'You created magic': Rohit Sharma hails T Dilip as India replace fielding coach

Rohit Sharma has publicly thanked T Dilip, the former India fielding coach, following his replacement by Subhadeep Ghosh. In a heartfelt message posted on Instagram Stories, Sharma praised Dilip’s contributions to the team, calling him a “legend” and acknowledging the “magic” he created within the group. The sentiment reflects a broader appreciation for Dilip’s impact on the team’s fielding culture during his tenure. Dilip, who served as India’s men’s fielding coach under both Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gambhir, began his association with the national team in 2021. His role continued through the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and he later returned for a second stint during India’s Test tour of England in 2025 on a one-year contract. However, he was not retained after the tour concluded. During his time with the team, India achieved several milestones, including victories in the T20 World Cups of 2024 and 2026, as well as the 2025 Champions Trophy. These successes underscored the importance of fielding as a strategic component of the team’s overall performance. One of Dilip’s most notable initiatives was the introduction of the ‘Best Fielder of the Match’ medal during the 2023 ODI World Cup. This innovation transformed the post-match fielding ceremony into a fan favorite, thanks to the creative methods used to announce the winner. The initiative aimed to foster a stronger fielding culture within the team and motivate players to enhance their athleticism and risk-taking in the field. Players such as KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma were among the recipients of the award during its implementation. After his departure, Dilip shared a farewell message on Instagram, expressing gratitude for his time with the team and reflecting on his journey. He described the past five years as a period filled with meaningful experiences, emphasizing his commitment to giving his best each day. Dilip highlighted how fielding has always been his way of contributing to the sport he loves and expressed pride in being part of the team’s journey. He also mentioned that the fielding medal ceremony would remain one of his cherished memories, noting the joy it brought to the dressing room and the value it held for the players. In addition to his professional achievements, Dilip’s personal reflections offer insight into the emotional significance of his work with the team. His message conveyed a deep sense of fulfillment and respect for the players and coaching staff. The farewell post resonated with many, highlighting the positive impact Dilip had on the team’s dynamics and culture. As the new fielding coach, Subhadeep Ghosh, takes charge, the focus will likely shift towards maintaining and evolving the fielding strategies that Dilip helped establish. While the transition marks the end of an era, it also opens the door for new ideas and approaches. The legacy of Dilip’s contributions, particularly the fielding medal ceremony, will continue to influence the team’s mindset and approach to the game. The upcoming matches will serve as a test of whether these foundational elements can be sustained and further developed under the new leadership.