T Dilip pens emotional note on tenure end as Indian fielding coach ahead of Sri Lanka series

T Dilip’s five-year tenure as Indian fielding coach came to an end on Monday, August 3, 2026, when he penned an emotional farewell note marking the conclusion of his time with the national men’s team. Dilip had joined the Indian setup in November 2021 and remained with the team through significant phases of international cricket, working under head coaches Rahul Dravid and later Gautam Gambhir until mid-2026.

His contract was not renewed following India’s T20I tour of Zimbabwe. Subhadeep Ghosh has been appointed as the new fielding coach and will travel with the team to Sri Lanka for a two-match series beginning August 15. The transition marks the end of an era for Dilip, who oversaw the team’s fielding preparations during some of India’s most successful tournament campaigns.

“Five years. 💙 It’s difficult to find the right words for a journey that has meant so much. When I first walked into this setup, I came in with one simple intention, to give everything I had every single day. 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,” wrote Dilip on Instagram.

Dilip’s achievements during his five-year stint

Beyond tournament success, Dilip introduced a fielding medal tradition that brought a light-hearted yet competitive energy to the Indian dressing room. This initiative gained particular prominence during the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup, where it helped maintain team morale and focus on fielding excellence throughout the tournament. The practice became a hallmark of the team’s preparation philosophy during his tenure.

“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,” wrote Dilip.

Dilip expressed his gratitude to the BCCI for placing its faith in his abilities and giving him the opportunity to serve the Indian team. He also thanked the coaches, captains, support staff, and players he worked with during his tenure with the Men in Blue. Dilip was a member of the support staff that helped India lift the 2024 T20 World Cup, 2025 Champions Trophy, 2025 Asia Cup, and the 2026 T20 World Cup.

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

“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. 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 concluded.