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

Jaiswal's Fielding Woes Under Scrutiny After Headingley Test

Following Yashasvi Jaiswal's challenging performance in the field during the Headingley Test, a video has resurfaced highlighting his past struggles with catching.

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, despite scoring a century in the first innings, endured a difficult time in the field at Headingley. He dropped four catches during the match, contributing to England's five-wicket victory. He also became the first Indian player to drop four catches in a single Test innings.

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

Support for Jaiswal

Despite the criticism, Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir has defended Yashasvi Jaiswal's fielding performance. "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 urged fans and critics to show patience with Jaiswal.

"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.