The Indian side, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, isn’t looking too sharp in fielding, especially catching — and that’s a worrying sign for the No. 1 ranked T20I team. Even in the recently held Asia Cup, which they won without losing a game, their fielding looked below par.
Their catching efficiency of 82.7% in the period is fifth best among Full Member nations since the start of 2025, and captain Suryakumar Yadav wants an improvement before next year when they prepare to defend their T20 World Cup shortest cricket series title.
“According to me, the catches will get dropped. If you are a fielder, you will go for the catch, you’ll drop. Just like how, if you are a batter, you will get out. Or if you are a bowler, you will try to land it right, but you won’t get the wicket. These are all part of the game,” Suryakumar said in the pre-match press conference.
“But according to me, what you do after that is more important. Today was an optional session. But today everyone came to the field. So that means the team is working towards something really special. And this is a department that I have said that we will have to work hard if we want to be the best fielding unit in the world. You see how many teams catch good catches, do good fielding, win matches on fielding. So if the batting is light or the bowling is here and there, but with fielding, if you do one thing right, you can win a match. So we are working hard.”
Suryakumar Yadav
The goal is to create an infectious spirit that can carry the squad through even the most boring moments of play. For Suryakumar, fielding is as much about mood as it is about technique. It’s about bringing joy and connection to a game where participants are frequently separated by their jobs.
“We are working hard on it. But there is no guarantee that if you catch 25 catches today [in training], you won’t miss it again tomorrow. It can be missed. It’s part of the game. But how much you want the ball to come to you, how you try to create that intent and opportunity, that is important for me. If the catch is missed, there is no problem. Obviously, there is disappointment. But at the same time, if you are putting in the effort, then there is no problem.”
Suryakumar Yadav
“According to me, there is only one department – fielding – where everyone comes together. Otherwise, everyone’s batting skill is individual. Bowling skill is individual. But there is only fielding where 11 people live together on the ground. So it is important to create an atmosphere there, irrespective of what is going on in the match. If the other team is at the top, if you field well, you can win the game. So what I say is that when you live on the ground, create an atmosphere together.”
Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar emphasized the significance of having fun on the field, especially when the pressure is on, and creating an environment in which players can enjoy the game. He also reminisced on his own performance, scoring 100 runs in 11 innings in 2025 with a strike rate of 105.26. However, his words, like his body language, portray serenity rather than concern.
“We met the T20 team for only two days for the team session. Before that, some guys were playing one day. So it is very important to have some fun on the ground. Because all these things reflect on the ground when you are in a pressure situation. Or when you know that the game is going a little tight. And how to create an atmosphere at that time and enjoy it. So all these little things come to mind then.”
Suryakumar Yadav
“I feel I have been working really hard. Even before, I was doing it. It’s not that I wasn’t working hard before, I am still working hard. I have had a good few sessions back home, good 2-3 sessions here. So I am in a good space. I think that is really important. Runs will come eventually but I think working hard towards the team goal… it’s more important what the team wants from you in different situations and I take one game at a time and if it starts then I think it will be a good thing.”
Suryakumar Yadav
