Ian Bishop Slams Washington Sundar's Fielding After Kohli Drop Costs GT
Synopsis
Washington Sundar dropped Virat Kohli on zero in the first over, a blunder that cost Gujarat Titans the match as Kohli blazed an unbeaten 81 off 44 balls. Legends Ian Bishop and Dale Steyn publicly called out Sundar's fielding standards, warning the talented all-rounder that his ground skills must improve urgently.
Key Takeaways
Washington Sundar dropped Virat Kohli on zero off Mohammed Siraj's bowling in the first over of RCB's chase against Gujarat Titans on April 25, 2025 .
Kohli capitalised on the reprieve to score a match-winning 81 off 44 balls , steering RCB to victory at M.
Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru .
Former West Indies cricketer Ian Bishop publicly criticised Sundar's fielding on ESPNCricinfo , stating his standards 'have got to go up.' Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn called the drop unacceptable, saying: 'Can't drop Kohli.
Can't drop Kohli.' Gujarat Titans had posted 205/3 batting first, but the dropped catch effectively handed the match to RCB .
Both Bishop and Steyn acknowledged Sundar's athleticism but stressed that dedicated fielding practice is essential for him to become a complete cricketer.
Bengaluru, April 25: Former West Indies fast bowling legend Ian Bishop delivered a sharp critique of Washington Sundar's fielding standards after the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder dropped a sitter off Virat Kohli on zero during Friday's high-stakes IPL 2025 clash against Gujarat Titans (GT) at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The dropped catch, off the bowling of Mohammed Siraj in the very first over of RCB's chase, proved to be the turning point of the entire match.
The Costly Drop That Changed the Match
Gujarat Titans had posted a competitive total of 205/3 after being put in to bat, setting RCB a stiff target. However, any hopes GT had of defending that score evaporated almost immediately when Washington Sundar grassed a regulation catch off Virat Kohli on the very first delivery Kohli faced. The reprieve proved catastrophic for GT.
Kohli, given a lifeline on zero, went on to produce one of his finest IPL knocks — a breathtaking 81 off 44 balls — anchoring the chase with characteristic composure and authority. His innings single-handedly steered RCB to victory, underlining once again why he is considered the gold standard of run-chasing in modern cricket.
Ian Bishop's Strong Words for Washington Sundar
Speaking on ESPNCricinfo, Ian Bishop did not mince his words when assessing the fielding lapse. While acknowledging that dropped catches are an inevitable part of cricket, he stressed that Sundar must raise his standards in the field significantly.
Bishop stated: "We've all dropped catches. Sure. You don't pick and choose which ones you drop. But what I would ask Washy — Washington Sundar — your level of fielding has got to go up. I think Washy is a young guy. He's athletic enough."
The former West Indies pacer further added: "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's remarks carry weight, given that this is not the first time Sundar's ground fielding and catching have come under scrutiny during the IPL.
Dale Steyn Joins the Chorus of Criticism
Former South Africa pace icon Dale Steyn also weighed in forcefully, emphasising that certain chances in cricket are simply non-negotiable — and dropping Virat Kohli on zero ranks among the most unforgivable.
Steyn said: "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."
He elaborated further: "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. There are those you drop. There are those you just can't drop." Steyn's point cuts to the heart of the matter — elite fielding standards are non-negotiable at the highest level of the sport.
Washington Sundar's Fielding — A Recurring Concern
Washington Sundar, at 25 years old, is widely regarded as one of Indian cricket's most promising all-round talents, capable of contributing with both bat and ball. However, his fielding has consistently been identified as the weakest link in his otherwise impressive skill set.
Both Bishop and Steyn noted his athleticism, suggesting that the issue is not physical limitation but rather focus, commitment, and dedicated training in the fielding department. For a player of Sundar's ambition — who aspires to be a regular in India's Test and white-ball squads — improving his fielding is not optional but essential.
This incident also reflects a broader conversation in Indian cricket about fielding standards. While India has produced world-class fielders in recent years, lapses at critical junctures — particularly in high-pressure IPL fixtures — continue to cost teams dearly.
Broader Implications for RCB and IPL 2025
Despite the dropped catch, RCB ultimately emerged victorious, with Kohli's masterclass ensuring the defending champions secured crucial points in the IPL 2025 points table. However, the incident serves as a stark reminder that in a tournament decided by margins, such fielding lapses can prove fatal against more clinical opposition.
As IPL 2025 progresses into its business end, teams will be under increasing pressure to tighten their fielding units. For Washington Sundar, the public criticism from legends of the calibre of Ian Bishop and Dale Steyn should serve as a powerful motivator to address this gap before it costs his team in a knockout encounter.
Point of View
While fielding remains an afterthought until a Kohli-on-zero moment forces the conversation. The fact that two former international greats felt compelled to publicly call out a 25-year-old signals that this is a pattern, not an anomaly. Indian cricket's next frontier isn't pace or spin — it's elite fielding accountability at every level.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What catch did Washington Sundar drop in the RCB vs GT match?
Washington Sundar dropped a catch off Virat Kohli on zero in the first over of RCB's chase against Gujarat Titans on April 25, 2025, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The drop came off Mohammed Siraj's bowling and proved decisive as Kohli went on to score 81 off 44 balls.
What did Ian Bishop say about Washington Sundar's fielding?
Ian Bishop told ESPNCricinfo that Washington Sundar's fielding standards 'have got to go up,' noting repeated missed opportunities in the field. He acknowledged Sundar's athleticism but urged the all-rounder to invest more dedicated work into his fielding to become a complete asset for the team.
How did Virat Kohli perform after being dropped on zero?
Virat Kohli capitalised on the reprieve to score a brilliant 81 off 44 balls, anchoring RCB's successful chase of Gujarat Titans' total of 205/3. His innings was the cornerstone of RCB's victory in the IPL 2025 fixture.
What did Dale Steyn say about the dropped catch?
Dale Steyn said that dropping Virat Kohli is simply unacceptable, calling it a '10 out of 10' chance that must be taken. He emphasised that while some catches can be forgiven, certain opportunities — especially of elite batters like Kohli — cannot be missed.
Why is Washington Sundar's fielding under scrutiny in IPL 2025?
Washington Sundar's fielding has been a recurring concern despite his talent with bat and ball, with critics noting multiple missed opportunities in the field across recent matches. Legends Ian Bishop and Dale Steyn used the Kohli drop as a moment to publicly urge Sundar to prioritise fielding improvement to fulfil his potential as a complete cricketer.
