Post by : Maya Rahman

The Indian cricket team is showing a renewed sense of purpose in its fielding sessions as it prepares for the high-profile T20I series against Australia in Canberra. The atmosphere in practice is filled with enthusiasm and focus. Players often use the word “mahaul” (atmosphere) to describe the energy they want to build — one strong enough to carry them through even the most difficult moments in a game.

Fielding, especially catching, has been one of India’s weaker areas despite being the No. 1 ranked team in T20Is. Even during their recent Asia Cup triumph, the fielding seemed below par. India dropped 12 catches in that tournament, the highest among all teams. Some blamed the lighting conditions in Dubai, but captain Suryakumar Yadav and his team see it as an area that needs improvement. Since the beginning of 2025, India’s catching efficiency of 82.7% ranks only fifth among full-member nations — a statistic that Suryakumar wants to change.

Speaking ahead of the series, Suryakumar said dropped catches are part of cricket but improving response and attitude afterward is what matters. “If you are a fielder, you will drop catches at times — just like batters get out or bowlers miss their lines,” he said. “What matters more is what you do after that. Everyone turned up for the optional fielding session today, which shows how serious we are. We want to be the best fielding side in the world.”

The Indian players have been putting in extra effort during fielding drills. Suryakumar believes that intent and readiness make a big difference. “There’s no guarantee that if you take 25 catches in practice, you won’t drop one tomorrow. It’s part of the game. What’s important is how much you want the ball to come to you,” he said. The captain also emphasized that even if a catch is dropped, the effort and commitment should not stop.

For Suryakumar, fielding is more than just technique — it’s about teamwork and atmosphere. He explained that fielding is the only part of the game where all 11 players work together. “Batting and bowling are individual skills. But in fielding, everyone is connected. You create an atmosphere where the team feels united. Even if the opposition is dominating, good fielding can turn the game around,” he said.

The team only recently gathered for the T20I camp, and some players came straight from other formats. Suryakumar underlined the importance of enjoying the game together. “It’s important to have fun on the ground,” he said. “When the game gets tight or pressure builds up, these small moments of bonding and positivity make a difference. That’s what we are trying to build.”

Apart from fielding, Suryakumar is also working to regain his batting rhythm. One of T20 cricket’s most reliable batters, he has had a quiet year so far, scoring only 100 runs in 11 innings at an average of 11.11. However, he remains calm and confident. “I’ve been working hard on my game, both at home and here,” he said. “I’m in a good space mentally. Runs will come when the time is right. What matters more is focusing on what the team needs from me in different situations.”

The captain’s approach reflects his leadership style — calm, team-oriented, and process-driven. “I take one game at a time,” he said. “If I can contribute to what the team needs in that moment, that’s success for me. Once the rhythm starts, everything else will follow.”

As India prepare to face Australia, the focus remains on energy, unity, and sharpness in the field. The team knows that in close matches, one good catch or run-out can change the result. With Suryakumar leading by example, India are determined to make their fielding as strong as their batting and bowling — creating the kind of “mahaul” that wins matches.

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