T Dilip looks to build winning fielding culture at Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians' new fielding coach T Dilip wants to build a culture of trust, teamwork and accountability. Drawing on his experience with the Indian team, he aims to make fielding an attacking weapon and improve the team's performances

Hyderabad: The newly appointed Mumbai Indians fielding coach, T Dilip, said he was aware that the team’s results had not always been satisfactory, given the high expectations of the franchise.

During his interaction with the Mumbai Indians media, Dilip, who also served as the Indian team’s fielding coach for five years, said: “But I’m sure with their support, the calibre of the players and the effort we put in, we will make sure that we bring back the smiles on their faces and put on a show that will always entertain them.”

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“The Mumbai Indians badge is a privilege as well as a responsibility. As part of the Mumbai Indians team, I want to build fielding into an attacking weapon.

“I think everything revolves around culture, and trust doesn’t happen overnight. I think it’s built over a period of time because it’s not just about what happens on the field, but also how we interact and spend time with each other off the field. That gives you an insight into what a person thinks,” Dilip explained.

“We generally see catches and run-outs. Once players recognise that it is not just the spectacular highlights that matter, but also the one per cent factors that can impact a game, they will automatically put in those efforts,” he said.

“For us, it is about making sure that, during practice or a match, we create an environment where players have fun on the field, enjoy themselves and give their best. Sometimes, you may have a bad day with your primary skills, whether batting or bowling, but you can still impact a game through fielding,” Dilip said.

“I have worked with Rohit as a captain when I started, and then with Surya as captain, Jasprit Bumrah, Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur, to name a few. So, there are already familiar faces, and that really helps. But trust me, familiarity helps you enter the dressing room; earning your place in it, however, requires everyday hard work and building relationships. It is about what we do and how I can help the team move forward, whether through culture or work. That is how I want to earn my place again,” Dilip said.

“When it comes to the fielding medal, I am very happy that such a great initiative was introduced. The players themselves made it really big through the way they embraced it. However, I am new to the Mumbai Indians setup, and, as we know, certain traditions are already in place. My approach is generally to understand the philosophy of the head coach. I will definitely have a chat with them and see what can best be introduced or what can be done within the existing environment. But fielding is definitely something I would like to see rewarded and recognised,” Dilip said.

“When it comes to Wankhede, I have personally seen the tremendous support the team receives. It is a small ground, and the support resonates throughout the stadium. Even in tougher situations, it feels like someone is backing you all the time. I know the results have not always been what the fans would have liked, given the high expectations of Mumbai Indians. But I am sure that, with their support, the calibre of the players and the effort we put in, we will bring back the smiles on their faces and put on a show that will always entertain them,” Dilip concluded.