Hyderabad’s T.K. Dilip signs off after memorable five-year stint as India’s fielding coach

Warangal-born Hyderabad coach T.K. Dilip has ended a memorable five-year tenure as India's fielding coach after playing a key role in multiple ICC and Asia Cup triumphs. Known for introducing the 'Best Fielder' medal, he leaves behind a lasting legacy despite limited public recognition

Hyderabad: For the 45-year-old T.K. Dilip, the Warangal-born fielding coach of the Indian team for five years, it has been a culmination of a career which was dotted with some of the highs of Indian cricket itself – being there with the Indian team which won the 2024 and the 2026 T-20 World Cups and also the Champions Trophy later on.

Yet, Dilip, born in Warnagal and settled in Hyderabad, for sure, will bid adieu never really getting the recognition due to him. Even at home, when members of the T-20 World Cup teams were bestowed with cash incentives and house sites, Dilip for reasons unknown was never on the horizon to get any benefit.

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Perhaps, symbolic of how the way fielding has never really got its due in any historic Indian triumph!

At least now, the authorities in the State Government should look at his case in a proper perspective and do something which he truly deserves.

However, true to his amazing personality, Dilip doesn’t complain even now.

“I couldn’t have asked for more. God and everyone connected with my job has been very kind to me and I will always be grateful to them, including HCA, Deccan Chargers, NCA and the BCCI for giving me such a wonderful platform to showcase my passion and skills,” he said once.

One of the salient features of Dilip’s tenure is “awarding medals” for the best fielder in the post-match events in the dressing room which were a big hit. “”It was started because I felt the fielders, despite their crucial role, did not get the same recognition,” he said.

“The fielding medal will always hold a very special place in my heart. Seeing the excitement it created in the dressing room, the smiles it brought, and the value the players attached to it are memories I’ll carry with me forever,” Dilip wrote on his Instagram post on Monday.

“I will always cherish being part of the two ICC Men’s T20 World Cup triumphs (2024 & 2026) ICC Champions Trophy triumph (2025) two Asia Cup triumphs (2023 & 2025), runners-up at the ICC World Test Championship and ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup (2023) and several unforgettable journeys on the world stage,” he said.

“Fielding has always been my way of contributing to the game I love, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have played a part in this team’s journey,” the soft-spoken coach, who replaced another Hyderabadi R. Sridhar in that crucial support staff post..

Dilip thanked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), former head coach Rahul Dravid, current head coach Gautam Gambhir, and the various captains he worked under.

“A heartfelt thank you to the BCCI @indiancricketteam for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to serve Indian cricket. To #Rahul Dravid and @gautamgambhir55, thank you for your trust. It was a pleasure to work alongside both of you,” he said.

“To @rohitsharma45, @surya_14kumar, @virat.kohli, @hardikpandya93, @shubmangill and @shreyasiyer96, it was a privilege to work with each of you and contribute during your time as captains. And to every player, coach and member of the support staff… thank you. The memories we’ve created together will stay with me for the rest of my life,” Dilip said.

“As this chapter comes to a close, I’ll always be grateful that, for five unforgettable years, I had the honour of wearing the India badge. Forever grateful. The journey continues,” he signed off after a visibly satisfying stint with the Indian team.