Dilip deservingly got an extension: Sridhar

Colombo, July 25: What exactly is the role of a Fielding Coach in lifting a team's performance? How can a team playing international matches too often like Team India remain fit and perform as one of the best fielding sides in world cricket?

These are vital questions and huge challenges as well. But someone like R Sridhar, who has been Team India's Fielding Coach for seven long years till 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, is much aware of the position and the responsibilities.

Asked if it was appropriate to give his successor T Dilip another extension as Indian senior team's Fielding Coach, Sridhar stated his successor has done a commendable job and deservingly got another extension. 

Sridhar further added that Dilip needs to continue what he has been doing in the present setup as well, since he took over. With Dilip's efforts, Indian team has performed better as a fielding unit. Fielding was turned out to be a standout aspect of Team India's success during their 2023 ODI World Cup runners-up finish and 2024 T20 World Cup triumph. 

Speaking to a section of media, Sridhar also lauded Team India's other support staff, the skill and conditioning experts, physio, masseurs, throw-down specialists. He remarked that everyone has contributed to the team’s success.

It is worth mentioning that Fielding Coach T Dilip has taken the initiative to introduce the fielding medal ceremony in the dressing room and giving out captivating speeches in the post-game videos, which are now keenly awaited by diehard Indian fans.