IND vs ENG: Who won India's best fielder of the series award ?

India won the five-match IND vs ENG test series 4-1 after trailing 0-1.

Indian cricket team hammered England in final test of the series at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala by an innings and 64 runs. The hosts also won the five-match test series 4-1.

England sent a big statement to the Indian camp after crushing the Indian side in the opening fixture in Hyderabad by 28 runs. However, the visitors were left shell-shocked by the great comeback of Rohit Sharma-led India, as the hosts won four consecutive games in Vishakapatnam, Rajkot, Ranchi, and Dharamsala. 

India were brilliant with the bat, ball, and field throughout the five-match test series. Carrying on the tradition of awarding the best fielder in the series, fielding coach T Dilip introduced two medals for fielding efforts after India’s win over England in the Dharamsala test.

The tradition started during ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, where the award was given following every match, after the World Cup, T Dilip continued the tradition and started awarding the gold medal to the best fielder of the series.

It is to be noted that there used to be just one medal for the best fielding award, but coach T Dilip changed some rules for test matches as he felt that both catching and out-fielding were equally important in the longest format.

Who won India’s best fielder of the series award ?

Team India’s fielding coach, T Dilip led the award ceremony and acknowledged the players for their fielding efforts. Dilip first named Shreyas Iyer and mentioned his brilliant run-out of England skipper, Ben Stokes during the Vizag test match.

He also mentioned Sarfaraz Khan, who was playing his debut test series. He acknowledged Sarfaraz for taking up the challenge of fielding at short leg. T Dilip also lavished praise on wicket-keeper Dhruv Jurel for his brilliant keeping behind the stumps in the England Test series.

Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill win best fielder of the series award

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and young batter Shubman Gill shared the best fielder of the series award. The award was given by BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who was presented during the ceremony. However, this was the first time that BCCI secretary was giving away the ‘best fielder of the series’ award.

Gill and Rohit stood at the crucial spot during the entire five-match test series against England. Both players were the highest catch-takers for the Indian side in the series. 

Kuldeep Yadav won the ‘relentless support’ award

Another twist was added by the fielding coach Dilip as he added one more medal i.e., ‘relentless support’ award. He named leg-spinner Kuldeep Yadav as the winner for his contributions on the field.

“Terrific effort, guys. I think the entire series we showcased extraordinary commitment on the field. The energy, perseverance and the sheer willpower was displayed by each and every one and magnificent effort. Before the start of the series, we spoke about maintaining that tempo and momentum throughout, and the Captain spoke about that 1% factors. I think you all embrace the challenge with open arms. Well done guys. Excellent stuff,” said Dilip in the ceremony.

“This time around, we have added one more flavour to our tradition. Instead of one, we’re giving two medals now. The reason being, in test cricket, brilliance of a catch and also relentless effort on the field. Equal play, crucial effort,” Dilip added.

Here is the video:

Any guesses who won the Fielding Medal for the series 🤔#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/NxZVWOX422

— BCCI (@BCCI) March 10, 2024

With this stunning win over England, India are now ranked as the No.1 ranked side in the latest ICC Men’s test rankings with 122 rating points to their name. Australia are placed at the second spot.

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