AUS vs IND 2025: 'Catches will be dropped' - Suryakumar Yadav opens up on India's dwindling fielding standards

Suryakumar Yadav. (Photo source: Getty Images)

The Indian team has been struggling in the fielding department, particularly in catching, which is clearly an area of concern for the No. 1 ranked T20I side. Even during the recent Asia Cup, a tournament they won without losing a single game, their fielding appeared below par.

Since the start of 2025, India’s catching efficiency of 82.7% ranks only fifth among Full Member nations, a statistic that captain Suryakumar Yadav is determined to improve as his team prepares to defend its T20 World Cup crown next year.

"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,” he added.

The idea is to build an energy so infectious that it can lift the team even through its dullest passages of play. For Suryakumar, fielding is as much about mood as it is about method. It’s about creating joy and connection in a game that so often separates players by their roles.

"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," said Suryakumar.

"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,” he added.

Suryakumar emphasised the importance of having fun on the field, especially when the pressure builds, and of creating an atmosphere where players can enjoy the game. He also reflected on his personal form, having scored 100 runs in 11 innings in 2025 at a strike rate of 105.26. Yet his words, much like his body language, convey a sense of calm 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,” said Suryakumar.

"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,” he added.