India, May 1 -- Given the improved fitness culture, the current generation of fielders displays superb athleticism and agility, with explosive running they also cover the ground faster. But has this translated into better catching skills? If we use the IPL 2026 example, that is hard to quantify.

There have been moments of individual brilliance, but the team's fielding culture has taken a hit. Some spectacular catches have been pulled off, like Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer's mid-air relay catch last month against Mumbai Indians to dismiss Hardik Pandya. It was simply breathtaking to witness how Iyer held his balance mid-air to toss the ball back to teammate Xavier Bartlett before falling outside the boundary rope.

Iyer has been bril...