Watch: T Dilip namedrops Shreyas Iyer while rewarding 'fielding medal' for India vs England Tests

India Cricket Team had a sensational outing in the Test series against England. They were right on the money with the bat, ball, and field during the entire five-match Test series and clinched the series by the margin of 4-1 to go at the top of the World Test Championship points table.

India lost the first game of the series but after that, they didn’t put a foot wrong. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, the hosts did some incredible things and made sure that they dominated the opposition and won the remaining games of the series.

While the effort with bat and ball was exceptional, India was sensational in the field as well. The Rohit Sharma-led produced brilliant efforts in the field and took some solid grabs, effected runouts, saved some crucial runs that put pressure on the opposition, and helped the hosts grab the crucial junctures of the match.

With the series ending in favor of India, it was time for the much-awaited fielding medal ceremony, which started in the ICC World Cup 2023. India fielding coach T Dilip took charge and announced the winners but this time around, he added another twist to the tale.

T Dilip revealed that he will be giving two medals this time around. The first medal was given to the player who made an impact in the field whereas the second medal was for the best fielder of the series. The fielding coach highlighted how the entire team put in a valiant effort in all five games of the series. Speaking in a video posted by BCCI, he stated:

“Terrific effort guys, I think the entire series we showcased extraordinary commitment on the field. The energy, perseverance, and sheer willpower were displayed by each and every one. And magnificent effort. Before the start of the series, we spoke about maintaining that tempo and momentum throughout. And captain spoke about that 1% factors.

“I think you all embrace the challenge with open arms. Well done, guys. This time around we have added one more flavor to our tradition instead of one, We are giving two medals now. Reason being in Test cricket, the brilliance of a catch and also relentless effort on the field. Equal play, a crucial effort. We thought that it was equally important to recognize and reward those efforts.”

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Kuldeep Yadav win fielding medals for India in England Test series

T Dilip further highlighted the terrific fielding efforts in the series and pointed out Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan who wanted to field at short leg, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Dhruv Jurel for their efforts in the field.

T Dilip further stated that he will be sharing the one medal with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill because the duo took an equal number of catches for the team in the series. He added:

“Now I want to recognize the collective efforts that lit up the series. Shreyas is not here but in initial games he was brilliant on the field with his catches and outstanding. He made a lot of difference. Kuldeep was a revelation on the field with his relentless effort. Outstanding effort. And the first time ever I have seen a person coming into the team with short leg said I want to do a short leg and showed that attitude. Terrific. Sarfaraz Khan.

“Gill, Rohit, Dhruv crucial grabs at important times of match. Showed your reflexes, anticipation played an important role. Excellent stuff, guys. On that note, the first medal and this is the first time ever it was a tough choice to really select between two people because both took equal catches. So the first time ever we are sharing the award and the first impact fielder award goes to Gill and Rohit.”

T Dilip then handed the relentless fielder award to Kuldeep Yadav, stating that the spinner is a great example for everyone who doesn’t field in the hotspots. He added

“And lastly our new award which is for the relentless award. And this is a great opportunity for all the people who feel that they are not at the hotspots but still they can make a  difference. I think this award goes to person who has been running around from fine leg to fine leg helping our team with the strategy. Mr. Kuldeep Yadav.”

Any guesses who won the Fielding Medal for the series 🤔#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/NxZVWOX422

— BCCI (@BCCI) March 10, 2024