Jaiswal's Fielding Under Fire: Old Catch-Dropping Video Resurfaces After Headingley Errors

Jaiswal's Fielding Woes Under Scrutiny After Headingley Test

Following a disappointing performance in the field during the Headingley Test, an old video of Yashasvi Jaiswal dropping catches has resurfaced, raising concerns about his fielding abilities.

LEEDS, ENGLAND - JUNE 24: Yashasvi Jaiswal of India drops Ben Duckett of England during day 5 of the 1st Rothesay Test Match between England and India at Headingley on June 24, 2025 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Despite his impressive century in the first innings, Jaiswal endured a difficult time on the field during the Leeds Test. The 23-year-old dropped a total of four catches, contributing to England's five-wicket victory. He also set an unwanted record, becoming the first Indian cricketer to drop four catches in a single Test innings.

The video circulating online shows Jaiswal missing three opportunities during Day 4 of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in a previous Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.

However, Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir has defended Yashasvi Jaiswal, stating that dropped catches are a part of the game. "Catches do get dropped. The best fielders have missed catches. None of them did it on purpose,” Gambhir told reporters.

Jasprit Bumrah echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the difficulty of fielding in certain conditions. "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," he said.

Former India off-spinner R Ashwin has also urged fans and critics to show Jaiswal some understanding.

"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 in a video on X.

"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," Ashwin added.