Fielding coach Sridhar keen on improving India’s close-in catching in Tests

India’s slip (and close-in) fielding has been susceptible for quite some time now and it came into the spotlight once again in the Test series in South Africa. India dropped some crucial catches in the first two Tests that may have cost them the series. Shikhar Dhawan dropped a sitter in the slips to give Keshav Maharaj a lifeline. The left-arm spinner went on to make a vital 35 after he was dropped on 0. In the second Test, India dropped 6 catches in the first innings and a couple more in the second innings. Hence, fielding was certainly the difference between the two sides. 

India’s fielding coach R Sridhar believes that India’s close-in catching is still a work in progress. With the next big Test series in England coming soon in August, Sridhar plans to address that issue and by crafting an appropriate training regime. 

“One area I would definitely want (us) to improve is the close-in catching for the Test team. On wickets in South Africa, every fourth wicket that falls is a catch in slips or gully. We expect the same on pitches in England as well. We are going to address that and plan some tough training regime before the England tour. Slip catching is an area where we are going to go hard,” the 47-year old told TOI. 

However, the former Karnataka allrounder was all praise for the fast bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah, in particular, was lauded for his efforts throughout the series. Sridhar also revealed that they worked closely on Bumrah’s technique. 

“The best example for this is Jasprit Bumrah. There is 100% improvement in his fielding. His running and diving efforts during the Johannesburg Test and the ODI in Centurion were noteworthy. We worked with him on his catching technique, on his anticipation and what position he must be in when the ball hits the bat, where to look at and also on his throwing technique. Each player in this team takes his fielding seriously. Bhuvneshwar's catch on the boundary ropes to dismiss Amla in the fourth ODI was magnificent. All this stems from Virat who wanted fielding to be each player's secondary skill. Also, our players back each other at all times on the field,” the fielding coach stated. 

He also revealed how the team rallies around a player if he drops a catch. He gave the example of Parthiv Patel and how the wicketkeeper was backed by the team members. 

“On the field, players ensure that the one who dropped a catch -- his body language doesn't drop and he is able to concentrate on the job at hand. In the case of Parthiv, it was a case of more self-belief, more positivity and some more visualisation which the support staff ensured he received before going to the field again. He came back and did a good job for us in the Johannesburg Test till he got injured,” Sridhar said.