In the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand, it was clear that Team India needed to go all guns blazing against a tough opponent. However, during the match in Dubai, while the Men in Blue managed to take crucial wickets at regular intervals, their fielding left much to be desired — with several dropped catches frustrating fans.
At the Dubai International Stadium, four fielders dropped catches — some of them fairly straightforward — which wasn't a good look for a team known for its top-tier fielding. In fact, India has dropped 9 catches in the Champions Trophy 2025 — the most by any team. Their catching efficiency stands at 70%, better only than Bangladesh (66.6%) and Pakistan (60%) in the tournament.
6.3 overs: Mohammed Shami dropped Rachin Ravindra's catch on his own bowling. Ravindra chipped the ball to Shami's left, striking his already-strapped hand. It was Shami's third drop of the tournament, having missed two off his own bowling against Australia.
7.1 overs: Shreyas Iyer, one of India's best fielders, dropped a catch at deep mid-wicket. Ravindra slog-swept Varun Chakaravarthy's tossed-up delivery, getting a top edge. Shreyas sprinted 21 meters to his right and lunged with outstretched hands, but the ball slipped through his fingers.
34.5 overs: Rohit Sharma dropped Daryl Mitchell at mid-wicket. Mitchell mistimed a pull shot, sending the ball just over Rohit's outstretched right hand — a moment that felt like a footballer tipping the ball over the bar.
35.6 overs: Shubman Gill dropped Glenn Phillips at deep mid-wicket. Phillips pulled a length delivery on middle stump, and Gill, moving quickly from the shadows, dived to his left. Though he got his fingers under the dipping ball, he couldn't hold on to it.
India's poor fielding display — especially the dropped catches — didn't go unnoticed by fans. Many took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to vent their frustration, jokingly calling the final a "catch drop practice session."?
One fan wrote, "Anushka Sharma's reaction to the dropped catch was gold."
Another said, "INDvsNZ (NO) — Catch Drop Practice Match (YES)."
"So we decided to drop all catches today? 4 catches dropped so far!!!! We can do better!!!" a fan exclaimed.
Another added, "If we lose today, it’s because of those dropped catches."
As for the match, 45 overs are done, and India has taken five wickets after New Zealand's strong start. The Kiwis are currently 201 for 5, with Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell at the crease.?
Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy have both picked up two wickets each, while Ravindra Jadeja has completed his 10 overs, taking 1 wicket.?
New Zealand (Playing XI): Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(w), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson, William ORourke?
India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul(w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy?
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