'Fielding let us down': Kiran More on India’s missed chances in Headingley Test defeat

Mumbai: Former India wicketkeeper and selector Kiran More has called for patience with the current Indian Test side after its heartbreaking five-wicket loss to England in the first Test at Headingley, but was clear-eyed about where things went wrong: fielding.

“We played very well for four days,” More told IANS. “I think the mistake came on the last day when England played outstanding cricket. Fielding was where we slipped. Those were simple catches — no one drops those — and that made the difference.”

More, while pointing out India’s bright patches across the Test, admitted the team fell short when it mattered most. “In the first two days, we were really good, and I felt we could’ve added another 100–150 runs to our total. If we had scored 450 in the first innings, things might’ve been different,” he said. “In the second innings, Rishabh and KL Rahul did well. But again, we collapsed at key moments.”

More wasn’t critical of individuals, instead highlighting the bigger picture. “We’ve got a good, balanced team, but this team is still in transition. I think we need to give them time — a year or so — to settle, find the right combination, and grow into a strong unit,” he said. “We’ve scored over 750 runs across both innings, so the batting is there. But we can’t keep depending on Bumrah. He needs support — especially from the spinners.”

Indeed, while Jasprit Bumrah bowled tirelessly, he went wicketless in the second innings. Prasidh Krishna proved expensive, and India’s fielding allowed England reprieves that proved costly, most notably Harry Brook, who was dropped multiple times en route to his 99.

More called for faith in the team and a long-term vision. “We’ve seen it before — from Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Sachin, to Kohli and Rohit. Now it’s time for new faces to step up. They need time and support,” he said. “If we keep playing like this and keep making the same mistakes, we won’t improve. But give this group time, and we’ll have a good team.” IANS

Also Read: Rajasthan to host Khelo India University Games 2025 in November

Also Watch: