India’s fielding coach T Dilip expressed immense admiration for Virat Kohli following the third T20I against Afghanistan. Kohli, known for his stellar batting, played a pivotal role as a fielder in saving crucial runs during the challenging match in Bengaluru, which India won after two Super Overs. Dilip highlighted Kohli’s dynamic presence in the outfield, emphasizing the significance of his one-handed leap that prevented Afghanistan from scoring a six. In the post-match dressing room discussion, Dilip shared how Kohli opted not to stand in slips but instead chose to field in “hotspots,” showcasing his determination to challenge and inspire the younger players with his fielding prowess.
“This guy (Virat) has shown time and again in split-second decision-making. The way he keeps coming, saving runs, putting dives, going for hotspots, you can’t take your eyes off none other than Virat Kohli. He won two medals in the World Cup. I still remember in the WestIndies, when he told me that he doesn’t want to stand in slips, wanted to do it at short or fine-leg; challenging the youngsters that he wanted to be the best inthe World Cup, and he showed that,” Dilip in a video uploaded by BCCI.
𝗗𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗕𝗧𝗦 | 𝗙𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀
After a fantastic 3⃣-0⃣ win over Afghanistan, it’s time to find out who won the much-awaited Fielder of the Series Medal 🏅😎
Check it out 🎥🔽 #TeamIndia | #INDvAFG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/N30kVdndzB
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 18, 2024
Prior to declaring Virat Kohli as the “fielder of the series,” T Dilip, the fielding coach, motivated the younger players to emulate the same level of intensity displayed by the veteran cricketer during fielding. Dilip urged the upcoming talents to draw inspiration from Kohli’s commitment and energy on the field, emphasizing the importance of matching such standards in their own performances.
“This is the intensity the man gives to the team. He not only does his job so well but apart from that he inspires everyone. It is a great opportunity to play along with him. I would like the other youngsters to come up and start replicating half of what he does, the whole team will look different. And today’s winner is none other than Virat Kohli,” he added.
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