Jaiswal's Fielding Under Fire: Old Catching Errors at MCG Resurface After Headingley Struggles

Jaiswal's Fielding Woes Under Scrutiny After Headingley Test

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

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)

The 23-year-old Jaiswal dropped a total of four catches during the match, contributing to England's five-wicket victory in the Headingley Test. This unfortunate feat also marked him as the first Indian cricketer to drop four catches in a single Test innings.

Following his difficult performance in Leeds, an old video has resurfaced, highlighting similar struggles in the field. The video shows Jaiswal missing three opportunities on Day 4 of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Despite the criticism, 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 echoed this sentiment, 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 also came to Jaiswal's defense, urging fans and critics to offer the young player 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.