T Dilip is set to return as the fielding coach of the Indian men’s cricket team for the tour of England. The development comes after a surprise change of plan by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as reported by RevSportz yesterday.
Dilip, who previously worked under head coaches Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gambhir, had initially been informed that his contract would not be renewed after May. Alongside him, batting coach Abhishek Nayar and a few other support staff members were also told they would be relieved of their duties. Reports suggested that Gambhir, who is expected to take on a larger role, preferred a smaller and more focused support staff.
However, the situation changed when Rohit personally requested both Gambhir and the BCCI to retain Dilip. Despite announcing his retirement from Test cricket, Rohit advocated strongly and convinced the board to offer the Hyderabad-based coach a one-year temporary extension. In contrast, Nayar opted not to continue and will return to his role with the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Ryan ten Doeschate, who was initially expected to take over Dilip’s role, will now remain as an assistant coach instead.
Meanwhile, India A has already arrived in England, where they will face the England Lions in an unofficial Test from 30 May to 2 June in Canterbury. The senior Indian Test team is scheduled to depart for England on 6 June.
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