T Dilip Set to Return as Team India’s Fielding Coach for England Tour
In a surprising turn of events, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly decided to reappoint T Dilip as the fielding coach of the Indian men’s cricket team for the much-anticipated tour of England. This decision comes after the board struggled to identify a suitable replacement, according to sources close to the selection process.
Last month, the BCCI had announced their decision to part ways with Dilip, alongside assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, following India’s disappointing performance in the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, where fielding lapses were heavily criticized. However, with the England tour looming, the board seems to have opted for continuity over change, banking on Dilip’s experience and familiarity with the team dynamics.
Dilip, who has been credited with transforming India’s fielding standards in recent years, notably during the 2023 ODI World Cup campaign, brings a wealth of expertise to the role. Under his guidance, players like Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja have set benchmarks in athletic fielding. The upcoming tour, scheduled for July 2025, will test India’s grit on English soil, where conditions often demand sharp reflexes and agility in the field.
While the BCCI has not officially confirmed Dilip’s return, insiders suggest that the decision reflects a pragmatic approach, especially with limited time to onboard and integrate a new coach. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how Dilip addresses the fielding concerns that plagued India in their recent overseas outings.
Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan in Doubt for Warm-Up Game Against England Lions
In related news, India’s preparations for the England tour face another hurdle as newly-appointed Test captain Shubman Gill and reserve batter B Sai Sudharsan are likely to miss India A’s second four-day warm-up match against England Lions, set to begin on June 6, 2025.
Both players, who represent Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League, may be unavailable due to a scheduling clash. If GT qualifies for the IPL final, slated for June 3, 2025, it will leave little to no time for Gill and Sudharsan to join the India A squad in England. This tight timeline poses a significant challenge, not just logistically, but also in terms of adapting to the vastly different conditions of English pitches and the red-ball format after an intense T20 campaign.
Gill, who recently took over the Test captaincy, is pivotal to India’s strategy, and his absence from the warm-up game could impact team preparations. Similarly, Sudharsan, a promising talent with a solid domestic record, was expected to stake a claim for a reserve spot in the main squad. Their potential unavailability raises questions about depth and readiness ahead of a challenging series.
As India gears up to face England in a five-match Test series, these developments highlight the balancing act between domestic commitments and international duties. The BCCI will hope for swift resolutions to ensure the team hits the ground running in what promises to be a thrilling contest of skill and strategy.