For nearly a decade, India’s rise as a cricketing powerhouse was built not only on world-class batting and bowling but also on exceptional fielding. Under former fielding coach R. Sridhar, India transformed into one of the world’s sharpest fielding units, setting high standards in catching, athleticism and intensity. Today, however, that reputation has begun to fade. India’s recent performances have exposed a worrying decline in fielding standards, raising serious questions about whether the team has lost one of its greatest competitive advantages.
The numbers are difficult to ignore. Since June, India have dropped 28 catches across international cricket, resulting in a modest catching efficiency of 76.8 percent. The Zimbabwe T20I series was particularly alarming, with India managing only 64.2 percent catching efficiency compared to Zimbabwe’s outstanding 92.3 percent. Besides dropped catches, misfields, poor throws and lapses in concentration have become increasingly common. While these errors alone may not explain India’s mixed results on recent overseas tours, they have undoubtedly cost the team crucial moments.
Former India fielding coach R. Sridhar believes the problem runs much deeper than technical flaws. According to him, fielding is fundamentally a matter of culture. Unlike batting or bowling, which can be improved through individual practice, fielding requires collective commitment, consistent preparation and a shared belief that saving runs is as valuable as scoring them. Sridhar argues that coaches can provide plans and guidance, but the ultimate responsibility lies with the players. Unless cricketers genuinely aspire to become elite fielders, no coaching setup can produce sustained excellence.
Another challenge identified by Sridhar is the lack of continuity within the Indian team. Since the conclusion of IPL 2026, India have used 35 players across just 17 international matches, with eight players making their debuts. Constant changes in personnel make it difficult for fielding coaches to assign specialized roles, develop position-specific plans or build chemistry among players. Fielding thrives on familiarity, communication and repetition—qualities that become difficult to establish when the playing XI changes almost every series.
Former Ireland all-rounder John Mooney, currently serving as Delhi Capitals’ fielding coach, offers a similar diagnosis. He believes that great fielding sides are built on collective purpose rather than individual brilliance. Every player should step onto the field with a simple objective—to save at least one run for the team. When all eleven players adopt this mindset, marginal gains accumulate into match-winning performances. Fielding, therefore, is not merely about spectacular catches but about discipline, anticipation and relentless effort.
Mooney also highlights a significant imbalance in training priorities. In his view, Indian players devote enormous amounts of time to improving batting and bowling while treating fielding as an afterthought. A batter may spend two hours in the nets but only a few minutes on catching drills or ground fielding. Such disproportionate preparation inevitably reflects during matches. Since every player fields regardless of whether they bat or bowl, neglecting this skill weakens the team collectively.
Contrary to popular belief, Mooney argues that fitness is not the single biggest determinant of fielding success. Mental readiness is equally important. Fielders often have several seconds to think while waiting for a catch, giving anxiety and self-doubt an opportunity to creep in. Players who remain mentally alert, trust their technique and stay focused on every delivery are far more likely to succeed. Technical ability, confidence and concentration together determine whether a chance is converted or spilled.
Technique itself varies across different aspects of fielding. Catching requires balance and getting into position early, ideally waiting for the ball rather than chasing it. Ground fielding depends heavily on quick footwork and body positioning, while throwing demands proper mechanics developed from an early age. Mooney believes cricket systems around the world, particularly in South Asia, often fail to teach throwing fundamentals during childhood. As a result, many players reach professional cricket without developing strong, accurate throwing arms.
Another fascinating observation concerns sporting backgrounds. Mooney points to Australia’s Mitchell Starc as an example of a fast bowler who is also an outstanding fielder. Starc’s athleticism stems partly from playing multiple sports while growing up, including rugby and Australian Rules football. Exposure to different sports develops coordination, agility, peripheral vision and movement patterns that translate naturally into cricket fielding. By contrast, many South Asian players specialize exclusively in cricket from a young age, limiting their overall athletic development.
Mooney also believes modern distractions may have subtly affected younger generations. While careful not to generalize, he suggests that constant engagement with smartphones and social media has reduced attention spans. Cricket is a game that demands sustained concentration, especially in the field where every ball requires readiness. Earlier generations often spent more time discussing tactics and learning from teammates, whereas today’s players can become isolated within their own digital worlds.
The importance of culture remains central to both Sridhar’s and Mooney’s assessments. Countries such as Australia, New Zealand and South Africa have long treated fielding as a defining identity rather than a supporting skill. Teams pride themselves on saving runs, diving for every ball and maintaining high energy throughout the innings. Ireland, despite having fewer resources, built its competitive identity around matching stronger opponents through superior fielding and commitment. Such examples demonstrate that athletic excellence is not solely dependent on natural talent but on collective values reinforced over many years.
India’s challenge becomes even greater ahead of their Test series in Sri Lanka, where close-in catching and slip fielding against spin will play decisive roles. New fielding coach Subhadeep Ghosh inherits the difficult task of rebuilding confidence and restoring consistency. However, success cannot depend on coaching alone. Players must embrace fielding as an equal pillar alongside batting and bowling.
Ultimately, India’s fielding decline is not simply about dropped catches. It reflects deeper issues involving preparation, continuity, mindset and culture. Technical improvements, greater emphasis during training, enhanced athletic development and stronger mental discipline are all necessary. More importantly, players must rediscover the pride and commitment that once made India one of the world’s finest fielding sides. Until fielding receives the same respect as batting and bowling, India will continue surrendering valuable opportunities—and, potentially, matches they should have won.
