Newly appointed Mumbai Indians fielding coach T Dilip wants to make fielding one of the team’s biggest strengths. He believes that a strong fielding unit can change the course of a match and wants to build a culture based on trust, respect and enjoyment.Dilip, who has previously worked as India’s fielding coach, was one of three new members of the Mumbai Indians support staff announced on Friday.Speaking in a video shared by the franchise, Dilip said wearing the Mumbai Indians badge came with both pride and responsibility.“Mumbai 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,” he said.
Focus on the small things
Dilip believes fielding is not just about taking spectacular catches or producing brilliant run-outs. He wants players to understand that even small efforts on the field can make a big difference to the result of a match.“We generally see catches, we generally see run-outs. Once players recognise that it’s not the spectacular highlights which is highlighted, but the 1% factors which can impact a game, then automatically they will put in those efforts.“And 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 a batting or bowling, but still you can impact a game through fielding.”He also stressed the importance of building trust among players. According to Dilip, it takes time and depends on how teammates connect with each other both on and off the field.“I think it’s built over a period, because it’s 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.”
‘Trust helps you enter the dressing room’
Dilip has worked with several Mumbai Indians players during his time with the Indian team. He said his previous association with them would help him settle into the dressing room, but he knows that building trust within a new setup requires consistent effort.“I 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’s an everyday work – hard work, what we do and relationship and how can I help the team to take forward, whether it’s through culture or work. That is where I want to earn that back again.”
Wants fielding efforts to be recognised
Dilip also spoke about the fielding medal initiative at Mumbai Indians and praised the players for making it popular. However, he said he would first understand the team’s existing culture and the head coach’s approach before bringing in any new ideas.“I think when it comes to fielding medal, you know, I am very, very happy that a great initiative was taken, and actually, it’s 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, and my way of working generally is whoever is the head coach is to understand their philosophy.“I’ll 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.”
Dilip wants to bring smiles back to MI fans
The new fielding coach also spoke about the support Mumbai Indians receive at the Wankhede Stadium. He believes the home crowd gives the players extra confidence, especially during difficult moments.“When it comes to Wankhede, I have seen personally there’s always tremendous support because it is small ground, it resonates, it feels like in a tougher situation there is someone else backing you all the time.“I know at times, the results have not gone in favour where they are quite happy because expectations of Mumbai Indians were high, but I’m sure with their support and with the calibre and effort we try to put and we make sure that we bring back the smiles on their face, and we bring up a show where they’ll always be entertained.”
