T Dilip Reveals Who Introduced the Fielding Medal Tradition in Team India
Former Indian fielding coach T Dilip has revealed who actually brought the fielding medal to the team. Over the last few years, the best fielders of the game used to get a medal when Dilip was the fielding coach.
As his tenure ended a few weeks back, Dilip said that the idea was actually given by Rohit Sharma.
T Dilip, former fielding coach of the Indian team, had given us various memories which can never be erased. Although the Indian team had various fielding coaches over the years, his tenure seems to have felt a bit different. And it was mainly due to the medals which players used to get for their fielding.
However, no one ever knew how the idea of fielding medals came into place. Recently, T Dilip revealed who actually brought this idea to the Indian cricket team and how it became a success.
In an interview when Dilip was asked about the same, he said, “It was during the Asia Cup that the idea first came to me. I remember taking it to captain Rohit Sharma over breakfast. I had originally envisaged medals for all departments — batting, bowling & fielding, proposed the idea to Rohit. It was Rohit who suggested that batting & bowling always get recognised with the Player of the Match award, so it was important that we do something for fielding. That's when we zeroed in on the fielding medal.
Our Take
At that time, even Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid could not deny the fact that the fielders, who played a crucial role in the game were not rewarded with the POTM award for the same. So, to ensure that the players gave the best in the field and also to boost their confidence levels, the fielding medals were introduced. It went on to give some of the happiest moments to the Indian team, as fans remember the medal ceremonies during the 2023 World Cup.