T Dilip is a superstar coach, he has helped improve our slip fielding: R Ashwin

India vs Bangladesh, 1st Test: Veteran spinner R Ashwin highlighted T Dilip's role in the improved slip-fielding of the Test team. Ashwin quoted the example of

In Short

• R Ashwin praised fielding coach T DIlip's work behind the scenes
• Ashwin highlighted the fielding coach's role in India's improved slip catching
• India won the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai by 280 runs

Off-spinner R Ashwin heaped rich praise on fielding coach T Dilip, highlighting his role in helping improve India's close-in fielding, especially catching in the slip cordon. Dilip, who took over during Rahul Dravid's tenure as head coach, was retained and he has continued to work under Gautam Gambhir-led support staff.

R Ashwin, speaking to the press after India's 280-run win over Bangladesh in Chennai on September 22, highlighted T Dilip's role in shaping good close-in fielders like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sarfaraz Khan. Ashwin said the youngsters in the team have been working hard with the fielding coach and it reflected in the way India caught in the close-in region in the first Test against Bangladesh.

"If you want to talk about fielding, where should we start? Let's talk about Dilip sir first. Actually, we’d searched for our fielding coach on Google and he turned out to be an internet personality. So unfair,” Ashwin said.

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“He is not an internet personality. He is our celebrity fielding coach, a superstar,” Ashwin added. Dilip, according to news agency PTI, was retained after the T20 World Cup triumph following feedback from the players. Dilip was instrumental in creating the much-talked-about 'fielding medal' which has been a regular fixture after India's games.

Yashasvi Jaiswal was India's stand-out close-in fielder in the first Test. On Saturday evening, Yashasvi took a sensational catch in the gully region, diving low to his left and holding on to a sharp chance offered by Bangladesh opener Zakir Hasan. On Sunday morning, Yashasvi, standing in the short-leg region, showcased quick reflexes, as he held on to a low catch in R Ashwin's over.

JAISWAL IS AN IMPROVED SLIP FIELDER: ASHWIN

Ashwin said Yashasvi, who made his Test debut last year in the West Indies, has evolved into a reliable fielder in the second slip position, offering India an option beyond KL Rahul who has been good in the cordon.

“Slip catching was a bit of a challenge a year or two ago. But Jaiswal has shown improvement in slip-catching in the last year or two from the series in South Africa. He has made a very good catch here at the second slip as well,” Ashwin said.

“KL Rahul is an amazing fielder in second slip. And he (Jaiswal) was able to replace him in the second slip. So, according to me, they worked very hard.

“Close-in catching, in places like short-leg, is a very difficult thing. You don't get good fielders like this. Jaiswal himself volunteers and stands up. He also does head-to-head work. So, all in all, we didn't get to see Dilip Sir's name not getting mentioned more prominently,” he added.

India will be hoping to continue the good work in fielding and catching in Test cricket as they will nine Tests in the next four months. The long season includes a five-match Test series in Australia.