T Dilip Reflects on Virat Kohli's Impact as a Fielder Ahead of Sri Lanka Tour

T Dilip, the former fielding coach of the Indian cricket team, shares insights on Virat Kohli's exceptional fielding skills and his influence on teammates. As the team prepares for their Test series in Sri Lanka, Dilip emphasizes the importance of precise fielding placements in the slips and how Kohli's intensity inspires others. With Kohli holding records for the most catches in international cricket, his role as a fielder is pivotal. The Indian team is set to begin their matches in Sri Lanka on August 15, making this discussion timely and relevant for cricket enthusiasts.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 11, 2026, 23:32 IST

T Dilip's Tenure with Indian Cricket Team Concludes

Former fielding coach T Dilip's nearly five-year journey with the Indian cricket team has come to a close following their recent tour in England. In an interview with JioStar, he discussed the contributions of Virat Kohli as a fielder and highlighted the crucial aspects of slip fielding as India prepares for their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.

Virat Kohli: A Benchmark in Fielding

Regarded as one of the top fielders in Indian cricket history, Kohli has set a remarkable record with over 336 catches in international matches, surpassing the previous record held by Rahul Dravid. He also leads in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), having overtaken Mohammad Azharuddin's long-standing record of 156 catches.

Kohli's Intensity Inspires Teammates

Dilip emphasized Kohli's unmatched intensity, stating, "His commitment is evident during powerplays, whether he's fielding at cover or short mid-wicket. His quick reflexes and diving skills are commendable. Even in the recent series, he showcased his agility and was always alert. At this stage of his career, he continues to sprint from long-on to long-on during crucial overs, setting a great example for the team."

Kohli's Influence on Team Dynamics

Dilip further noted, "What stands out is not just Kohli's actions when the ball is near him, but also his eagerness to be involved even when it isn't. His approach in practice mirrors that of a match, pushing his teammates to elevate their fielding standards alongside him."

Upcoming Test Matches in Sri Lanka

Currently, the Indian cricket team is gearing up for a couple of Test matches in Sri Lanka, with the first match set to commence on August 15 in Galle, followed by the second Test in Colombo starting August 23.

Fielding Strategies for the Sri Lanka Tour

Discussing the significance of fielding placements in the slips, Dilip remarked, "The spacing between fielders must be precise, especially since the ball travels quickly in the slip area when facing fast bowlers. There’s little time to adjust laterally." He also mentioned the importance of positioning for spinners, referencing how Shubman managed placements during the Afghanistan series, emphasizing the need to adapt based on the ball's turn and speed.