New Delhi: India’s fielding was very disappointing in the first Test match played against England in Leeds. Especially opener Yashasvi Jaiswal had to face criticism for poor fielding in the slips.
Team India had to face a humiliating defeat in this match, in which the weaknesses of fielding played a decisive role. According to reports, head coach Gautam Gambhir and his management team have decided to remove Yashasvi Jaiswal from the slip area. Jaiswal dropped four catches in the match, which proved to be very crucial. Now the team management is considering putting him at forward short leg or silly point instead of slip.
Search for new slip fielder begins
According to a report by Revsportz, Sai Sudarshan, Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shubman Gill were part of the slip cordon during Monday’s training session. During this, Sudarshan and Reddy were seen roaming in fourth slip and gully, while Nair was stationed at first slip. KL Rahul and Gill were playing the role of second and third slip.
Separate focus on Jaiswal’s fielding
Gambhir and assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate conducted a flat catching session with Jaiswal. It is believed that Jaiswal is being worked on separately to improve his fielding so that he can fit in other positions.
Greg Chappell expressed concern, lack of confidence or injury is the reason?
Former Australian legend Greg Chappell wrote in ESPNcricinfo that Jaiswal’s confidence seems to have dropped or he is suffering from a hand injury. He said, “Drop catches do not seem to be related to technique, but to lack of confidence. It is also possible that he is just trying instead of expecting to take the catch.”
Impact of white ball cricket and need for practice
Chappell also said that with the increasing influence of white ball cricket, specialist fielders in slip no longer get enough opportunities. Therefore, it has become very important to make fielding practice match-like.
Mohammad Kaif defends Jaiswal
After the first Test, former cricketer Mohammad Kaif defended Jaiswal and said that he had put tape on his hand, which was probably due to injury. This is why he had problems in catching the catch.