‘I want to field as an attacking weapon’: New Mumbai Indians coach T Dilip

T Dilip (Image credit: Mumbai Indians) Newly appointed Mumbai Indians fielding coach T Dilip wants to make fielding one of the team’s biggest strengths. He believes a strong fielding unit can change the course of a game and wants to build a culture based on trust, respect and joy.Dilip, who was previously India’s fielding coach, was one of the three new members of Mumbai Indians’ support staff announced on Friday.In a video shared by the franchise, Dilip said that wearing the Mumbai Indians badge is a matter of pride and responsibility.“The Mumbai badge is a privilege as well as a responsibility. As a Mumbai Indians team, I want to field as an attacking weapon in the field,” he said.

Focus on the little things

Dilip believes that fielding is not just about making spectacular catches or producing great catches. He wants the players to understand that even a small effort on the field can have a big impact on the outcome of the match.“Generally we see the catches, generally we see the misses. Once the players recognize that the highlight is not the spectacular moments, but the 1% factors that can affect the game, then they automatically make that effort.”“And for us, it’s about making sure we create an environment in training or a game where the players on the field are having fun, enjoying the field and going there. Sometimes you can have a bad day in your primary skills, whether it’s batting or bowling, but you can still impact the game through fielding.”He also emphasized the importance of building trust between players. According to Dilip, it takes time and depends on how the teammates bond with each other on and off the field.“I think it came about in a certain period because it’s not just what happens on the field, but I think how we communicate and spend time off the field because it gives you an insight into what that person is thinking.”

“Confidence helps you enter the dressing room”

Dilip has worked with several Mumbai Indians players during his time with the Indian team. He said his previous association with them would help him settle into the dressing room, but he knows building trust in the new set-up requires consistent effort.“When I started, I worked with Rohit as captain, then Surya as captain, Jasprit Bumrah, Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, you name it, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur. So the familiarity is always there, it really helps.“But trust me, familiarity helps you come into the dressing room, but to earn that place in the dressing room, I think it’s a day-to-day job – hard work, what we do and the relationships and how I can help the team move forward, whether it’s the culture or the job. That’s where I want to earn it again.”

He wants to be recognized for his efforts in the field

Dilip also spoke about the medal initiative at Mumbai Indians and praised the players for making it popular. But he said he will first understand the team’s existing culture and the head coach’s approach before bringing in any new ideas.“I think in terms of placing on the medal, you know, I’m very, very happy that there’s been a big initiative and it’s actually the players that have really taken it the way they’ve taken it.“But I feel the day is over, I’m new to this Mumbai Indians set-up and as we know there are certain traditions that are already in place and my way of working generally is that whoever is the head coach has to understand their philosophy.“I’ll definitely talk to them and see what’s the best thing that can be implemented or what can be done in the existing environment. But definitely playing in the field is something that I’d like to be rewarded and recognized for.”

Dilip wants to bring smiles back to MI fans

The new fielding coach also spoke about the support Mumbai Indians are getting at the Wankhede Stadium. He believes that the home crowd gives the players more confidence, especially in difficult moments.“As for the Wankhede, I’ve personally seen that there’s always a huge support because it’s small, it resonates, it feels like someone else is always there to support you when you’re in a tough situation.“I know the results have not been favorable at times because they have been quite happy because the expectations from Mumbai Indians have been high, but I am sure that with their support and with the caliber and effort that we are trying to put in and we will make sure that we put a smile on their face and put on a show where they will always have fun.”