Jaiswal's Fielding Under Fire: Video of MCG Catch Drops Resurfaces After Headingley Errors

Jaiswal's Fielding Woes Under Scrutiny After Headingley Test

Despite a magnificent century by Yashasvi Jaiswal on the first day of the Leeds Test, the young cricketer's fielding performance has come under intense scrutiny.

The 23-year-old endured a difficult match, dropping a total of four catches as England secured a five-wicket victory in the Headingley Test. This performance made Jaiswal the first Indian cricketer to drop four catches in a single Test innings.

Following the Leeds Test, an old video has resurfaced, highlighting Jaiswal's fielding struggles. The video shows the Indian opener missing three opportunities during Day 4 of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

However, Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir has defended Yashasvi Jaiswal, stating: "Catches do get dropped. The best fielders have missed catches. None of them did it on purpose.”

Jasprit Bumrah also addressed the dropped chances, saying, "Drop catches, I understand nobody is doing it on purpose. And obviously, everyone is trying their best. In cold weather, the ball is sometimes difficult to sight over here as well. So, I do understand. But yes, some things are part and parcel of the game."

Former India off-spinner R Ashwin has also voiced his support for Jaiswal, urging fans and critics to offer him some leeway.

"There has been some talk about his catching in the slip cordon. Yes, he has found it tough. But let’s all just understand something — and cut him some slack — which we often fail to do: how difficult it is to catch, not just in English conditions," Ashwin said.

He further explained the challenges of catching in cold weather and with the Dukes ball, stating, "It’s cold weather, and it’s also about the feel of the Dukes ball. It can take some adaptation time. The SG ball feels nice and comfortable in the hand; the Kookaburra feels smaller. The Dukes is harder and, from a feel perspective, feels bigger. It’s not easy."