Revealed: How Rohit Sharma played a huge role in reinstatement of T Dilip as India fielding coach for Test series against England

In a surprising turn of events, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly reversed its decision and re-appointed T. Dilip as India's fielding coach, just a month after his departure. Dilip is now set to travel with Shubman Gill-led Team India for the five-match Test series in England, which is slated to start from June 20.

Rohit Sharma's connection in T Dilip's reinstatement as India's fielding coach

Dilip, who initially joined the Indian setup in 2021 when Rahul Dravid became head coach, was previously sacked alongside batting coach Abhishek Nayar. However, according to The Indian Express, the Indian board re-approached Dilip and offered him a one-year contract extension.

But what made BCCI take a U-turn on its own decision and re-appoint T Dilip?

Cricbuzz reports that it was Rohit Sharma, who played a part in convincing both the BCCI and current India head coach Gautam Gambhir to retain Dilip as the fielding coach. Despite his retirement from the longest format, Rohit personally persuaded Gambhir to continue with Dilip. Consequently, Ryan ten Doeschate, who was initially expected to replace Dilip as fielding coach, will now continue with the team as an assistant coach.

T. Dilip's reinstatement will help Team India in the transition phase, when it's entering into a new era under the 25-year-old captain Shubman Gill. This upcoming series marks India's first Test series following the retirements of former captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Since joining the team in late 2021, Dilip has been instrumental in transforming India into one of the top fielding sides in international cricket. He implemented a system that recognized and rewarded standout fielding performances, fostering a culture of excellence. A well-known figure within Indian cricket circles, Dilip previously worked at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. His dedication and expertise have garnered widespread praise; notably, Ravichandran Ashwin once referred to him as a "celebrity coach" and credited him for significantly enhancing India's slip-catching standards. Dilip will travel to England alongside head coach Gautam Gambhir, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, bowling coach Morne Morkel, and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, who has also been asked by the BCCI to work with the India A team during their tour of England.

The Test series between India and England is set to kick off at the Leeds Cricket Ground in Headingley, with the first match taking place from June 20 to June 24. The action will then shift to Birmingham's Edgbaston Cricket Ground, where the second Test will be staged from July 2 to July 6. The third Test will unfold at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground just four days later, from July 10 to July 14. Manchester will then take over hosting duties for the fourth Test at the iconic Old Trafford from July 23 to July 27. The fifth and final encounter of this compelling series is set to be played at The Oval in London, spanning from July 31 to August 4.

India vs England Test series' full schedule:

First Test: 20-24 June, 2025 - Headlingley, Leeds
Second Test: 2-6 July, 2025 - Edgbaston, Birmingham
Third Test: 10-14 July, 2025 - Lord’s, London
Fourth Test: 23-27 July, 2025 - Old Trafford, Manchester
Fifty Test: 31 July-4 August, 2025 - The Oval, London