In a reversal of plans, the BCCI has brought back T Dilip as India’s fielding coach after failing to secure a suitable foreign replacement. Dilip had been let go last month along with assistant coach Abhishek Nayar following India’s disappointing showing in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
However, a BCCI source confirmed that timing and familiarity with the squad were key reasons behind the decision to reinstate him.
“Dilip is a good coach, who served the team well for over three years (from 2021). He knows most of these cricketers very closely. So, to have him on board for a big series (vs England) will do the team only good,” a source close to the development told PTI.
“So, there is no point in bringing in a fresh name at this stage, and Dilip is very popular with players too,” the source added.
During his earlier stint, Dilip had introduced several innovative initiatives, including awarding match-day medals for the best fielder and inviting cricket legends to present those awards — moves that were reportedly well-received by players and staff alike.
Stability over experimentation as England tour looms
India’s coaching setup had been in flux following the Border-Gavaskar loss, with changes aimed at resetting ahead of future international challenges. However, the urgency of the England series and the inability to lock in an international replacement led the BCCI to fall back on experience and continuity.
Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan likely to miss India A warm-ups
Both Gill and Sudharsan are currently committed to the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, who remain in contention for the final on June 3 in Ahmedabad. Their potential participation in that title clash could rule them out of India A’s second four-day fixture against the England Lions, which starts on June 6.
The pair had already been scheduled to miss the first warm-up game on May 30, but a late IPL finish means they would also have limited time to adjust to red-ball cricket and unfamiliar English conditions before the second fixture.
This comes as India A, led by coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar and supported by Ryan ten Doeschate (batting coach) and Troy Cooley (bowling coach), are expected to play a critical role in acclimatising fringe and first-team players to England’s seaming conditions ahead of the Test series.
As India gears up for a grueling red-ball challenge in England, the absence of key players in warm-ups and the reshuffling of staff underline the logistical tightrope the BCCI is walking — balancing the demands of the IPL, national team stability, and optimal preparation for a marquee overseas series.
