New Delhi: The time has begun for Indian cricket to pass on the baton to the young generation who in a second-string team just beat Zimbabwe 4-1 in a T20I series, asserting dominance and also affirming they are too a force to be reckoned with. The phase is very crucial for Team India who not only sees a change in the playing setup but also in the coaching staff as well.
With the Rahul Dravid era and its reins coming to an end, VVS Laxman was assigned for the Zimbabwe tour as the “acting” head coach of a young-guns-filled side. He took his own staff with him until the BCCI announced a totally refurbished Indian coaching staff. While Gautam Gambhir has already been announced as the new head coach, assuming the role from the Sri Lanka tour that starts on July 26, his helping hands (batting, bowling, and fielding coaches) are still awaited.
Tradition goes on…
As the “Boys in Blue” beat Zimbabwe, the long-held dressing room tradition of honoring the players with fielding medals continued as well. Although the stalwart T Dilip (ex-fielding coach), who started this tradition, wasn’t present with the second-string team due to his tenure coming to an end, he did make a special appearance through a video message where he talked about the importance of fielding in a match and why the players should be awarded for it.
For handing the medal, he said acting fielding coach Subhadeep Ghosh would reveal the winner (best fielder of the series). Ghosh looked back at the whole series, reflecting on the aspects and differences that each of the five games brought forth, he finally named the winner as Rinku Singh, who was at his catching best in the whole series. Subhadeep called Laxman to pass on the honour to Rinku as his teammates erupted in joy at his achievement.
Watch the video here –
Straight from Harare! 📍
A special video message followed by the Fielding Medal 🏅 Ceremony!
Class, Smiles & Generosity All Around! ☺️
Subhadeep Ghosh 🤝 T Dilip#TeamIndia | #ZIMvIND | @VVSLaxman281 | @rinkusingh235 pic.twitter.com/GBrtU85kUF
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 15, 2024
With the first fielding medal as a Team India player in his hands, Rinku looked to be on cloud nine as he held a brimming smile on his face and was forced to stand on a stool and deliver a few words for the success. “I really enjoyed playing with everyone. It was my 4th or 5th series, so I really enjoyed it. To be honest, I like fielding more than batting. I enjoy it a lot. It’s a lot of fun. It’s a lot of fun to run. So what else can I say… God’s Plan,” the southpaw said.
VVS Laxman surprised the Indian cricket team with a special gesture as acting fielding coach Subhadeep Ghosh shared a video message from outgoing fielding coach T Dilip, who started the most loved fielding medal tradition in the Indian dressing room. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
