The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reinstated T Dilip as the fielding coach for the senior men's team on a year-long contract ahead of the five-Test series against England starting June 20.
This decision comes a month after Dilip was sacked, with the BCCI initially seeking an overseas replacement. However, the governing body failed to find a suitable candidate in time, prompting a reversal of their earlier decision.
"Dilip will accompany the team to the tour of England and has been handed a year-long contract after the BCCI was unable to find a suitable candidate to take over his place in the support staff," one report noted.
Dilip has been credited with significantly improving India's fielding standards since joining in late 2021. His tenure saw India become one of the top fielding sides globally, introducing initiatives such as awarding players for their performances and involving legendary figures to distribute medals.
Ravi Ashwin, the retired off-spinner, once called him a celebrity coach, and hailed him for improving Indias slip catching.The upcoming England tour marks India's first red-ball assignment after a disappointing 3-1 loss in Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
Dilip's experience working closely with young talents like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal is expected to be valuable during the five-match Test series.
"Having been part of the team since late 2021, Dilip was instrumental in making India one of the top fielding sides," a source said.
The BCCI had initially aimed to bring in a foreign fielding coach but was unable to secure one in the required timeframe, leading to Dilip's reinstatement.
The series is scheduled to begin on June 20, with Shubman Gill leading the team, although he is likely to miss the second warm-up game at Northampton on June 6.
This reinstatement highlights the BCCI's pragmatic approach to maintaining continuity in the support staff ahead of a crucial Test series.
The BCCI has reinstated T Dilip as India's fielding coach on a year-long contract for the upcoming five-Test England tour, reversing his April sacking due to the inability to find a suitable replacement. Dilip, credited with improving India's fielding, will travel with the team starting June 20.
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