Ahmedabad, February 20 – India’s fielding has emerged as a glaring concern in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. Under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership, the team has dropped a staggering nine catches during the group stage, putting their progression under scrutiny.
Bowling coach Morne Morkel addressed this issue head-on during a press conference ahead of Sunday’s Super 8 clash against South Africa. He emphasized that sloppy fielding could prove costly in high-stakes encounters. ‘We need to work hardest on our fielding,’ Morkel stated candidly. ‘Good fieldwork can save two runs or prevent boundaries, which becomes crucial in the tournament’s decisive phases.’
Morkel highlighted how no catch is ever truly easy, especially under pressure, and revealed that all players are putting in extra sessions to sharpen their skills. He pointed out that a brilliant catch in a tense moment can disrupt the batting side’s momentum entirely, potentially swinging the game India’s way.
The stats paint a worrying picture: India ranks second in dropped catches, trailing only Ireland who have let slip 10. Despite this lapse, Team India has stormed through the group stage unbeaten, earning their Super 8 spot from what many call the ‘Group of Death’ – where every opponent remains undefeated so far.
The upcoming showdown with South Africa on February 22 at Narendra Modi Stadium promises fireworks. With both teams in top form, Morkel’s call to arms on fielding could be the difference-maker. As India eyes glory, tightening their ground game is non-negotiable. Will the men in blue rise to the challenge and turn weakness into strength?