India’s Fielding Woes: A Growing Concern Amidst Asia Cup Success
A Dream Run with a Blemish
As India continues its impressive streak in the Asia Cup, boasting five victories in as many matches, a troubling trend has emerged that threatens to overshadow their success. While the batting lineup, led by Abhishek Sharma, has dazzled fans with explosive performances, and Kuldeep Yadav‘s bowling has effectively dismantled opposing teams, the fielding department has been a source of concern. The team has dropped a staggering 12 catches during the tournament, raising questions about their fielding culture and preparation.
Catches Dropped: A Pattern of Neglect
In a recent match against Pakistan, India’s fielders dropped four catches, a trend that continued in their encounter with Bangladesh, where Saif Hassan was granted four lives. This inconsistency in catching has been a recurring theme throughout the season. In February, during the ICC Champions Trophy final at the Dubai International Stadium, India also dropped four catches, highlighting a persistent issue that has plagued the team.
Historically, India has struggled with fielding, but the current season marks a significant decline. During a Test series in England, the team dropped 23 catches over five matches, the highest number in a single series for India, surpassing their previous record of 16 catches dropped during the 2018/19 tour of Australia.
The Fitness Paradox
With advancements in fitness and athleticism among cricketers, one would expect improved catching abilities to follow suit. However, the reality is starkly different. R. Sridhar, who served as India’s fielding coach from 2014 to 2021, attributes the decline to a lack of practice. “In today’s practice, everyone wants to bat. There are six to seven nets, and players often prioritize batting over fielding,” he noted. This shift in focus has resulted in fielding sessions being reduced to a mere 30-35 minutes, a far cry from what is necessary for honing catching skills.
A Shift in Priorities
The emphasis on batting prowess has overshadowed the importance of fielding. Sridhar pointed out that players are more likely to gain recognition and lucrative contracts through their batting performances rather than their fielding skills. “You become a superstar by hitting sixes, not by taking diving catches,” he remarked. This mindset has permeated the culture of cricket, particularly in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where the focus is predominantly on batting.
In the ongoing Asia Cup, India’s catching efficiency stands at a mere 67.6%, placing them above only Hong Kong among the eight participating teams. Comparatively, England’s catching efficiency during the recent Test series was 78.5%, underscoring the gap in fielding standards.
The Historical Context
Fielding has always been a crucial aspect of cricket, and India’s historical performance in this area has been mixed. In the past, players like Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly contributed not only with the bat but also with their bowling and fielding skills. However, the current generation of players seems to be less versatile, with many specialists focusing solely on batting.
Sridhar noted that the introduction of throwdown specialists has further exacerbated the issue. “Batters are pampered by throwdown specialists, which allows them to focus solely on hitting,” he explained. This has led to a decline in the number of all-rounders, as players are less inclined to bowl during practice sessions.
The Impact of Modern Training Techniques
The evolution of training techniques has also played a role in the decline of fielding standards. With the advent of specialized training for batting, fielding has taken a backseat. The emphasis on hitting sixes and scoring runs has overshadowed the need for comprehensive fielding drills. As a result, players are less prepared to handle high-pressure situations in matches.
At the Dubai International Stadium, where the Asia Cup is being held, fielders face unique challenges due to the stadium’s lighting. Sridhar advised players to adapt to the conditions by using simple techniques to mitigate glare, such as blocking out the light with their hands or adjusting their stance. However, the lack of practice in these areas has made it difficult for players to execute these adjustments effectively.
A Call for Change
The current state of India’s fielding culture calls for a reevaluation of training priorities. As the team prepares for future challenges, including the upcoming World Cup, it is imperative that fielding receives the attention it deserves. A balanced approach that emphasizes both batting and fielding will be crucial for India to maintain its competitive edge.
Sridhar’s insights highlight the need for a cultural shift within the team. “There is no one to drive a fielding culture forward,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of instilling a sense of responsibility among players to improve their fielding skills.
Conclusion
As India continues to shine in the Asia Cup, the glaring issue of dropped catches cannot be ignored. The team’s success on the field is being undermined by a lack of focus on fielding, a critical component of the game. With the World Cup on the horizon, it is essential for the players and coaching staff to prioritize fielding practice and foster a culture that values all aspects of the game. Only then can India hope to achieve sustained success on the international stage.
