India's fielding coach T Dilip has shed light on the innovative practices adopted by the team management during the World Cup 2023. The tradition involves identifying the best fielder after each game and presenting an award in a unique and grand manner, with behind-the-scenes footage gaining considerable attention.
Dilip, the architect behind this initiative, explained that the idea originated four months prior to the World Cup. The team started declaring the best fielder award in the dressing room after every game, and this practice has now evolved into the medal presentation seen during the World Cup.
In the post-match press conference, T. Dilip elaborated on the rationale behind the fielding awards. He emphasised that the aim was not only to acknowledge brilliant catches but also to recognize consistent performance throughout a 50-over game. The focus is on encouraging players to maintain intensity and effort over the course of 300 balls, fostering a culture of consistency in fielding.
"So, the whole idea actually started and you are seeing the medal in the World Cup. But this idea we started four months back, where we started to declare the best fielder award in the dressing room in every game. Just at the medal and we are able to see the medal presentation all over in social media now in the World Cup," T. Dilip told the media.
As the World Cup progressed, Dilip became increasingly inventive in announcing the awards, sparking healthy competition among team members. Players now eagerly strive to showcase their fielding prowess, with the coveted dressing room medal for the best fielder becoming a sought-after accolade. The initiative serves as a motivational tool, encouraging players to consistently give their best on the field.
"But the whole idea was to make sure that we not only encourage or talk about that brilliant catch, but also the consistent performance in a 50-over game, which is very important because 300 balls, how you carry that consistency, whether it is catching or effort or intensity, is what we want to get that important going. So that was the main reason behind getting this medal," the fielding coach added.
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