Yashasvi Jaiswal is facing heavy criticism after India's defeat in the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds. The young Indian opener had a tough time on the field, dropping four catches throughout the match. These fielding lapses proved costly, especially during crucial moments, and contributed significantly to England's successful chase of 371.
Jaiswal's dropped catches included chances off key England batsmen like Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, and Harry Brook. Duckett, in particular, benefited from a dropped catch on the final day, going on to score a century. These missed opportunities not only frustrated the Indian bowlers, especially Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, but also shifted the momentum in favor of the English side. According to Cricbuzz, Jaiswal's four dropped catches equaled a record for the most dropped catches by an Indian player in a Test match.
Adding fuel to the fire, a video surfaced online showing Jaiswal dancing and smiling near the boundary shortly after dropping a catch. This sparked outrage among fans and cricket analysts, who felt that his behavior was inappropriate considering the circumstances of the match. Social media was flooded with critical comments, with some users labeling him the "12th man of the England team."
Gautam Gambhir, the head coach, was visibly displeased by Jaiswal's fielding errors and his subsequent actions. Some reports suggest that Mohammed Siraj also expressed his frustration towards Jaiswal on the field after a dropped catch. The incident has raised questions about Jaiswal's commitment and focus during crucial moments of the game.
The criticism extends beyond just the dropped catches. Some observers pointed out that India's overall body language on the field suggested a lack of intensity and competitiveness. Others highlighted that Jaiswal's fielding struggles are not new, with concerns previously raised about his speed, throwing accuracy, and catching ability.
While Jaiswal's first-innings century was a positive highlight, his fielding performance has overshadowed his batting achievements. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fielding in Test cricket and the impact that dropped catches can have on the outcome of a match. Some fans contrasted the situation with how a senior player like Rohit Sharma might handle it as captain, implying a stricter approach to maintaining focus and seriousness on the field.
Despite the criticism, some voices have offered support for the young player. Jasprit Bumrah, for instance, urged critics not to judge Jaiswal too harshly, citing the cold conditions and his relative inexperience. Sachin Tendulkar also praised Bumrah for his resilience despite the dropped catches off his bowling.