IND vs NED World Cup 2023: Check out the fielder of the match

In a revelation from Indian fielding coach T. Dilip, the Indian cricket team has been recognizing outstanding fielding performances with “fielder of the match” awards for the past four months. This unique initiative, aimed at appreciating players’ attitudes towards fielding rather than just statistical achievements, gained attention after their recent World Cup match against the Netherlands.

“We have been doing this for a while, at least for the last four months, but only now it has gone on social media, and people have noticed it,” Dilip disclosed. India’s flawless run in the World Cup, winning all nine league matches, has not only showcased their cricket prowess but also shed light on the camaraderie within the team.

During the post-match press conference following the victory against the Netherlands, Dilip explained, “It is about judging attitude. An innings has 300 balls; how do you handle them on the field? This is not just about one brilliant catch; it is about the overall effort.” The awards, usually presented in a fun ceremony, recently gained traction on social media.

Suryakumar Yadav was declared as the fielder of the match for his brilliant saves and excellent fielding throughout the match. The fielder of the match was declared in a very unique way. The contenders were announced on the big screen. Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja were the contenders. Eventually, Surya was the winner. The groundstaff announced the winner in a very unique way.

“It’s truly heartening to see that the response at which the fans gave in social media,” Dilip expressed, highlighting the positive reception of the fielding awards. Indian captain Rohit Sharma was the recipient of the fielder of the match medal for his outstanding performance against South Africa on November 5.

Dilip emphasized that the awards symbolize the intent, effort, and spirit players bring to the field, qualities that might not always be evident in statistics but are felt by everyone in the stadium. “But the whole idea about this medal, what it represents is that the intent and effort, what the spirit you give, get onto the field, which may not be seen on the stats, but it can be felt by everyone who is in the stadium.”

Despite some fielding challenges faced by fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, Dilip expressed support, stating, “There is nothing specifically wrong with Siraj; he has put his body on the line often while fielding, shown good attitude, and he will get better.”

As India prepares for the first semi-final against New Zealand on November 15 in Mumbai, the unique fielding awards add an intriguing layer to the team’s journey in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. The response on social media reflects the fans’ appreciation for recognizing the often-overlooked aspects of fielding prowess.

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