T Dilip set to return as India fielding coach, handed one-year extension

INDIA CRICKET

T Dilip set to return as India fielding coach, handed one-year extension

by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on

T Dilip was recently relieved from his role by the BCCI © BCCI

T Dilip, the former fielding coach of the India Men's team, is all set to rejoin the national setup. Cricbuzz understands that the Hyderabad-based coach, who previously served under Rahul Dravid and later for close to a year under Gautam Gambhir, has been offered a one-year temporary extension. He will accompany the Indian team on their tour of England next month.

Dilip's contract was initially set to run until May, and it was widely presumed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) would not renew it. In fact, he, Abhishek Nayar, and a few other members of the support staff were clearly told by a BCCI official that they would be relieved of their duties following the expiry of their contracts.

Those coaches were known to be close to Rohit Sharma. With Gautam Gambhir reportedly setting himself up to play a more influential role in the Indian team setup, it was said that the head coach preferred a compact and pruned support staff. As a result, batting coach Abhishek Nayar and fielding coach T Dilip were relieved of their duties along with a couple other members of the coaching staff.

However, it is now understood that Rohit Sharma has convinced both the BCCI and Gautam Gambhir to retain T Dilip as fielding coach. While Nayar - also known to be close to Rohit - chose to step down and take up his role with Kolkata Knight Riders, Dilip's case was different.

Sources say Rohit, despite announcing his retirement from Test cricket, personally requested Gambhir to retain Dilip. Ryan ten Doeschate, who was initially expected to replace him, will remain as an assistant coach.

Meanwhile, the India A team, along with a few members of the Test squad, has arrived in England. Except for Akash Deep, all players have checked into the team hotel in Kent. Akash Deep is expected to join the squad within the next couple of days, well ahead of the first unofficial Test between India A and England Lions, scheduled from May 30 to June 2 in Canterbury. The main Indian Test squad is set to depart from Mumbai on June 6.

© Cricbuzz

TAGS

RELATED STORIES

Click here to read article