India’s captain Rohit Sharma, right, congratulates teammate Kuldeep Yadav for the wicket of England’s Ollie Pope on the first day of the fifth and final test match between England and India in Dharamshala, India, Thursday, March 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashwini Bhatia)
The Indian dressing room tradition of handing out fielding medals for efforts on the field was given a new twist after the thumping win over England as fielding coach T. Dilip announced accolades for skipper Rohit, Gill and Kuldeep.
Team India registered a resounding 4-1 series win over England with their massive win by an innings and 64 runs at Dharamshala in the recently concluded five-match Test series.
India were exceptional in all aspects of the game including batting, bowling and crucially fielding.
The national side has also been following a tradition in recent years to emphasise on the importance of efforts on the field which are eventually awarded with a medal at the end of the fixtures.
The tradition was given a new twist after the thumping win over England as fielding coach T. Dilip announced accolades for skipper Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Kuldeep Yadav.
“Terrific effort guys,” the fielding coach said.
“The entire series we showcased extraordinary commitment on the field. The energy, perseverance and sheer willpower was displayed by each and every one was magnificent.”
“Before the start of the series, we spoke about maintaining the tempo and momentum throughout. And the captain spoke about that 1 per cent factor,” he added.
“I think you all embraced the challenges with open arms. Well done. Excellent stuff,” the coach asserted.
The coach also went on to explain why the award has been expanded this time around.
“This time around, we have added one more flavour to our tradition. Instead of one, we are giving two fielding medals. The reason being the brilliance of the catch and also relentless effort on the field.”
“Equal play, a crucial effort. We thought it was equally important to recognise and reward the effort,” he clarified.
Dilip lauded the efforts of Shreyas Iyer, who contributed immensely on the field in the initial phases of the series.
“Now I want to recognise the collective effort that lit up the series, starting with Shreyas. In the initial games, he was brilliant on the field with his catches and outstanding runout.”
He also went on to praise Kuldeep and debutant Sarfaraz Khan.
“Kuldeep was a revelation on the field with his relentless effort,” he continued.
“And the first time I have seen a person coming into the team and offering to field at short leg and showed that attitude. Terrific, Sarfaraz Khan.”
“Gill, Rohti and Dhruv grabbed crucial catches at important times in the game. Showed your reflexes, and anticipation and played an important role,” he added.
“On that note, the first medal, and this time it was a tough choice between two people, who took equally good catches. So for the first time ever we are sharing the award and the impact fielder award goes to Rohit and Gill.”
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah was requested to present the players with the medal.
“And lastly, the new award, which is the relentless effort award. And this is a great opportunity for everyone who feel that they are not in the hotspots, but can still make a difference.”
“This award goes to the person who has been running around from fine leg to fine leg and helping our team with the strategy, Kuldeep Yadav.”
With the emphatic series win India consolidated their position at the top of the ICC World Test Championships 2023-25 cycle.
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