The fielding standards in the Indian Premier League have not been top-notch for years. Players have been dropping catches and conceding boundaries due to misfields. In IPL 2024, Kolkata Knight Riders dropped 11 catches, highlighting the level of their fielding.
During the game against Rajasthan Royals at the Eden Gardens, Varun Chakaravarthy dropped a straightforward catch of Sanju Samson. Mitchell Starc bowled a perfect delivery to Rajasthan's skipper, who edged it, but Varun let the team down.
As soon as the incident occurred, Gautam Gambhir, the mentor of KKR, appeared on the giant screen looking displeased with the effort. Former India player Ambati Rayudu cautioned the KKR cricketers about the serious consequences of dropping another catch in the game:
“KKR has dropped eleven catches, which is a worrying sign. Their batting and bowling have been phenomenal, and that’s why this area hasn’t been talked about. Gambhir is not looking happy, Varun should have taken that catch. If KKR drops another catch, Gambhir will give them dressing down after the match.”
Samson was dismissed by Harshit Rana on an individual score of 12 runs, unable to take advantage of the lifeline.
The hosts' score was boosted to 223/6 in 20 overs by Sunil Narine's impressive knock of 109 runs, featuring 13 fours and 6 sixes.