Rohit Sharma's glowing praise has seen T Dilip replaced as India's fielding coach, with the former captain thanking him for his work with the team over the last five years.
Rohit took to Instagram Stories to pay tribute to Dilip, saying: “You are a legend, Dilip garu. You created magic within the group and [you are] a behind the scenes workhorse. Best wishes ahead.” Dilip's five-year tenure saw India win the T20 World Cups in 2024 and 2026, along with the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Dilip worked as India's men's fielding coach under both Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gambhir, first joining the support staff in 2021. He returned for a second stint during India's Test tour of England in 2025 on a one-year contract but was not retained after it ended.
One of Dilip's most recognised ideas was the 'Best Fielder of the Match' medal, introduced during the 2023 ODI World Cup. The post-match fielding medal ceremony became popular among fans because of the creative ways in which the winner was announced.
Players such as KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma were among the medal winners during the ceremony's run. The initiative was aimed at building a stronger fielding culture within the team and encouraging players to take more risks and improve their athleticism in the field.
After his departure, Dilip shared a farewell message on Instagram, thanking the team and reflecting on his journey. He said: "Five years. It is difficult to find the right words for a journey that has meant so much. When I first walked into this setup, I came in with one simple intention, to give everything I had every single day. Fielding has always been my way of contributing to the game I love, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have played a part in this team's journey."
He also said the fielding medal ceremony would remain one of his favourite memories. "The fielding medal will always hold a very special place in my heart. Seeing the excitement it created in the dressing room, the smiles it brought and the value the players attached to it are memories I'll carry with me forever."
Dilip's legacy will be remembered through his innovative ideas, including the fielding medal ceremony, which has become a popular aspect of the Indian team's culture. As the team moves forward under new coaching, it remains to be seen how his successor, Subhadeep Ghosh, will build on Dilip's work.
The replacement of Dilip marks a new chapter in India's cricketing journey, and fans will be eager to see how the team performs under their new coaching setup.
Source: Yahoo Sports