BCCI Reappoints T Dilip as India's Fielding Coach for One More Year

T Dilip's Return as Fielding Coach

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed the reappointment of T Dilip as the fielding coach for the Indian cricket team. His previous contract expired last month, and initially, the board had opted not to renew it. Dilip joined the team in late 2021 when Rahul Dravid was the head coach, and his tenure ended following India's triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Despite initial reports in April suggesting that BCCI would not retain him, the board reconsidered after an unsuccessful search for a foreign fielding coach. Consequently, they have extended Dilip's contract for another year.

"We have decided to reappoint Dilip for a year and he will be travelling with the Indian team for England. His contract so far is for one year," a BCCI source informed a media outlet.

Dilip has made a positive impact on the team, notably by introducing awards for players based on their fielding performances, a practice that gained attention during the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup. Ravichandran Ashwin has acknowledged his role in enhancing India's slip catching.

"Close-in catching, in places like short-leg, is a very difficult thing. You don’t get good fielders like this. Jaiswal himself volunteers and stands up. He also does head-to-head work. So, all in all, we didn’t get to see Dilip sir’s name not getting mentioned more prominently," Ashwin remarked.

As India prepares for a five-Test series in England, effective slip fielding will be crucial. With players like Rahul, Gill, and Yashaswi demonstrating strong slip catching, Dilip's return is expected to bolster the team's performance.

The Indian squad is set to depart around June 6, accompanied by head coach Gautam Gambhir, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, bowling coach Morne Morkel, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, and fielding coach T Dilip.