Last Update on: November 20th, 2023 at 11:30 am
Emotions ran high as Team India‘s fielding coach T Dilip gave a rousing speech in the dressing room after the loss against Australia in the final of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
Not many were expecting to see the routine of the fielding coach announcing the best fielder’s name after the heartbreaking loss in the final. However, the Indian team management decided to continue the routine as the fielding coach delivered a stirring speech to motivate the heartbroken players.
India suffered a six-wicket loss at the hands of Australia on Sunday (November 19) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Asked to bat first, India were bowled out for just 240 runs despite half-centuries from KL Rahul (66) and Virat Kohli (54). In reply, Australia recovered from a poor start to chase down the total in 43 overs thanks to a century from Travis Head and an unbeaten half-century from Marnus Labuschagne.
T Dilip announces the best fielder:
Throughout the competition, T Dilip announced the best fielder after a match in a creative fashion. The winners’ names were displayed sometimes via the giant screen, the Spidercam, and as well as the boundary-side camera buggy. On one occasion, the legendary Sachin Tendulkar announced the winner’s name.
But on Sunday, T. Dilip decided to keep things a bit simple after the loss although he gave a moving speech. He began by lauding the players for their performance throughout the competition, saying:
“Guys I know it’s tough and we all feel the pain but that’s what it is. We did everything possibly right and still the result is not in our favour. But I think as Rahul bhai said, we can all be proud of ourselves. I appreciate and thank every player in this group who have committed in the practice sessions. The way you put yourself on the line, you put intent, energy. I couldn’t ask more than this. Well done.
“During the course of this tournament, we took some brilliant catches but what I really liked is the brotherhood we shared on the field. The way each one supported each other, the way everyone was backing. That’s outstanding to see. I see only growing up as a team on the field,” he added.
T Dilip then announced star batter Virat Kohli as the best fielder of the game before Ravindra Jadeja handed the former India skipper the medal.
“Today’s winner, he’s been a terrific player. He sets himself up great standards and every time he goes on the field, he just does magic. And the best part is that he not only does his job well but his actions inspire so many people and it is none other than Virat Kohli,” said T Dilip.
From our first medal ceremony to the last – thank you to all the fans who've given us a lot of love for it 💙
Yesterday, we kept our spirits high in the dressing room and presented the best fielder award for one final time.
Watch 🎥🔽 – By @28anand#TeamIndia | #CWC23
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 20, 2023
