In a surprising turn of events, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to bring back T Dilip as the national team's fielding coach for the upcoming tour of England. The decision comes just weeks after he was relieved of his duties, along with assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, following India's disappointing performance in the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
SEARCH FOR A FOREIGN COACH FALLS THROUGH
Sources within the BCCI confirmed that the board was actively pursuing a foreign candidate to take over the fielding coach role. However, they could not finalize an appointment in time for the England series.
"Bringing in a new face at this stage didn’t seem practical," said a source close to the development. "Dilip has built strong relationships with the current squad over the past three years, and his familiarity with the players is a major advantage going into a high-stakes series."
A TRUSTED NAME RETURNS
T Dilip served as India's fielding coach from 2021 until April 2025. During his earlier tenure, he gained popularity within the squad for introducing engaging and morale-boosting initiatives—most notably, awarding medals to the best fielder after each match and involving cricket legends in the medal presentations.
“Dilip is a well-respected coach who knows this team inside out. Having him return at this juncture is a positive move,” the source added.
Gill and Sudharsan Unlikely to Feature in India A Warm-Up Match
IPL FINAL CLASHES WITH PREPARATION PLANS
Newly appointed Test captain Shubman Gill and reserve batter B Sai Sudharsan are likely to miss India A’s second four-day match against the England Lions, which begins on June 6. Both players are part of the Gujarat Titans squad, which could potentially make it to the IPL final scheduled for June 3 in Ahmedabad.
If GT reaches the final, it will be logistically challenging for Gill and Sudharsan to immediately switch formats and conditions in time for the red-ball assignment in England.
FIRST MATCH ALREADY RULED OUT
Regardless of the IPL outcome, both players were already set to miss India A’s first four-day match starting on May 30.
India A’s campaign will be led by head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar, with support from Ryan ten Doeschate as the batting coach and Troy Cooley overseeing the bowling department.
