Fielding coach T Dilip reveals strategy behind India's training sessions
What's the story
India's fielding coach T Dilip has lifted the lid on his unusual style of conducting training sessions. He believes in creating a competitive atmosphere among players right from the start. This, he says, sets the right tone for the remainder of the session. The revelation comes as Team India gears up for a five-match Test series against Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting Friday.
Training approach
Dilip's strategy aims to enhance team's preparation
Dilip, who remains India's fielding coach under new head coach Gautam Gambhir, said his experience has aided him in formulating strategies to make the team match-ready. "By now, I get a sense of the team and how they work around," he said in a video shared by BCCI. He added this is why he always starts with a little competition after the warm-up session.
Drill details
Fielding drills focus on match readiness
Dilip explained the team's recent training session revolved around retrieving and throwing back the ball from boundary ropes. The idea was to get everyone involved in a team drill and also get them match-ready. "We want everyone to get together in a team drill but also get closer to the match (readiness) what we wanted," he said.
Teamwork focus
Dilip emphasizes on player positioning and teamwork
The fielding coach stressed on player positioning and teamwork in these drills. He said, "So the players on the boundary are also aware that there is another person who is waiting for it so that they can throw one bounce or full into the hands." This way, players aren't wasting time in return and are in a proper position.
Positive feedback
Dilip expresses satisfaction with players' response
Dilip was pleased with the way players have responded to these drills. He said, "I would say that the players have really put up the intensity of there." The coach also pointed out the times when he had to stop certain individuals from going overboard during training sessions. "Literally, I had to stop certain people (from) going for it," he revealed.