India's fielding coach T Dilip in immense scrutiny; Asia Cup 2025 could be the last nail in the coffin

Former leg-spinner Amit Mishra has raised concerns over Team India’s fielding ahead of the all-important final during the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE. Mishra stated that such lapses could prove costly in the summit clash against Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, September 28.

The Men in Blue topped Group A with six points and a net run rate (NRR) of +3.547 from three games, securing a place in the Super Fours. They continued their unbeaten streak in the Super Fours stage. The Suryakumar Yadav-led team won all three matches to reach the summit clash despite sloppy fielding.

It Is a Little Bit of Disturbance - Varun Chakravarthy

India have been under scrutiny for their fielding during the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2025. The team dropped four catches in their crucial clash against Pakistan and another five against Bangladesh. Their struggles continued against Sri Lanka, where multiple fumbles allowed batters to take easy runs.

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Spinner Varun Chakravarthy stated that the stadium’s challenging lighting made it difficult for fielders to spot the ball. Captain Suryakumar Yadav described the mistakes as “part of the game.”

“You can’t give excuses at this level. We should be taking these catches, but definitely, if you ask me about rings of fire, it comes in the eye, something. It is a little bit of disturbance," Chakaravarthy explained.

Gautam Gambhir Needs to Focus on Fielding - Amit Mishra

Amit Mishra criticized Team India for their repeated lapses in the field during the Asia Cup 2025. He questioned the role of the fielding coach in addressing the issue. Mishra emphasized that international players must adapt quickly and maintain consistent performance under pressure.

“You should practice. What is the fielding coach doing? He should make them practice taking catches under the light. You are professional cricketers. You have to work hard and adjust to it. I agree that one or two dropped catches can happen in a match. But it has been happening consistently. I think Gautam Gambhir needs to focus on fielding," Amit Mishra told ANI.

Indian Team Is Dropping Three to Four Catches - Amit Mishra

Amit Mishra stated that the team has been dropping three to four catches in matches. He urged the players to eliminate errors and find solutions to any issues ahead of the crucial final against Pakistan.

“In T20Is, dropping one catch can prove costly, and the Indian team is dropping three to four catches. They need to focus on fielding. There should be no margin of error in the final against Pakistan. Even if there is a problem, you should find a solution to it," Mishra added.

India and Pakistan will meet for the third time in the Asia Cup 2025 on Sunday. The Men in Blue have won both previous encounters in the tournament and will aim to maintain their unbeaten record. Meanwhile, Pakistan, having lost only to India, will seek revenge and a third Asia Cup title.

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