Ravichandran Ashwin has emerged as the standout performer for India in the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh. Following India’s victory in the first Test, Ashwin shared an amusing anecdote about the national team’s fielding coach, T Dilip. Dilip took over from R Sridhar during Rahul Dravid’s time as head coach and has continued in the role under Gautam Gambhir.
In a surprising twist, a Google search of T Dilip initially identified him as an “internet personality.” However, Ashwin, appreciating the efforts of the underrated coach, labeled him a “superstar” for his significant contributions to improving India’s fielding standards, especially in slip catching.
In a BCCI video, Dilip humorously recounted his reaction to the search result. “It was great of Ash to bring this up. About a month ago, I was surprised when a friend Googled my name and saw ‘internet personality.’ I thought, ‘What does that even mean?’ I’m glad Ashwin mentioned it; now it’s been corrected to ‘fielding coach.’ As for being a celebrity, I’m not so sure about that,” he said, laughing.
Ashwin emphasized the importance of Dilip’s role within the team, stating, “If you want to discuss fielding, we should start with Dilip sir. We even Googled our fielding coach, and he turned out as an internet personality. That’s so unfair.” He continued, “He’s not just an internet personality; he’s our celebrity fielding coach—a superstar.”
The decision to retain Dilip as the fielding coach came after positive feedback from the players, who noted his innovative training drills. He introduced engaging concepts like the “Best Fielder” medal, which is awarded after each match in a quick ceremony in the dressing room, further enhancing the team’s fielding morale.
Ashwin’s remarks highlight not just the impact of Dilip on the team’s performance but also the camaraderie and appreciation among the players for the support staff’s contributions. With the team’s commitment to improving fielding standards, particularly in high-pressure situations like slip catching, Ashwin’s acknowledgment of Dilip serves as a reminder of the often-overlooked roles that coaching staff play in the success of the team.
As the series progresses, the bond between the players and their support staff, including the likes of T Dilip, will undoubtedly be crucial in driving India’s performance on the field.
