T20 World Cups:<\/b> T Dilip, the newly-appointed fielding coach of Mumbai Indians, believes that knowing many of the franchise\u2019s star players would help him settle in quickly, though he added that he would still have to earn his place in the dressing room through every day work.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Dilip rose to prominence as fielding coach of the Indian men\u2019s team, a stint that saw him be a part of three ICC title wins: the T20 World Cups in 2024 and 2026, and the 2025 Champions Trophy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Much of that golden run came under Rohit Sharma\u2019s captaincy, and Dilip will reunite with him in MI colours after replacing Carl Hopkinson as the side\u2019s fielding coach from IPL 2027.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI have worked with Rohit as a captain when I started, then Surya as a captain, Jasprit Bumrah, Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, you name anyone, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur. So acquaintance is always there, that really helps. But trust me, acquaintance helps you to come into the dressing room. But to earn that place in the dressing room, I think it\u2019s an everyday work.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cLike, hard work, what we do and relationship and how can I help the team to take forward, whether it\u2019s through culture or work. That is where I want to earn that back again,\u201d Dilip said in a video posted by the franchise\u2019s social media accounts on Friday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He also felt building trust as a coach in a team is built slowly, and much of that happens off the field. \u201cMumbai badge is a privilege and as well as a responsibility. As a Mumbai Indians team, I want to build fielding as an attacking weapon in the field. I think everything revolves around the culture, and trust doesn\u2019t happen overnight.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s built over a period, because it\u2019s not only just what happens on the field, but I think how we interact and spend time with each other off the field, because it gives you an insight about what that person thinks,\u201d added Dilip.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He also wants his players to value the small contributions that rarely make the highlights. \u201cWe generally see catches, we generally see run-outs. Once players recognise that it\u2019s not the spectacular highlights which is highlighted, but the 1 percent factors which can impact a game, then automatically they will put in those efforts.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAnd for us is to make sure that in a practice or a match, we create that environment where players having fun on the field, enjoy the field, and go out there. Sometimes you may have a bad day in your primary skills, whether batting or bowling, but still you can impact a game through fielding.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The same approach shapes how he views the fielding medal that became popular in the Indian dressing room. Dilip said he would first understand MI\u2019s existing traditions and speak to new head coach Kieron Pollard before deciding whether to bring it in.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI think when it comes to fielding medal, I am very, very happy that a great initiative was taken, and actually, it\u2019s the players who made it really big, the way they have taken it. But I feel end of the day, I am new to this Mumbai Indians setup, and as we know that there are certain traditions which already goes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cMy way of working generally is that whoever is the head coach, I would understand their philosophy, and I\u2019ll definitely have a chat with them and see what best can be introduced or in an existing environment what can be done. But definitely fielding is something I would like to be rewarded and recognised.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He also spoke about the home crowd at the Wankhede Stadium and accepted that recent results had not lived up to its expectations. \u201cWhen it comes to Wankhede, I have seen personally there\u2019s always tremendous support because it is a small ground, it resonates and feels like in a tougher situation there is someone else backing you all the time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cMy way of working generally is that whoever is the head coach, I would understand their philosophy, and I\u2019ll definitely have a chat with them and see what best can be introduced or in an existing environment what can be done. But definitely fielding is something I would like to be rewarded and recognised.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> Special Cricket Stories<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n