Jaiswal's Fielding Woes: Ex-India Star Kaif Points to Potential Cause for Dropped Catches in England Test

Yashasvi Jaiswal's fielding performance has come under scrutiny after a series of dropped catches in the recent Test match against England. Former Indian cricketer, Mohammad Kaif, known for his exceptional fielding skills, has weighed in on the possible reasons behind Jaiswal's struggles.

Yashasvi Jaiswal missing a catch during the first Test against England.

Jaiswal dropped four crucial catches in the Leeds Test, contributing to India's defeat by five wickets. England successfully chased down a target of 371 runs on the final day.

One notable instance occurred in the first innings when Ollie Pope edged a Jasprit Bumrah delivery. Jaiswal, positioned in the slips, failed to secure the catch, and Pope went on to score a century (106). Later in the same innings, Jaiswal dropped another catch, giving Harry Brook a lifeline.

In England's second innings, Jaiswal sprinted in from deep leg-side to attempt a catch off a Mohammed Siraj bouncer. Although he reached the ball, he couldn't hold on, much to Siraj's frustration. The beneficiary, Duckett, went on to score a match-winning 149.

Kaif believes that the strap around Jaiswal's hand could be a contributing factor to these dropped catches.

"Why is Yashasvi Jaiswal dropping catches? We are practicing with Duke’s ball, and when we get hurt, we put a strap," Kaif explained in a video. "In such a situation, the fingers are stuck and there is no free movement. You can’t hold onto the catch because the strap becomes a sponge. The ball bounces off it, so that’s the drawback. The natural connection with the ball shouldn’t be lost."

The second Test between India and England will commence on July 2 in Birmingham.