Catching Crisis in IPL 2025: 111 Drops in First 40 Matches!

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Date: April 23, 2025
By: Cricket Analyst Desk

The Indian Premier League 2025 is off to a thrilling start with nail-biting finishes, explosive batting, and dramatic last-over heroics. But amidst all the excitement, a worrying trend has emerged—a total of 111 catches have been dropped in the first 40 matches, leading to a catching efficiency of just 75.2%. This statistic raises questions about fielding standards and team preparedness in the world’s most competitive T20 league.

Startling Numbers Raise Eyebrows

The dropped catches have become a regular talking point this season. With 111 drops, teams are averaging nearly 2.78 dropped chances per game, a number alarmingly high at this elite level. Fans and experts alike are expressing concerns over the consistency and sharpness of fielding units.

Key Matches Affected by Dropped Catches

Several high-stakes matches have swung dramatically due to missed opportunities in the field:

Match 12: Mumbai vs Hyderabad – Two crucial drops allowed the Sunrisers to chase down a target that seemed out of reach.
Match 27: RCB vs KKR – Virat Kohli was dropped on 15 and went on to score a match-winning 87*.
Match 33: Delhi vs Punjab – Three dropped catches in the final 5 overs cost Delhi a must-win game.

These instances are just a snapshot of a broader issue plaguing the tournament.

Experts Weigh In

Former India coach Ravi Shastri commented during a post-match discussion,

“You can’t win championships with butterfingers. Catches win matches, and right now, it’s slipping—literally and figuratively—for a lot of teams.”

Fielding coach and analyst Jonty Rhodes also took to social media:

“Time to revisit the basics. IPL franchises are investing millions, but are they investing enough in fielding drills?”

Why So Many Drops?

Several factors might be contributing to the poor fielding displays:

Pressure and fatigue: The fast-paced nature of the tournament could be affecting concentration levels.
Lighting and crowd distractions: High decibel levels and stadium lighting can play tricks on outfielders.
Lack of fielding focus in team preparation: With most teams emphasizing power-hitting and bowling variations, fielding might be taking a back seat.