Jaiswal's Dropped Catches Spark Concern: Former India Star Suggests Reason Behind Fielding Lapses in England Test

Yashasvi Jaiswal's fielding performance in the recent Test match against England has come under scrutiny after he dropped several crucial catches. Former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif, renowned for his exceptional fielding skills, has weighed in on the possible reasons behind Jaiswal's struggles.

LEEDS, ENGLAND - JUNE 24: Yashasvi Jaiswal of India drops a catch during Day Five of the 1st Rothesay Test Match between England and India at Headingley on June 24, 2025 in Leeds, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

During the Test match in Leeds, Jaiswal dropped four significant catches, which proved costly for India. The team ultimately lost the match by five wickets, with England successfully chasing down a target of 371 runs on the final day.

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

In England's second innings, Jaiswal ran in from deep cover and got his hands to a ball from Mohammed Siraj, but failed to hold on. 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 the 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 posted on X.

"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 is scheduled to commence on July 2 in Birmingham.