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

Jaiswal's Fielding Woes Under Scrutiny After Headingley Test

Following Yashasvi Jaiswal's outstanding century on the opening day of the Leeds Test, his fielding performance has come under intense scrutiny. The young player struggled significantly in the field during the match.

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 Indian cricketer dropped four catches during the Headingley Test, which England ultimately won by five wickets. This performance made Jaiswal the first Indian player to drop four catches in a single Test innings.

An old video of Jaiswal's fielding mishaps has resurfaced after his difficult performance in Leeds. The video shows the Indian opener missing three chances 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. Gambhir told reporters that dropped catches are a part of the game and that even the best fielders miss them, emphasizing that they are not intentional.

Jasprit Bumrah also addressed the dropped chances, stating that he understands nobody drops catches on purpose and that everyone is trying their best. He also mentioned that the cold weather can make it difficult to sight the ball.

Former India off-spinner R Ashwin has also called on fans and critics to give Jaiswal a break. He pointed out the difficulty of catching in English conditions, citing the cold weather and the feel of the Dukes ball as factors that require adaptation.

Ashwin explained in a video on X that the Dukes ball feels harder and bigger compared to the SG ball, which feels nice and comfortable, and the Kookaburra, which feels smaller. He emphasized that adapting to these differences takes time and is not easy.