Cricket

Fielding has evolved from being a mere addendum to batting and bowling to a crucial discipline in modern cricket. The era of selecting extraordinary batters or exceptional bowlers alone, even if they were poor fielders, is long gone. The T20 format has further elevated fielding to a glorious spectacle, with boundary-line catches and acrobatic saves becoming commonplace.The Indian cricket team has had a series of exceptional fielding coaches over the last decade and a half. R. Sridhar and T. Dilip have played pivotal roles in changing attitudes, mindsets, and approaches to fielding and catching. Dilip is credited with introducing the "fielding medal," which has become a symbol of the importance of this discipline.The fielding medal is not just an acknowledgment of the crucial role fielding plays in the game, but also a recognition of the often-overlooked performances that can alter the balance of a match. India's recent Test victory against Bangladesh is a testament to the importance of fielding. The team's exceptional catching and ground fielding played a significant role in their seven-wicket triumph.As India prepares for the upcoming five-Test series in Australia, their fielding will be put to the test. The larger grounds and the propensity of Australian batters to take risks will challenge their fitness, agility, and throwing arms. The emergence of Shubman Gill as an excellent poucher at slip and the increasing assurance of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul in the slip cordon are encouraging developments.However, India's ground fielding must also step up. The bigger grounds Down Under and the Australian batters' tendency to look for extra runs will test their staying power and ability to cover ground quickly. While fielding may not be the sole determinant of India's success in Australia, it could prove to be a significant factor.

India's resounding victory in the first Test against Bangladesh has propelled them to the summit of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. As they prepare for the second Test in Kanpur, the team's fielding coach, T Dilip, has lauded the exceptional catches taken in the first match.Dilip praised Virat Kohli's unwavering practice ethic, highlighting the intensity and focus he brings to both practice and match situations. He also commended KL Rahul's anticipation and skill in taking a catch in the slips, describing it as a textbook example of following the ball.Yashashvi Jaiswal's remarkable catch was hailed as one of the best ever. Dilip described it as a testament to Jaiswal's agility and hand-eye coordination, as he ran forward and took a low, dipping ball with one hand.Shubman Gill's fielding abilities were also praised. Dilip noted his versatility and composure, particularly in taking a catch from short midwicket. Gill's skills make him a valuable asset in the field, capable of handling various positions with ease.Dilip further highlighted KL Rahul's timing and positioning, particularly in a catch he took at mid-on. Rahul's ability to judge the ball's trajectory and time his jump perfectly adds to his reputation as a reliable fielder.As Team India prepares for the second Test, their fielding skills will undoubtedly play a crucial role. With the guidance of their dedicated fielding coach and the high standards set by seniors like Kohli, India looks to continue their winning streak and further cement their top spot in the WTC standings.

Sachin Tendulkar's Unforgettable Field Day for Pakistan: A Tale of Cricket's UnpredictabilityIn the annals of cricket history, Sachin Tendulkar's name is etched in gold as one of India's most revered cricketers. However, few know of a lesser-known chapter in his illustrious career, where he briefly donned the Pakistan jersey and fielded for the arch-rivals.During Pakistan's 1987 tour of India, a festival match was organized at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. As Javed Miandad and Abdul Qadir left the field during the lunch break, a 15-year-old Sachin Tendulkar, not yet the cricketing legend he would become, was called upon to serve as a substitute fielder for Imran Khan's team.Eager and energetic, Tendulkar took up a position in the outfield, donning a Pakistan jersey for a brief time. Imran positioned him at long-on, and it wasn't long before Kapil Dev hit a high ball in his direction. Despite his best efforts and a 15-metre sprint forward, Tendulkar was unable to reach the ball.In his recently published autobiography, 'Playing it My Way', Tendulkar recalled that incident, expressing his belief that had he been positioned at mid-on instead of long-on, he would have been able to catch the ball.While this event may seem anecdotal, it remains a testament to the spirit of cricket and its unpredictable nature. It showcases Tendulkar's passion and dedication to the game from a very young age, even if it meant playing for his cricketing rivals.This brief stint as a Pakistan fielder remains a fascinating footnote in Tendulkar's illustrious career, highlighting the camaraderie and sportsmanship that can transcend national boundaries in the world of cricket.

Ravindra Jadeja, the versatile Indian all-rounder, has been hailed as the "best fielder" in modern cricket by former South African cricketer and Pro Cricket League brand ambassador Jonty Rhodes. Rhodes, renowned for his exceptional fielding skills, praised Jadeja's ability to excel at any position on the ground."When I talk of modern cricket, the best fielder it is surely Ravindra Jadeja," Rhodes declared. "He can field at any position. You can place him at mid-wicket, long-on, or at short cover. He is so quick on the feet that the batter fears when the ball goes to him."Rhodes emphasized that Jadeja's exceptional fielding abilities extend beyond catching and throwing the ball. "The things that matter in fielding is how quickly you reach to the ball," he explained. "And that is where Jadeja is best."Jadeja's fielding prowess has been a key asset for the Indian team in recent years. He has played a crucial role in India's victories in major tournaments, including the 2011 Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.Despite his retirement from Twenty20 international cricket, Jadeja remains a vital member of the Indian team in ODI and Test cricket. He is expected to return to the squad for India's upcoming Test series against Bangladesh in September.

Catches Win Matches: Mitchell Santner's Stunning Grab for Northern SuperchargersThe adage "catches win matches" has been proven true countless times in the annals of cricket history. A spectacular catch can turn the tide of a game, and such was the case in the recent match between Northern Superchargers and London Spirit in The Hundred at Headingley, Leeds.London Spirit, batting first, saw their innings opened by Michael Pepper and Keaton Jennings. In the 11th over, Pepper attempted to loft a delivery from Reece Topley over mid-on. Mitchell Santner, fielding at that position, gave chase.With his eyes fixed on the swirling ball, Santner charged back from mid-on and executed a breathtaking catch with a dive at deep mid-on. Pepper was dismissed for 3, leaving London Spirit reeling at 111/8 after their 100 balls.Santner's catch was a testament to his exceptional fielding skills and quick reflexes. It not only removed a dangerous batsman but also boosted the morale of the Northern Superchargers team.The catch was widely praised on social media, with many fans hailing it as one of the best catches of the tournament. The official Twitter handle of The Hundred shared a video of the catch, which quickly went viral.Northern Superchargers went on to win the match by 21 runs (DLS Method), thanks in no small part to Santner's stunning catch. It was a reminder that even in the fast-paced world of modern cricket, the art of fielding remains paramount.

Ravi Bishnoi's Direct Hit Run-Out Highlights India's Disciplined Bowling and Fielding in Zimbabwe T20IIn the fourth T20I between India and Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club on Saturday, Ravi Bishnoi showcased his exceptional fielding skills with a stunning direct hit that dismissed Zimbabwean batsman Johnathan Campbell. The moment occurred in the 15th over when Bishnoi, bowling to Sikandar Raza, noticed Campbell attempting a quick single. Raza played a hurried shot to the off-side, prompting Campbell to set off but then change his mind halfway down the pitch.Bishnoi, with his agility and alertness, swiftly moved across to the ball, gathered it quickly, and despite being off-balance, unleashed a throw that found its mark at the non-striker's end. Campbell was caught short by a considerable distance, and the third umpire's intervention was unnecessary as Bishnoi's accuracy was spot-on.India's decision to bowl first proved fruitful as they restricted Zimbabwe to 152/7. Khaleel Ahmed led the bowling attack with figures of 2-32, well-supported by Tushar Deshpande, Washington Sundar, Abhishek Sharma, and Shivam Dube, each contributing with a wicket apiece.Zimbabwe started well with a solid 63-run opening partnership between Tadiwanashe Marumani and Wesley Madhevere, but they struggled after losing their openers in quick succession. Captain Sikandar Raza provided impetus to the innings with a brisk 46 off 28 deliveries, including two fours and three sixes, before his dismissal dented Zimbabwe's hopes of a bigger total.Despite Raza's efforts, Zimbabwe couldn't capitalize as India's bowlers maintained pressure throughout. Bishnoi's fielding gem encapsulated India's sharpness on the field, exemplifying their commitment to tight bowling and excellent fielding standards that restricted Zimbabwe effectively.India's disciplined performance in both bowling and fielding ensured they maintained control, limiting Zimbabwe to a manageable total. Bishnoi's run-out of Campbell stood out as a pivotal moment, showcasing his athleticism and contributing to India's comprehensive display in the field.

Ravi Bishnoi's fielding prowess has always been evident, but he elevated it to new heights in the third T20I against Zimbabwe. His breathtaking catch off Avesh Khan to dismiss Brian Bennett left his Indian teammate in awe and became the talk of the dressing room.India's 23-run victory on Wednesday gave them a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, but the highlight was Bishnoi's astonishing catch that reduced Zimbabwe to 19 for 3 in the fourth over.Avesh Khan, who took two wickets in India's defense of 182, expressed his shock at the catch. "When he took the catch, I don't think he got the reaction time. I also did not get the reaction time (to see what happened). I was, in fact, shocked how he took that catch," said Khan.Khan emphasized that the wicket should be credited to Bishnoi for his exceptional effort. "He is a good fielder, works a lot on his fielding. The catch that he took, the scoreboard will show that it was taken by me, but it should be credited in his (Bishnoi's) account," added Khan in a video posted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).India skipper Shubman Gill praised Bishnoi's remarkable effort, highlighting the importance of enjoying fielding. "Very happy with the team's win to go 2-1 up in the series and the catch that Bishi (Bishnoi) took was absolutely remarkable. It was truly delightful to watch. Cricket is definitely a team sport and it's more so a team sport when you're fielding. So, it's very important to have fun when you are fielding. If you are having fun then you are always in the game," added Gill.Washington Sundar, who had a clear view of the catch from mid-on, described it as a "great opportunity." "It was a great opportunity for me to stand at mid-on and have a clear view of whatever happened throughout the catch... and throughout that particular ball. It (ball) went at rocket speed and Bishnoi... that rocket speed was there (he also displayed rocket speed)," said Sundar.Bishnoi himself remained humble about the catch, attributing it to his increased fielding drills. "Yes, it felt good, We were talking about fielding for the last 2-3 days, how to improve my fielding even more. It's a new normal for me to take the catch off Avesh's bowling. As long as we don't make that effort to take the catch we won't know if it is near or far. So, I push myself to be as close to the catch as possible," added Bishnoi.Rinku Singh acknowledged that this was not the first time Bishnoi had taken an outstanding catch. "It was an outstanding catch, (but) it's not that he has taken such a catch for the first time; he has taken several good catches in international cricket and IPL," said Singh.Bishnoi's fielding brilliance has become a key asset for India, showcasing his athleticism and dedication to the game.

India's women's cricket team is gearing up for the upcoming Women's T20I series against South Africa, which will serve as their final preparation before the Asia Cup (T20) and the T20 World Cup. The team is placing a strong emphasis on improving its fielding, recognizing it as a crucial aspect of their success."Fielding is a game-changer," said batter Jemimah Rodrigues. "We have clarity in our plans across the three departments, and we're working hard to keep getting better in fielding."Rodrigues praised head coach Amol Muzumdar's focus on fitness and fielding. "Since Amol sir has come, we've been hearing the same thing in every team meeting: fitness and fielding are non-negotiable," she said. "We've been working specifically on these areas."The Indian women's cricket team has set high standards in fielding, and they are determined to maintain them. "We will continue to do everything to maintain it," said Rodrigues. "We will work hard, and the results will come."The experience gained during the Women's Premier League (WPL) will also be beneficial for the team in the World Cup. "The best part about our team is that it has been a consistent team for a very long time," said Rodrigues. "Also, having the WPL experience is a plus."The wicket at Chepauk, where the T20I series will be played, is expected to be a high-scoring one. "We got to score 500 runs in the opening day of the Test, which speaks a lot about the wicket here," said Rodrigues. "We will assess the conditions and then go about it."South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt indicated that her team would field their strongest possible XI during the T20 series. "We will be looking to play the strongest XI we can," she said. "We have plans leading up to the World Cup, and we want to nail down different combinations."South Africa experimented with spin options during the one-off Test against India, and Wolvaardt said this would continue in the T20 series. "It's a good time to see if we could perhaps use more spin in the powerplay and the death," she said. "India will probably bowl spin throughout the innings, but it all depends on the conditions."

Fielding, often overshadowed by batting and bowling, is a game-changer in cricket. It can turn the tide of a match or even an entire tournament. In the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup final, India's victory was largely attributed to their exceptional fielding.In the final over, with South Africa needing just 16 runs to win, Hardik Pandya was entrusted with the daunting task of defending against David Miller. The weight of history hung heavy, as a stunning catch or a lightning-quick direct hit could seal India's fate.As Miller launched the first ball of the over, Suryakumar Yadav raced from wide long-off and plucked the ball with extraordinary precision, millimeters away from the boundary cushions. His momentum threatened to carry him past the ropes, but he had the presence of mind to throw the ball back in the air and complete one of the most important catches of his career.That catch not only saved India 16 runs but also boosted their morale. Five balls later, India was crowned world champion, and fielding coach T. Dilip's quiet hard work behind the scenes was recognized.Dilip's journey to the Indian dugout was not without its challenges. As an aspiring cricketer, he faced financial constraints and a lack of support. However, he found solace in imparting knowledge as a mathematics tutor.In 2004, Dilip enrolled in the BCCI Level-1 coaching program and quickly found an opportunity to share his expertise as a coach for the under-14 and under-16 teams at the Hyderabad Cricket Academy. His coaching career flourished under the guidance of R. Sridhar, one of India's top fielding coaches.In 2009, Dilip joined the National Cricket Academy (NCA) as a specialist fielding coach. He worked with players like Shubman Gill and Axar Patel during their formative years.When R. Sridhar concluded his seven-year stint as the Indian team's fielding coach, Dilip was entrusted with maintaining the high standard and ensuring effective player management. He has essayed this duty to perfection, creating a top-notch fielding outfit with a new intensity and openness to innovation.Dilip's extraordinary metamorphosis from a humble mathematics tutor to an influential mentor for prodigies and established superstars is incredibly heart-warming. His passion for the game is a thread that connects us all. While we continue to comment on cricket matches from our living rooms and armchairs, he is shaping future cricket stars in the team's dressing room.