India\u2019s catching has been a major concern in the series. The hosts spilled as many as eight chances in the series opener which proved costly as they lost the match by 5 wickets.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ollie Pope was dropped on 60 and went on to make 106. Similarly, Ben Duckett got a lifeline on 15 and scored 62. Also, in the third Test, KL Rahul dropped Jamie Smith at second slip and the batter went on to score 51 also stitching 87-run ninth wicket stand with Brydon Crase (56) in the first innings.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI\u2019m not a big fan of heavy taping. Your fingers go numb, and you lose flexibility. When you tape heavily, it thickens the area. When the ball hits, the tape acts like a sponge \u2014 it softens the impact, and the ball tends to pop out,\" Kaif told IANS.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Kaif also admitted to a more old-school technique. \u201cWhen I used to field, I\u2019d use saliva \u2014 I\u2019d spit on my hands to help the ball stick better. Fielding is about accepting pain. You can\u2019t avoid it \u2014 you have to bear it,\" he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal had dropped four crucial catches against England in the series opener in Leeds which cost India dearly as England chase down 371 runs on the final day to seal the win.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cJaiswal is a good fielder \u2014 we\u2019ve seen it in the IPL and in Tests. But with too many layers on the fingers, you lose natural grip and feel. That likely contributed to the dropped catch,\u201d Kaif noted.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The former cricketer further reflected on India's fielding and said it was overall decent, but also noted that dropping catches can swing the momentum of the game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cJaiswal is a good fielder \u2014 we\u2019ve seen it in the IPL and in Tests. But with too many layers on the fingers, you lose natural grip and feel. That likely contributed to the dropped catch,\u201d Kaif noted.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Jaiswal dropped a crucial catch in the final match \u2014 it came at a turning point. Moments like these can swing games. Still, the catching was fairly solid. Both Shubman Gill and KL Rahul took some sharp ones,\" he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n