumps helps clarify which side is which. Cricket has three stumps, and their position relative to the batsman defines the sides.
Stump Definitions:
Leg Stump:
- The stump closest to the batsman’s legs
- Marks the boundary of the leg side
- Used to judge LBW decisions
Off Stump:
- The stump farthest from the batsman’s body
- Closest to the off side
- Bowlers aim to hit or beat this stump
Middle Stump:
- The central stump
- Between leg and off stumps
- The reference point
Stump Side Reference Table:
| Stump Type | Side of the Batter | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Off Stump | Towards the bat/front side | For LBW decisions, the bowler’s target line |
| Middle Stump | Center | Reference point for all judgments |
| Leg Stump | Near the batsman’s legs | Defines leg-side deliveries, LBW line |
Why This Matters:
For LBW Decisions:
- If the ball pitches outside the leg stump and hits the pads, it’s NOT OUT
- If it pitches in line or outside off stump and hits the pads, it COULD be out
- Umpires judge everything relative to stump positions
For Bowlers:
- “Bowling on off stump line” means targeting the off stump
- “Bowling down leg side” means bowling toward the leg stump
- Stump positions guide bowling strategies
For Fielding:
- Slip fielders stand on off side (off stump side)
- Leg slip stands on the leg side (leg stump side)
- Field positions are named relative to stumps
On Side and Off Side in Cricket – Are They the Same?
This confuses many beginners, so let’s clarify once and for all:
YES, “On Side” and “Leg Side” Are the Same!
Both terms refer to the identical half of the cricket field — the side behind the batsman’s body where their legs are positioned.
Why Two Names?
Historical Reasons:
- “Leg side” is the more modern and commonly used term
- “On side” is traditional cricket terminology
- Both are correct and interchangeable
In Commentary:
You’ll hear both used:
- “He flicks it into the on side” = “He flicks it into the leg side”
- “Beautiful shot on the on side” = “Beautiful shot on the leg side”
- “Fielder at deep on” = “Fielder at deep leg”
Important Note About Fielding Positions:
While “on side” and “leg side” mean the same thing, fielding position names specifically use “leg” not “on”:
- ✅ Square Leg (correct)
- ❌ Square On (incorrect)
- ✅ Fine Leg (correct)
- ❌ Fine On (incorrect)
- ✅ Leg Slip (correct)
- ❌ On Slip (incorrect)
Simple Rule to Remember:
When talking about the general area of the field, use either “leg side” or “on side.” When naming specific fielding positions, always use “leg.”
Fielding Rules: How Many Fielders Can Be on Each Side?
Cricket has specific rules about fielder placement, especially on the leg side, to ensure fair play and safety.
The Leg Side Fielding Restriction:
Main Rule:
No more than 2 fielders are allowed behind the square on the leg side at any time.
If a captain places more than 2 fielders behind square on the leg side, the umpire will call it a no-ball, and the batting team gets a free run.
Why This Rule Exists:
This law was created to prevent dangerous bowling tactics like:
- Bodyline bowling (targeting the batsman’s body with bouncers)
- Intimidation through excessive short-pitched bowling
- Unfair concentration of fielders waiting for batsmen to defend their bodies
Historical Context:
The infamous 1932-33 Bodyline series between England and Australia led to this rule. England bowled bouncers at the batsman’s body with leg-side fielders waiting for catches, which was dangerous and unsporting.
Off Side Rules:
No Strict Limit on Off Side:
There is no law limiting how many fielders can be on the off side. Captains can place 7-8 fielders on the off side if they want (though it’s rarely done).
Powerplay Restrictions (Limited Overs):
In ODIs and T20S:
- Only 2 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle during power play
- This applies to both leg side and off side
- After a power play, a maximum of 5 fielders outside the circle
Fielding Rules Summary:
| Side | Max Fielders Behind Square | Common Fielders | Rule Importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leg Side | 2 | Fine leg, square leg, leg slip | Prevents unfair bodyline/bouncer tactics |
| Off Side | No strict limit | Point, cover, slip, gully, extra cover | Controls catching zones, run-scoring |
Practical Application:
Watch a cricket match and count the fielders behind the square on the leg side. You’ll notice captains carefully manage this, often having:
- 1 at fine leg
- 1 at square leg or backward square leg
- Never more than 2 behind the batsman on the leg side
If bowlers bowl short, captains must choose which 2 fielders stay behind square on the leg side for catches.
Why Understanding Leg and Off Side Matters?
Knowing the difference between leg side and off side isn’t just cricket trivia — it’s fundamental to understanding the game at every level.
Practical Importance:
For Players:
Shot Selection:
- Batsmen decide which shots to play based on the ball position
- Leg side ball → leg glance, flick, or sweep
- Off side ball → drive, cut, or defensive push
- Wrong shot selection leads to dismissals
Field Placement Strategy:
- Captains set fields based on batsman’s strengths and weaknesses
- If a batsman is strong on the leg side, place more fielders there
- If weak on off side, bowl off-stump line with off-side catchers
Bowling Tactics:
- Bowlers target specific sides based on batsman’s technique
- “Bowling on the corridor of uncertainty” means bowling just outside off stump
- Leg-side bowling requires different field settings
- The entire strategy depends on understanding sides
For Fans and Viewers:
Following Commentary:
- Understand what commentators mean
- Visualize field placements when listening on radio
- Appreciate strategic battles between bat and ball
Enjoying the Game:
- Recognize beautiful shots (cover drive vs. leg glance)
- Understand why certain dismissals happened
- Appreciate captain’s tactical decisions
For Coaches and Analysts:
- Identify batsman’s strengths and weaknesses
- Plan bowling strategies
- Analyze match situations
- Teach beginners correctly
Understanding leg and off side transforms cricket from a confusing sport into a strategic chess match where every ball, every field placement, and every shot has meaning and purpose.
FAQs on Leg Side Vs Off Side in Cricket:
- What is the difference between leg side and off side for a right-handed batsman?
For a right-handed batsman, the leg side is on the left of the pitch (behind the batsman’s body), while the off side is on the right of the pitch (in front of the batsman). The leg side is where their legs are positioned, and the off side is where their bat naturally points.
- What is the difference between leg side and off side for a left-handed batsman?
For a left-handed batsman, it’s the opposite: the leg side is on the right of the pitch, and the off side is on the left. Everything mirrors compared to a right-handed batsman, so fielders must adjust their positions accordingly.
- Is on side the same as leg side in cricket?
Yes, “on side” and “leg side” are the same and can be used interchangeably. Both terms refer to the half of the field behind the batsman’s body. However, fielding position names specifically use “leg” (like “square leg”) rather than “on.”
- How many fielders can be on the leg side in cricket?
While there’s no limit to total fielders on the leg side, cricket rules state that no more than 2 fielders can be positioned behind square on the leg side at any time. Breaking this rule results in a no-ball being called by the umpire.
- How many fielders can be on the off side in cricket?
There is no strict limit on the number of fielders allowed on the off side (except during powerplay overs in limited-overs cricket). Captains can position as many fielders on the off side as their strategy requires.
- What is leg side in cricket in simple terms?
Leg side is the half of the cricket field that’s behind the batsman when they face the bowler. It’s called “leg side” because it’s on the same side as the batsman’s legs. Think of it as the batsman’s “back side” of the field.
- What are the stumps called on leg side and off side?
The stump nearest to the batsman’s legs is called the “leg stump,” and the stump nearest to the off side (farthest from the batsman’s body) is called the “off stump.” The middle stump sits between them. These positions are crucial for LBW decisions.
- Why is there a fielding restriction on the leg side?
The leg-side fielding restriction (maximum 2 fielders behind square) was introduced to prevent dangerous “bodyline” bowling tactics where bowlers targeted the batsman’s body with multiple fielders waiting for defensive shots. This rule ensures player safety and fair play.
Conclusion: Mastering Cricket’s Field Geography
The difference between leg side and off side in cricket is fundamental yet simple once you grasp the basic principle: everything depends on the batsman’s position and which hand they bat with.
Key Takeaways:
- Leg side (on side) = Behind the batsman’s body, where their legs are
- Off side = In front of the batsman, where their bat points
- For right-handers: leg side is left, off side is right
- For left-handers: leg side is right, off side is left
- Maximum 2 fielders behind square on leg side
- No limit on off-side fielders (except powerplay rules)
Once you understand which side is leg and which is off, cricket commentary and tactics make perfect sense.
Whether you’re watching Virat Kohli elegantly drive through the off side covers or Rishabh Pant flick a delivery to the leg side boundary, you’ll now understand exactly what’s happening and why fielders are positioned where they are.
So next time someone says “field at mid-off,” you’ll know exactly where to stand!