Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra slammed Punjab Kings’ fielding after they suffered a 33-run loss against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad on Wednesday. PBKS were poor in the field as they could not take their catches and thus they were punished by SRH batters.

Ishan Kishan was given three reprieves as he was dropped on 9 and 18 by Copper Connolly and Lockie Ferguson respectively. Furthermore, Prabhsimran Singh missed a stumping chance when Kishan advanced down the track against Yuzvendra Chahal when he on 20 runs. Kishan eventually went on to score 55 runs off 32 balls. 

Moreover, Heinrich Klaasen’s catch was fluffed when he was on nine by Shashank Singh. The South African batter went on to score 69 runs off just 43 balls to help SRH post 235 runs on the board.

Chopra said so many catches aren’t dropped in First-class or under-19 cricket after PBKS’ loss against SRH.

“Who will hold catches? How can you drop so many catches? Catches win matches sounds slightly cliché, but it’s true. Yuzvendra Chahal has created 16 opportunities in total, and you have missed eight of those. You are dropping easy catches. Who drops catches like that?” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

“They aren’t dropped in the IPL. So many catches aren’t dropped in First-class or under-19 cricket. Cooper Connolly dropped an easy catch at the start. Then Shashank Singh dropped another catch. He has dropped six catches this season. After that, Lockie Ferguson dropped an easy catch, and then Prabhsimran Singh missed a stumping,” he added.

The former Delhi cricketer said Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen were able to make the most of their second chances against PBKS.

“You dropped Heinrich Klaasen’s catch on nine, and he scored 60 runs after that. You dropped Ishan Kishan twice and missed a stumping. How will it work out if you keep dropping catches? The fielding effort was extremely ordinary,” Chopra observed.

Punjab Kings will next take on Delhi Capitals at Dharamsala on Monday.