Former Indian fielding coach T Dilip has spoken about Suryakumar Yadav’s match-sealing catch in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final. He called it “an extraordinary catch” in the context of the game.
During the final over in Barbados, Hardik Pandya was bowling. David Miller attempted a big shot with 16 runs needed. The ball went to Suryakumar near the boundary. He went out and then came inside the boundary to complete the catch legally. With very little batting depth left, the catch essentially sealed the match for India.
Suryakumar Yadav T20 World Cup Final Catch: It was A Close One
Dilip said his mind was doing all the calculations for the first few seconds. He was checking whether Surya had taken the ball cleanly, whether his feet were inside the boundary rope, and whether he had popped the ball out in time. Once it was confirmed, there was a surge of emotions. He added that it was an extraordinary catch in the context of the game.
India won their second T20 World Cup title by beating South Africa by seven runs. Virat Kohli scored 76 and Axar Patel scored 47. Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya bowled brilliantly at the death.
Dilip served as India’s fielding coach from 2021 until the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He returned for a second stint in 2025 on a one-year contract but was not retained. Subhadeep Ghosh has replaced him ahead of the Sri Lanka tour. Ghosh previously worked with India A and was head coach of Assam’s senior men’s team. He also played for Assam and Railways.
T Dilip Opens Up About Handling Failure and Building Bonds With Players
In an exclusive conversation, former Indian fielding coach T Dilip opened up about handling failures, understanding players individually, and adapting training methods. He spoke about the responsibility that comes with coaching.
Dilip said appreciation and criticism both come with the same intensity. He said it would be dishonest to say failures do not affect him. Whenever a catch is dropped, he tries to put himself in the player’s shoes. He thinks about what the experience would be like for that player standing in the middle. He said his responsibility as a coach is to support that player and restore his confidence. He believes every failure must be reviewed and not used to create fear.
Dilip was asked about Siraj dropping Harry Brook’s catch last year in England. He said he felt bad because dropping a catch like that impacts a lot. But he controlled his emotions outwardly. He asked Siraj what he felt. Siraj said he did not realise where he was standing. Dilip said depending on what the player thinks helps him analyse the matter and provide a solution.
Dilip was asked about giving credit for catches. He said players should get all the credit because they are the ones performing under pressure. He said he is not immune to criticism, but maturity is realising that it is part of the responsibility as a coach.
Dilip said having a separate bond with players is absolutely necessary. Going out for coffee sometimes gives him a chance to know what they feel inside and how to approach them. Over time, players become more open and honest with him. He said coaching at the international level is not about what you say but how you say it and when you say it.
Dilip said understanding the team is a key aspect. Many practice sessions happen one-on-one. He always looks deeply into every session and sees how it can better help the team.
Dilip said he is an open coach when it comes to learning. He played baseball in college, football in school, and darts at a certain point. He tries to see if any of those aspects can be incorporated into cricket.
How Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid Helped T Dilip Create India’s Fielding Medal Tradition
The fielding medal has become a cherished tradition in the Indian dressing room. While T Dilip, the team’s fielding coach at the time, came up with the idea, Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid also played a key role in shaping it.
The idea came to Dilip during the 2023 Asia Cup. He took it to captain Rohit Sharma over breakfast. He had originally envisioned medals for all departments. Rohit suggested that batting and bowling always get recognized with the Player of the Match award. He said it was important to do something for fielding. That is when they zeroed in on the fielding medal.
Dilip then took the idea to head coach Rahul Dravid. Dravid was hugely supportive. For him, it was always team first, and this fitted well with his vision. Dilip said none of them thought it would become as big. He also credited the BCCI media team for documenting the presentations and showcasing them beautifully.
Dilip said the first day they presented the medal was very special. It was something new and they did not know if it would work. The medal now has a life of its own.
FAQs
Q. Whose shot did Suryakumar Yadav catch in the final?
A. Suryakumar caught David Miller’s shot near the boundary.
Q. When did the fielding medal idea begin?
A. Dilip introduced the idea during the 2023 Asia Cup.
Q. How does T Dilip handle dropped catches?
A. Dilip supports players and helps them rebuild confidence.
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