The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made a U-turn by reinstating former fielding coach T. Dilip just a month after removing him. Dilip will now travel with the Indian team for the upcoming five-match Test series in England, starting June 20 in Leeds.

Dilip, who joined the Indian setup in 2021 when Rahul Dravid became head coach, was earlier sacked along with batting coach Abhishek Nayar. However, the Indian board re-approached Dilip and offered him a one-year contract extension, according to The Indian Express.

But why did the BCCI make this U-turn?

A report by Cricbuzz stated that it was veteran batter Rohit Sharma - who recently retired from Test cricket - who persuaded both the BCCI and current India head coach Gautam Gambhir to retain Dilip as the fielding coach. However, Nayar, also known to share a close rapport with Rohit, has taken up a role with Kolkata Knight Riders.

Despite his retirement from the longest format, Rohit personally requested Gambhir to keep Dilip on board. Ryan ten Doeschate, who was initially expected to replace Dilip as fielding coach, will now continue with the team as an assistant coach.

Dilip will play a key role as India transition into a new era under 25-year-old captain Shubman Gill. This series marks India’s first Test series following the retirement of former captains Rohit and Virat Kohli.

Since joining the team in late 2021, Dilip has been instrumental in transforming India into one of the top fielding sides. He introduced a system of recognising and awarding standout fielding performances.

A well-known figure in Indian cricket, Dilip previously worked at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. His dedication and expertise have earned widespread praise; notably, Ravichandran Ashwin once referred to him as a “celebrity coach” and credited him for enhancing India's slip-catching standards.

Dilip will travel to England alongside head coach Gambhir, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, bowling coach Morne Morkel, and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, who has also been asked by the BCCI to work with the India A team during their tour of England.

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