India's fielding standards have demonstrably declined, becoming a growing concern for the team as they compete in major tournaments. Several factors appear to be contributing to this issue, ranging from a lack of focused practice to the unique conditions of certain stadiums.

Asia Cup 2025 Performance

The Asia Cup 2025 has highlighted India's fielding deficiencies. In the Super 4 stage, the team dropped multiple catches in matches against Pakistan and Bangladesh. In the match against Bangladesh alone, India dropped five catches, including four off Saif Hassan, who went on to score a threatening 69. Across the tournament, India has dropped a total of 12 catches, the most by any team. This has resulted in a catching efficiency of just 67.5%, placing them second-worst behind Hong Kong China. Former cricketer Irfan Pathan has voiced his concerns, stating that such errors could be severely punished against stronger opponents. He noted that dropping set batsmen multiple times could easily change the course of a match.

Possible Causes

Several explanations have been offered for India's struggles in the field.

• Lack of Practice: A primary reason cited is the reduced time devoted to fielding practice. Coaches and analysts suggest that modern training regimes prioritize batting and bowling, with fielding drills often taking a backseat. The focus on power-hitting in T20 cricket, exemplified by the emphasis on six-hitting in IPL, has further diminished the attention given to fielding skills.
• "Ring of Fire" Effect: Spinner Varun Chakravarthy pointed to the "ring of fire" floodlights at the Dubai International Stadium as a potential factor. These lights, positioned on the front of the roof, can create a glare that affects fielders' vision, making it difficult to track the ball. Chakravarthy admitted that while this was a challenge, it couldn't be used as an excuse.
• Pressure and Consistency: The high-pressure environment of international cricket can also contribute to fielding errors. Maintaining focus and consistency in crucial moments is essential, and lapses in concentration can lead to dropped catches and missed opportunities.

Impact and Reactions

The fielding lapses have not gone unnoticed. Captain Suryakumar Yadav has lightheartedly addressed the issue, joking about the fielding coach T. Dilip emailing the players about having butterfingers. However, the coaching staff is expected to address the errors more firmly. Former coach Ravi Shastri suggested that the conditions at the Dubai International Stadium might be partly responsible for the struggles.

Historical Comparison

India's current fielding form represents a significant decline from its past standards. Once considered one of the strongest fielding sides in the world, the team's recent performances have sparked debate and raised questions about the effectiveness of current training methods. Statistics reveal a concerning trend: since the start of 2023, India ranks 10th among Test-playing nations in catching efficiency in both Test matches (78.1%) and ODIs (75.6%).

Looking Ahead

With the Asia Cup final and the upcoming World Cup on the horizon, improving fielding is crucial for India's chances of success. The team needs to address the identified issues, including dedicating more time to focused fielding practice, adjusting to the conditions of different stadiums, and maintaining consistency under pressure. As Irfan Pathan and other experts have warned, failure to do so could prove costly against top-tier opposition.