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India are currently locked in a battle with Nepal in the fifth game of the Asia Cup 2023. India won the toss and elected to bowl first, capitalizing on the overcast conditions. The Indian bowlers launched with precision, maintaining an excellent line and length and creating several wicket-taking opportunities. However, the Indian fielders failed to provide the necessary support, letting three straightforward catches slip through their grasp.
Shreyas Iyer’s slip cordon mishap
The first chance came on the last ball of the opening over when Kushal Bhurtel faced the last delivery of the first over by Mohammed Shami. Bhurtel went for a powerful shot at a short and wide delivery by Shami but could only manage a thick outside edge, sending the ball flying towards the first slip. Shreyas Iyer, stationed in the cordon, should have comfortably taken the regulation catch, but his delayed reaction turned it into a missed opportunity.
An unusual error by Virat Kohli
The second dropped catch proved to be even more costly. Aasif Sheikh attempted a drive outside the off-stump, offering a straightforward chance to Virat Kohli at shortish cover point. Nevertheless, Kohli, known for his safe hands, fumbled the catch, letting the ball slip through his grasp, chin, and finally to the ground.
Also READ: Gautam Gambhir picks his India squad for ODI World Cup 2023; no place for Shreyas Iyer
Ishan Kishan’s missed chance
To compound the fielding woes, Ishan Kishan added another to the tally by dropping Bhurtel, a straightforward sitter, with the gloves in the fifth over. These fielding lapses have left fans on Twitter questioning India’s level of preparation, particularly in the fielding department.
Here are some of the best tweets:
Within 5 overs 3 catches dropped by TEAM INDIA..Poor fielding like school cricket https://t.co/WEY8n81wj0
— Devansushah (@devansushah) September 4, 2023
India dropped 3 easy catches against Nepal. Fielding plays a crucial role in cricket & missed opportunities can change the game. Catches win matches
#IndvsNep #INDvNEP #AsiaCup2023
— Khadija (@khadijatweets_) September 4, 2023
3rd Drop Catch !!!!
What is India doing in the field today pic.twitter.com/SBGjvOAhrz
— Ankit Gurjar (@264offf173) September 4, 2023
Kohli how can you drop that one champ 😭😭🥺💔 #ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/ZMes6Rq3Hx
— Deepak Jain (@Deepakjain1827) September 4, 2023
Back to back drop catches
Iyer & Kohli 🤦🏻♂️#IndvsNep #INDvNEP pic.twitter.com/G0GQXNHufh
— ͏ ͏͏͏ ͏ ͏ ͏͏͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏͏͏ ͏ ͏͏͏ ۣ͏͏͏𝐀 𝐑 𝐔 𝐍 🛡 (@Itz_Aruntweetz) September 4, 2023