NEW DELHI: In recognition of his remarkable diving catch at backward point during the ICC World Cup match against Bangladesh, India's star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was presented with the "fielder of the match" award by fielding coach T Dilip, surpassing wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav.
The behind-the-scenes video posted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revealed a light-hearted moment in the dressing room as the fielding coach announced the medal winner. The teammates gathered around Jadeja, and Rahul, the previous award recipient, had the honor of presenting the medal to Jadeja, who then placed it around the neck of India's fielding coach.
Notably, this time, the best fielder of the match was declared on the stadium's large screen, surprising the entire Indian squad. Previously, the award winners had been announced on television screens inside the dressing room.
While presenting the award, the Indian fielding coach lauded Rahul and Jadeja for their outstanding diving efforts in the field. He emphasized that the team's focus is on saving runs and not just individual catches, which is why Jadeja was chosen as the best fielder for his overall performance.
"We have played enough. We all know that a win isn't built on runs or wickets. I think it is also built on marvelous catches, tremendous diving, and today was a great example of that. Just not the way we save but the numbers saved. Two game-changing catches by KL and Jadeja. We, as a team, saved 13 runs today. That was fantastic. So let's roll the carpet for today's evening star. On the field today, one person was like a lion. Commanding on the field, outstanding effort with the direct hit, saving and fantastic top catch - Jadeja," Dilip stated in a video posted by BCCI.tv.
India's wicketkeeper-batter Rahul, who had previously won the 'Fielder of the Match' award in the game against Pakistan, praised Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav for their excellent fielding against Bangladesh.
Rahul mentioned, "I think I deserve it today, but also I have won it just the last game. So Dilip sir, just to keep it interesting, will give it to somebody else. And according to me, the contenders are just Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja), obviously for the catch. And Kuldeep Yadav is not too far away because he was really good in the field today."
Kuldeep Yadav received a nomination for his outstanding ground fielding, and Dilip commended Kuldeep's efforts, highlighting the significance of the award and how it reflects the team's determination.
"And here comes a big person who's been stretching his limits by every game. I think today we saw him outstandingly. Well, Kuldeep Yadav, you were outstanding. Like we have been speaking about this medal a lot, and I think it's not just our medal. We made something that is beautiful but also a testament to our skill, fitness, and will to put our bodies on the line. KL, please do the honors for me," Dilip added in the video.
With an impressive record of four wins in four matches, the red-hot Men in Blue are set to face the unbeaten New Zealand at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala on Sunday.
(With ANI inputs)
