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As the T20I series concluded between India and Sri Lanka, the dressing room awaited the moment when fielding coach T Dilip would present the ‘Fielder of the Series’ award. Rinku Singh emerged as the clear choice, recognized for his outstanding fielding prowess and relentless energy throughout the series.
While Rinku’s batting performance was subdued, tallying only 2 runs across two innings with limited opportunities due to the dominance of India’s top order, he made a notable impact in the final T20I where he batted at No. 4 but fell attempting a big shot against Maheesh Theekshana.
Despite a slow start in the second T20I, Rinku showcased unwavering enthusiasm and made substantial contributions in the field, ensuring his presence was felt with every opportunity he had to field.
‘Fielding in T20 is like a firefighter in an emergency’ – T Dilip
Despite his recent addition to the coaching staff, India’s fielding coach T Dilip continued the tradition of awarding the ‘Fielder of the Series’ in the dressing room. Delivering an eloquent speech likening fielders to firefighters, he passionately praised India’s fielding performance across the series, highlighting their excellence and commitment on the field.
“Well done! Very well done! As usual, it was a terrific win, especially considering the Super Over. For me, I always believe that fielding in T20 is like a firefighter in an emergency. You have got to be quick, decisive, and fearless. You all showed that. What really stood out for me in this series, especially, was that everyone consistently aimed to make a difference in the field, especially considering tough conditions out there. Very well done (claps).”
Dilip proceeded to announce his nominees for the role: Riyan Parag, Ravi Bishnoi, and Rinku Singh.
“My contender No. 1 is someone who went place to place and made sure that most of the time, he was at the hotspot. And made it sure that every opportunity when it comes to him, he grabbed those and he is none other than Riyan Parag.”
“I think errors do happen in a game and the greatest fielder is someone who bounces back and he has that amazing speed on the field to assure that today (by) taking that brilliant catch, Ravi Bishnoi, contender No. 2.”
“One of the guys whom I love to give a practice because he is always up there making sure that whenever he is out there, he is going out on an outfield cutting those angles, making sure that taking those outstanding catches in pressure moments. Not only this game, but he has consistently been taking those catches in pressure moments. He is one other than Rinku Singh,” Dilip stated.
Ryan ten Doeschate presents the award.
India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, took the stage to present the dressing room’s accolade for the series’ top fielder. Despite challenging conditions, he praised Rinku Singh’s exceptional fielding performance across the series.
“The fielding standard was very high. The conditions were very tough. The winner is someone who particularly in the second game, in the toughest of conditions, he started the innings quite poorly. Not poorly, but he made a few mistakes but he kept coming harder and kept running harder. And the winner for this medal is Rinku Singh,” ten Doeschate said.
India clinched a dramatic victory in the final T20I of the series, securing a clean sweep over Sri Lanka in an exhilarating low-scoring thriller.
