NEW DELHI: During the ODI series against England, fielding coach T Dilip described it as "incredibly satisfying" to witness the Indian players dart and dive to make amazing catches and stop runs.
With some spectacular catches, run-outs, and athletic fielding in the deep, India defeated Jos Buttler's team 4-1 in the Twenty20 Internationals and completed a clean sweep of the three-match ODI series.
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"Throughout we created some spectacular opportunities. I think whether it's cutting the angles on the outfield or taking those phenomenal catches, running back and also those crucial run outs at important junctures of the matches, I think fantastic effort by everyone," Dilip said in a video posted by BCCI after India's massive 142-run win in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.
"We as a team take a lot of pride in fielding and to see us execute with composure and consistency throughout this series was incredibly satisfying," said Dilip, who took over during Rahul Dravid's tenure as India coach and continued in his role when Gautam Gambhir took charge.
He praised the performances of vice-captain Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and Harshit Rana, saying it was difficult to choose the series' greatest fielder.
"Coming to the contenders, it was slightly tougher for me. To start with, someone being a fast bowler showing that commitment (in the field) and throughout these three (ODI) games, I think he (Harshit Rana) saved around 10-plus runs.
"And, in the second game, a very important catch is running back at mid-off and also a flat catch at mid-off, Shubman Gill," he added.
But Iyer, who impressed with both his batting and fielding abilities, was given the 'Impact Fielder' of the series medal. His outstanding performance in the first ODI in Nagpur was the magnificent run-out of England opener
Phil Salt
.
"It's not just about the catches we always look in, but the amount of effort you put on the boundary line by saving those crucial runs and getting those run-outs... cutting those angles on the field, and getting that important run-out in the first game when England were blazing at 75 for no loss, Shreyas Iyer," he said.
When openers Phil Salt and Ben Duckett were playing brilliantly, England were aiming for a high score, but the former was dismissed by Iyer's throw to wicketkeeper KL Rahul.
English (US) ·