“One should not deflate his confidence” - Ravi Ashwin defends Yashasvi Jaiswal despite dropping four catches in Leeds Test

Former Indian spinner and analyst Ravi Ashwin has come out in defence of the gully fielder Yashasvi Jaiswal, who dropped multiple catches in the Leeds Test against England, which India lost by five wickets.

Despite Jaiswal dropping four crucial chances, Ashwin felt the senior members of the Indian team should’ve displayed a better sense of leadership and continued with him in the slips to boost his self-confidence.

"We are not sure if he asked for it, but Jaiswal was removed from the slip cordon. He was shunned. Of course, he has picked a lot of catches in the slips, and if a drop sends you out, what can it do to your confidence? I believe leadership comes into play when you can take responsibility for someone who feels deflated," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Furthermore, Ashwin stated that he underwent a similar experience whenever he dropped catches during his time in international cricket. Also, he sympathised with Jaiswal, who could be under severe pressure.

"Say you are the captain, and a fielder drops a catch. You know he always puts in the effort and practices, and if he still drops a catch, it means that it was not his day. One should not deflate his confidence. I can ask him, 'is everything okay?' and all, but what many do is, right in the middle, they shift their fielding position. It deflates the confidence of a player completely. I have gone through the same," he added.

Interestingly, Jaiswal went on to drop a game-changing catch of Ben Duckett, who smacked a 149-run knock, winning the player of the match award. Team India will next take on England in the second Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham, starting on Wednesday, July 2, aiming to level the series 1-1.

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