22nd match of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) saw as many as eight dropped catches. Even the likes of Rachin Ravindra and Lockie Ferguson could not hold on to the ball. The dropped catches led to former India all-rounder and T20 World Cup 2007-winner Irfan Pathan questioning the fielding standards. Pathan who often plays in the leagues for retired players said that even they don't drop catches at this scale.
"8 drop catches in the game today. Itne to legend league mein Nahi chorte bhai," Irfan wrote in his X account.
Gaikwad wants teammates to 'enjoy fielding'
In the post-match presentation, Ruturaj Gaikwad blamed fielding lapses for the loss.
"I think the last four games, the only point of difference (fielding being the difference). It has been critical. The catches we have been dropping, the same batsman is scoring 15, 20, 30 runs," Gaikwad said.
"I spoke ahead of the game that we have to enjoy the fielding. If you are nervous, you will drop a catch. If you look to be a standout fielder, save those two, three, get that run-out, it helps the team. Batting and bowling you can have bad days," he added.
Fleming 'frustrated' with 'poor' catching
After CSK's fourth defeat in a row, head coach Stephen Fleming expressed his disappointment over issues in the field which haunted them against PBKS. Young Priyansh Arya was dropped twice. He went on to score 103 runs from just 42 balls.
"The game was really lost in the field, I thought we were sloppy in the field, and we just lacked accuracy under pressure at certain times," Fleming said. "We were put under pressure by a fine innings [from Arya] but we've got to be better than that in terms of shutting it down. So that's where the game got away from us.
"We're 18 runs short in a big run chase, so we can look at three sixes here and there. It's been a frustrating season so far. The catching has been poor, but it was poor from both sides tonight. Whether it was something in the light I'm not sure, but certainly for us that was an area of concern."
CSK will have a chance to turn their season around when they take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at home on April 11.