Ian Bishop Slams Washington Sundar Over Costly Kohli Drop

Ian Bishop criticised Washington Sundar's fielding after a crucial dropped catch of Virat Kohli in the RCB vs GT IPL match. The drop occurred in the first over when Kohli was on zero, and he went on to score 81 off 44 balls. Bishop emphasised Sundar needs to improve his fielding to become a greater asset. Dale Steyn also weighed in, stating that such chances cannot be missed, especially against a chaser like Kohli.

Key Points: Bishop Criticises Sundar After Kohli Catch Drop

  • Ian Bishop criticises Washington Sundar's fielding
  • Sundar dropped Virat Kohli on zero in first over
  • Kohli scored 81 off 44 balls to anchor RCB chase
  • Dale Steyn says "can't drop Kohli" in such moments
2 min read

'His fielding level has got to go up': Bishop criticises Sundar after Kohli's catch drop

Ian Bishop criticises Washington Sundar's fielding after dropping Virat Kohli early in RCB vs GT IPL match. Kohli scored 81 to lead RCB to victory.

"Your level of fielding has got to go up - Ian Bishop"

Bengaluru, April 25

Former West Indies cricketer Ian Bishop expressed concern over Washington Sundar's fielding standards after the all-rounder dropped a crucial catch of Virat Kohli during the clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday, a moment that proved decisive in the outcome of the match.

After being put in to bat, Gujarat Titans posted a competitive 205/3, but a crucial moment unfolded in the very first over of RCB's chase when Kohli was dropped on zero by Washington Sundar off the bowling of Mohammed Siraj. The missed opportunity proved decisive as Kohli went on to anchor the chase with a brilliant 81 off 44 balls, guiding the defending champions towards victory.

"No, I see that differently. Yeah. We've all dropped catches. Sure. You don't pick and choose which ones you drop. Okay. Right?" Bishop told ESPNCricinfo.

Bishop, however, emphasised the need for improvement from Sundar in the field, stating that the youngster has a lot of time left and should focus on his fitness to be more useful for the team.

"But what I would, I would ask Washy, Washington Sundar, your level of fielding has got to go up. I think Washy is not; he's a young guy. He's athletic enough," he said.

"And for too long, I'm seeing missed opportunities with him. So I would ask him to put a little bit more work into that. So he becomes an asset in the field, in addition to all the other things," Bishop added.

Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn also weighed in on the costly dropped catch, stressing that certain chances in cricket simply cannot be missed, especially when it involves a batter of Virat Kohli's calibre. Steyn highlighted that while dropped catches are part of the game, there are moments that demand absolute precision, and this was one of them.

"Those are the ones you take. You just gotta take it. Don't drop Kohli, man. Can't drop Kohli. Can't drop Kohli. The guy that's going to be one of the best chasers in the world," Steyn said.

"That catch. Actually, it doesn't matter who it is. You just can't drop that. That's 10 out of 10; you should be taking it. I mean, the cricketers, there are those you drop. There are those you just can't drop," he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
I get that dropped catches happen, but Kohli thrives on these chances. As a bowler, you need fielders who can back you up under pressure. Sundar seems like a smart cricketer—he just needs to focus on his reflexes and maybe some drills. Bishop's advice is constructive, not harsh.
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Varun X
One mistake and everyone pounces—kya baat hai? Sundar is a young player, give him time. Both Bishop and Steyn have dropped catches in their careers too. Yes, it was costly, but RCB still lost the match, so it's not like it decided everything. We need to stop putting players on a pedestal of perfection.
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James A
As a neutral fan, I think Steyn's point is valid—some catches are non-negotiable. Sundar looked casual on that one. But credit to Kohli for making him pay. This is why fielding drills matter even for spinners. India's domestic structure should emphasize all-round fielding standards more.
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Priya S
People forget how many catches Kohli has dropped too! But Sundar does need to improve—Bishop said it respectfully. I just hope this doesn't affect his confidence because he's a gem for Indian cricket. 🏏
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Karan T
I see what Bishop means—Sundar has been known for misfields and missed chances in recent seasons. He's a smart bowler and a handy bat, but in modern cricket, even spinners need to be agile. Time to hit the gym and practice those high catches! 💪

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