former indian wicketkeeper batsman Parthiv Patel Team India cited its declining level on the field as a major concern ahead of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup semi-final against England at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.While India’s run to the semi-finals has been impressive, India’s ability to take the ball is far from convincing. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the team has taken 13 catches in the tournament so far, with its catch efficiency falling to a game-low 72.7%. By comparison, Pakistan, which has long been criticized for its work in this field, has a significantly higher success rate of 83.3%.“One of the issues that worries me is the defence, not just the way India defended in the Eden Gardens game. This has been happening for almost a year and a half. We have lost a lot of catches. This is something India are definitely willing to work on,” Patel told Jio Hotstar.India secured a berth in the semi-finals with a hard-fought victory over West Indies at the Eden Gardens, successfully surpassing the target of 190-plus runs. Patel called the result a huge boost for the team.“It was a good win and it was a big boost for India’s confidence going forward. India won the toss and decided to bowl first as it was thought there would be a lot of dew. At the end of the game, there was no dew at all but things did get slightly better. In the knockout overs, chasing over 190, someone needed to bowl brilliantly and Sanzhou Samson Just did it,” Parthiv said.“Hats off to the captain. He has scored hundreds in international cricket, but for me, this innings was right up there. From a technical point of view, we all know Samson is a very talented batsman, but struggling with those mentalities is very difficult. I thought Samson did a really good job. He also talked about how his experience came into it. I thought it was a very mature innings. He always looked in control. He didn’t try to hit the ball hard. He will remember this innings for a long time,” he added.Patel also singled out pace pioneers Jasprit Bumrah Received special praise, highlighting his skill at breaking down important partnerships.“Bumrah is not a banker. He is a banker. The way he came out and bowled, when you wanted to take a wicket against Hetmyer who was in form, he would come in and take his wicket and then give Roston Chase a set. Obviously, India have looked up to Jasprit Bumrah most of the time and he has never disappointed. This is what he does most. In this day and age, the format of the game you have now is that the only way to stop a batsman is to get him out, and Jasprit Bumrah did just that.“Looking ahead to the match against England, Patel stressed the importance of breaking through early against a dangerous batting unit.“India obviously need to get England’s dangerous batsmen out as soon as possible. You have Phil Salt, If the housekeeperhe should run and like the Wankhede Stadium. Then there you have it Jofra ArcherAdil Rashid, Jacob Bethel and Harry Brooke. So, they have a good, stable lineup. This is a good all-around team. Obviously, India have to be at the top of their game against England,” he concluded.
