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

Jaiswal's Fielding Woes Under Scrutiny After Headingley Test

Despite a magnificent century by Yashasvi Jaiswal on the opening day of the Leeds Test, his performance in the field has come under intense scrutiny. The young cricketer endured a difficult time, dropping a total of four catches as England secured a five-wicket victory in the Headingley Test.

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)

Jaiswal's performance made him the first Indian cricketer to drop four catches in a single Test innings.

Following his struggles in Leeds, an old video has resurfaced, highlighting similar fielding issues. The footage 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 Jaiswal's fielding. "Catches do get dropped. The best fielders have missed catches. None of them did it on purpose," Gambhir stated.

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 come to Jaiswal's defense, urging fans and critics to offer the youngster 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.

"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.