In a major transition for Indian cricket’s backroom management, outgoing men’s fielding coach T Dilip has formally marked the end of his memorable five-year stint. The Hyderabad-based coach, whose original term began in late 2021, leaves behind a notable legacy characterized by high-octane fielding drills and a transformed dressing room culture. With his contract reaching its natural conclusion following India’s recent international commitments, former domestic cricketer Subhadeep Ghosh is set to take over the fielding responsibilities starting with the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.
Taking to social media to bid farewell, Dilip shared a deeply emotional note expressing gratitude to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), former and current head coaches, senior leaders, and the entire playing unit.
T Dilip posts emotional note after BCCI releases former India coach following five years
Reflecting on his journey, Dilip admitted that it was difficult to express how much the five-year association meant to him. Joining the national setup in November 2021 alongside former head coach Rahul Dravid, Dilip stepped into the role with a clear objective to elevate the team’s athleticism and catching standards. During his tenure, which was later extended under current head coach Gautam Gambhir, India achieved massive silverware success on the international stage.
“Five years. It’s difficult to find the right words for a journey that has meant so much. When I first walked into this setup, I came in with one simple intention, to give everything I had every single day. Fielding has always been my way of contributing to the game I love, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have played a part in this team’s journey,” Dilip wrote in his message.
Among his most lasting contributions was the introduction of the iconic “Best Fielder Medal” tradition. Popularized during high-stakes tournaments, the post-match award ritual became a massive hit among fans and players alike, instilling healthy internal competition and raising dressing room morale after intense encounters.
Highlighting the emotional resonance of the initiative, Dilip noted:
“The fielding medal will always hold a very special place in my heart. Seeing the excitement it created in the dressing room, the smiles it brought, and the value the players attached to it are memories I’ll carry with me forever.”
During his five years with the squad, Indian cricket celebrated multiple marquee achievements. Dilip expressed pride in having been part of back-to-back ICC T20 World Cup victories (2024 and 2026), an ICC Champions Trophy title (2025), two Asia Cup wins (2023 and 2025), as well as runners-up finishes at both the 2023 ICC World Test Championship and 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup.
Closing his message, Dilip extended heartfelt thanks to BCCI administrators, key tactical mentors Dravid and Gambhir, as well as individual captains, including Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer, who supported his methods over the years.
Subhadeep Ghosh steps into new era for Team India
As Team India turns the page, Ghosh steps into the coaching setup. The former Assam cricketer brings extensive domestic and developmental coaching experience from his long stint with the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. Ghosh’s immediate assignment will be overseeing the fielding unit on the tour of Sri Lanka, where India looks to set high standards in the upcoming series.
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