- June 23, 2025
When Sunil Gavaskar speaks, Indian cricket listens—sometimes uncomfortably. On Day 2 of the ENG vs IND 1st Test at Headingley, he watched India drop two regulation catches and delivered a sharp jab: “I don’t think they will give out any medals.” It was a cheeky dig at the team’s medal-for-fielding tradition, but also a brutally honest reflection of fan frustration. After posting 471 runs, India’s sloppy fielding handed England a way back. At 120 for 2 overnight, it’s England who’ll sleep easier—and India who might regret those drops the most.
Dropped Catches, Dropped Standards
India’s fielding isn’t just off, it’s views than a feather in the last-chance saloon. The first and biggest miss of the day came inside the first half hour when Ravindra Jadeja, one of the better fielders, dropped a routine cut shot from Duckett at the ultimate backward point. Just to complete Indian’s ill-fated day, Pope was also dropped at 60, from a dropped catch of Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Both Duckett and Pope have capitalized on India’s carelessness. Pope, most impressively, took full advantage of that wealth in terms of runs ending the day not out on 100 — his ninth Test century and a knock that most probably changed the course of the match, with both of them putting up over 150 runs for the fourth wicket. Frustratingly, these are not half-chances. The kind of incidents we can relate to are big Test matches.
The Medal Culture and the Gavaskar Jab
Fielding coach T Dilip started the idea of post-match “fielding medals” as a way to lift morale and reward top fielding performances. It has been a fun and motivational addition to the dressing room, and fans have taken to social media in kind with it. However, Gavaskar’s quip would have created a query over its relevance now. “No medals today,” he said rather bluntly during commentary, suggesting these traditions are only as relevant as the fielding they celebrate.
To be clear, no one is suggesting the medal culture should be dead. It has its place. But as Gavaskar has said, that doesn’t excuse the fact that it also reflects poor performances on the field. Medals are great, but at the end of the day, what matters is results. If India is to develop a reputation as a force abroad, particularly in places like Leeds, opportunities must be taken.
The Bumrah Bright Spot and Kotak’s Calm
On a day where England’s resolve ruled and the most prolific shot of the day was still yet to be recorded, Jasprit Bumrah, the number one pacer on the planet, rallied with the words of his good friend MS Dhoni now ringing that much more true – exceptional class would shine through. The class bowler had absolutely none, taking three enormously valuable wickets (Crawley, Duckett, and Root) – simply in sheer class. He got Harry Brook at the end of Day One, but other than overstepping the stripe, wouldn’t have known any better.
Sitanshu Kotak said he knew that dropping the wickets and the no-ball were bad, and said that no fielding error of any kind was good. He said he was pleased with the bowling unit’s effort overall, although there is always going to be some disappointment to the fan and all the commentators who realize that India had a chance to put a little pressure on England, and literally let it slip through their fingers.
So, we go again. Will India be able to tighten up their fielding enough before they start to take control of the Test match, or will the dropped chances be a factor? Tell us what you think in the comments below and continue to check back for more match analysis!
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