Despite India’s comprehensive performance in the Champions Trophy match against Bangladesh, fielding remained a facet where the team could have improved. Several missed chances, including dropped catches and missed stumpings, permitted Bangladesh to recover from a vulnerable position.
Rohit Sharma let a simple catch of Jaker Ali slip at first slip, preventing Axar Patel from securing a possible hat-trick. Shortly after, Hardik Pandya overlooked another straightforward opportunity of Towhid Hridoy at mid-off. This proved to be expensive as Hridoy and Jaker proceeded to contribute 187 runs, aiding Bangladesh in reaching a competitive score of 229 from 35 overs.
Bright Spots in India’s Fielding
Despite the fielding lapses, some Indian players made notable contributions. Virat Kohli took a well-judged catch in the deep to dismiss Jaker Ali and another to send back Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. KL Rahul redeemed himself by taking a sharp catch to dismiss Mushfiqur Rahim for a golden duck. Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami, who led the bowling attack with a five-wicket haul, also completed a challenging catch for India’s final wicket.
Shami’s Disappointment as Rahul Wins Fielding Medal
When the time came for the announcement of India’s fielding medal, Mohammed Shami found himself overlooked. In a lighthearted moment captured in a BCCI video, Shami joked, “Look at our fielding coach; he looks very busy. I know who’s winning it. Catch toh mera bhi achha tha yaar (Well, the catch I took was good too).”
KL Rahul Won Best Fielding Medal For His Wicket Keeping in #CT25 #INDvBAN
Hat's off to you mann❤️🔥🤞🏻 pic.twitter.com/nb0iQIH3ic— Ayush Mishra (@AYUSHxKLR) February 21, 2025
Nominees for the Fielding Award
Fielding coach T. Dilip began announcing the nominations, first praising Virat Kohli for his reliable fielding skills.
“Coming to the nominations, I think someone who’s been really sure, that he does what he does all the time – going into his positions, grabbing every opportunity when it comes his way – none other than Virat Kohli,” he said.
KL Rahul and Shubman Gill also made it to the contenders’ list. “I think he has been very consistent behind the stumps; it’s never easy because with the new ball, diving on the left side, not only this game, he’s been really doing well, taking those catches at important junctures of time – KL Rahul.”
Dilip then added Shubman Gill’s name. “We always talk about catches, and with Shami bowling a brilliant spell, the ball went away and was heading towards his right side, Shubman Gill – fantastic effort.”
Rahul Takes Home the Fielding Medal
Dilip handed over the proceedings to India’s fielding maestro, Ravindra Jadeja, who then led the team outside the dressing room. As the big screen displayed the winner’s name, KL Rahul was announced as the recipient of the fielding medal. The entire squad burst into laughter, reminiscent of the camaraderie seen during the 2023 World Cup.
While Shami’s catch was impressive, Rahul’s overall consistency behind the stumps earned him the recognition, keeping the competition for India’s best fielder as fierce as ever.
