India may have cruised to a six-wicket win over Pakistan in their Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash in Dubai, but their fielding display left plenty to be desired. Four catches were dropped across the innings — two by Abhishek Sharma, one by Shubman Gill and another by Kuldeep Yadav — drawing visible frustration from fielding coach T. Dilip.
Suryakumar’s humorous take
At the post-match press conference, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav chose humour over criticism when asked about the fielding lapses. “Acha bhi puch lo (Ask some positive query as well). It’s okay. I think fielding coach has already emailed the boys to visit the office tomorrow and day after — all those guys who had butter fingers,” he said with a smile, leaving the press room in laughter.
The captain, however, also stressed perspective, noting that dropped catches are part of the game. “It’s good that it happened in the first game. Going ahead we have to play more crucial games, but it’s okay. It happens,” Suryakumar remarked.
Abhishek Sharma’s redemption
The most dramatic arc belonged to Abhishek Sharma. After putting down two chances early on, he redeemed himself with a spectacular diving grab to dismiss Saim Ayub. With the bat, he was even more lethal — smashing 74 off just 39 balls to dismantle Pakistan’s bowling attack and effectively seal the contest.
The lapses that didn’t matter
India’s dropped catches allowed Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan to survive twice on his way to a gritty half-century, but the lapses were overshadowed by India’s dominant chase. Gill chipped in with 47 off 28 balls, and alongside Abhishek, ensured India’s pursuit of 172 was a mere formality.
In the end, what could have been a night remembered for “butter fingers” turned into one remembered for Abhishek’s fireworks and Suryakumar’s humour.
