BCCI took a big decision before the England tour, T. Dilip was again appointed as the fielding coach of Team India

T. Dilip, who first joined Team India as fielding coach in late 2021 alongside head coach Rahul Dravid’s team, has been reappointed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the upcoming tour of England. This decision comes just weeks after Dilip was removed from his role in the wake of India’s underwhelming performance in the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Along with him, assistant coach Abhishek Nair was also let go during a recent shake-up of the support staff.

According to a BCCI official who spoke to *The Indian Express*, the board has decided to bring back Dilip as the fielding coach for one more year, given the lack of a suitable replacement and his strong rapport with the players. “We have decided that Dilip will be re-appointed as the fielding coach for one year and he will travel with the Indian team on the England tour. Earlier also his contract was for one year,” the source said.

T. Dilip has earned a solid reputation during his previous tenure for significantly improving India’s fielding standards. Under his guidance, India’s fielding unit stood out, particularly in major tournaments like the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup. His innovative idea of awarding the “best fielder” medal after each match became a motivational tool, sparking healthy competition and enthusiasm among the players. This not only uplifted individual performance but also encouraged team spirit and camaraderie on the field.

Initially, the BCCI was keen to hire a foreign fielding coach, hoping to bring in fresh perspectives and international experience. However, due to time constraints and the ongoing search yielding no viable candidate, the board reverted to someone already familiar with the team environment. In Dilip’s brief absence, assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate had temporarily assumed fielding responsibilities, but the return of Dilip ensures continuity and stability ahead of a crucial overseas series.

“Bringing in a completely new coach at this time doesn’t make sense,” the BCCI source added. “Dilip is well-liked by the players, and his past contributions have been impactful. His return will help maintain momentum and morale within the squad.”

India’s tour of England is set to begin on June 20, 2025, and will feature a five-match Test series. With conditions in England known for testing even the best fielders and bowlers, having a seasoned and proven fielding coach like Dilip back on board is expected to strengthen Team India’s chances. His presence is especially valuable considering the young and relatively new faces in the squad.

Interestingly, Team India will also see a change in leadership for this tour. Shubman Gill has been named the captain for the Test series, while wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant will serve as the vice-captain. This new leadership combination brings youthful energy and a fresh approach as India looks to bounce back from recent disappointments.

The full squad for the England Test series includes: Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudarshan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akashdeep, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav.

With a mix of youth and experience, and the return of a trusted fielding coach, Team India will aim to deliver a strong performance in English conditions. T. Dilip’s comeback adds a layer of assurance to the coaching staff, and his familiarity with the players could be crucial in high-pressure moments throughout the tour.