'More of ring of fire...'- India's fielding coach reflects on their special fielding practice in Dubai for Asia Cup 2025

Fielding is always a vital aspect in any format of the game, and to continue the same skills during the Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium is a challenge, especially in the ring of fire, where the lights come straight into the eyes of the fielders. But India has been clinical in that department during the first two games. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released a video of their special fielding drills under the coach, T Dilip, who reckoned that there is a tendency to lose sight of the ball for a split second when the ball is travelling.

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“One of the challenges we encounter in Dubai Stadium is that the lights are slightly different. It's more of a ring of fire, which is in the dome basically, rather than on the poles, which we usually come across. The challenge in the ring of fire is especially on outfield boundary line catches. There is a tendency that you lose sight of the ball for a split second, especially when the ball is travelling.” T Dilip expressed in the video.

T Dilip reveals India’s intense fielding practice in Dubai for Asia Cup 2025

Another challenge for the player would be facing humidity in those conditions during the Asia Cup, as he feels that the players would need to be switched on during the high-intensity encounters. He reflected on how the ball drops in humid conditions compared to different weather.

“We have been taught throughout our lives to always watch the ball, and as soon as you don't see the ball for a split second, you tend to panic. So, what we try to do in practice sessions is to add variable practices. Then, slowly, the players realize that even if you lose a split second in the (flood)light, you still have a lot of time.” T Dilip addressed.

“Another factor that differentiates on the ground on that particular day is the speed at which they (fielders) can reach the ball, which makes a lot of difference because they practice so hard for the hands to work out... and feet going near to the ball is also very important.” India’s fielding coach explained.