The key to making high catches in the Dubai International Stadium, where the floodlight structure differs greatly from the traditional configuration, according to Indian cricket team fielding coach T Dilip, is to keep your eyes on the ball at all times.
In contrast to the traditional pillar-mounted lights found in cricket stadiums all over the world, the Indian team has adjusted to the high-intensity floodlights positioned around the perimeter of the stadium’s circular roof pretty well.
In a video that was uploaded to ‘X’ by the BCCI, Dilip provided a detailed explanation of the team’s fielding exercises and how Indian players prepare for high outfield catches at critical times..
“One of the challenges we encounter in Dubai Stadium is the lights are slightly different. It’s more of a ring of fire which are 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 through that or coming through it,” said Dilip.
He went on to say that players should always stay “switched on” during high-intensity matches because the humidity levels at the venue can also have a significant impact on games.
“It’s all about how players are switched on at that particular moment and how they respond to that particular ball which is very very important considering the humidity in Dubai and especially in T20 which is very high-intense game,” added Dilip.
Since Rahul Dravid was the head coach, the coach from Hyderabad has been a part of the Indian team.
He also focused on the specifics of making high catches in humid environments, where the ball’s descent is impacted by an increase in air density.
“And, another challenge is humidity and density. The depth and perception of high catches over a period, the drop becomes different compared to other places.
“We have been taught throughout our life (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 realise that even if you lose a split second in the (flood) light, you still have a lot of time,” he said.
“Another factor which 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,” he explained.
India has advanced to the Super 4 stage of the current Asia Cup with two straight victories. On Friday, they will play Oman in the last group encounter in Abu Dhabi.
