IND vs AUS: Virat Kohli is renowned for his exceptional fielding abilities, and his agility on the field has earned him widespread acclaim. His fitness and speed make him one of the finest fielders in world cricket. However, despite his brilliance, Kohli has occasionally been guilty of dropping catches, and this aspect of his fielding has drawn attention in recent years.
Dropped Catches: Kohli’s Stat Comes Into Focus
From 2019 to August 2024, Kohli dropped 36 catches, the most by any Indian cricketer during this period. This stat gained attention once again on the opening day of the first Test match between India and Australia in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), where he dropped a crucial chance off Marnus Labuschagne in the third over of Australia’s innings. His dropping percentage has also been highlighted, as he ranks second in the list of players with the highest dropped percentages since 2011, among those with a minimum of 100 fielding chances.
Also Read: England’s Barmy Army Takes Brutal Dig At Virat Kohli’s Drop Catch Off Marnus Labuschagne (See Post)
The Challenges Of Fielding At Hot Spots
It is important to note that Kohli often fields in high-pressure positions, such as close to the bat or at the boundary, where the ball travels at high speeds. These positions increase the likelihood of drops due to the sheer difficulty of the chances he takes. Despite this, Kohli has pulled off some remarkable catches over the years, showcasing his skill both inside the 30-yard circle and near the boundary.
Rohit Sharma: Close Behind Kohli In Dropped Catches
Kohli’s fellow Indian batter, Rohit Sharma, also features prominently on the dropped catches list. Between 2019 and August 2024, Sharma dropped 33 catches, following closely behind Kohli in terms of most drops.
Here’s the table summarizing the dropped catches by players from 2019 to August 2024:
| Player | Dropped Catches (2019-August 2024) |
|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 36 |
| Rohit Sharma | 33 |
| Mohammed Siraj | 16 |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | 13 |
| Shreyas Iyer | 12 |
Despite their occasional misjudgments, both players remain integral to India’s fielding lineup, regularly executing spectacular catches in challenging conditions.
Also Read: England’s Barmy Army Takes Brutal Dig At Virat Kohli’s Drop Catch Off Marnus Labuschagne (See Post)
