I want to build fielding as attacking weapon New MI fielding coach Dilip

New Delhi, Oct 30 (PTI) Newly appointed Mumbai Indians fielding coach T Dilip on Friday said that he would try to build fielding as an attacking weapon for the team, building on trust and respect among players in a happy environment.

     Dilip, who has been a fielding coach of the national team, was one of the three new support staff members named on Friday by MI. He is known to be a trusted man of MI's senior-most player Rohit Sharma, who is all set to be reinstated as captain for the upcoming season as reported by PTI on Thursday.

     "Mumbai badge is a privilege and as well as a responsibility. As a Mumbai Indians team, I want to build fielding as an attacking weapon in the field," said Dilip in a video uploaded by the franchise.

     He said it's not always necessary to highlight only the spectacular catches and run-outs but would need to focus on the small factors which can impact an outcome of a match.

     "We generally see catches, we generally see run-outs. Once players recognise that it's not the spectacular highlights which is highlighted, but the 1% factors which can impact a game, then automatically they will put in those efforts.

     "And for us is to make sure that in a practice or a match, we create that environment where players having fun on the field, enjoy the field, and go out there. Sometimes you may have a bad day in your primary skills, whether a batting or bowling, but still you can impact a game through fielding."

     He said everything revolves around the culture of a team, and trust doesn't happen overnight.

     "I think it's built over a period, because it's not only just what happens on the field, but I think how we interact and spend time with each other off the field, because it gives you an insight about what that person thinks."

     On his earlier experience as India fielding coach, he said, "I have worked with Rohit as a captain when I started, then Surya as a captain, Jasprit Bumrah, Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, you name anyone, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur. So acquaintance is always there, that really helps.

     "But trust me, acquaintance helps you to come into the dressing room, but to earn that place in the dressing room, I think it's an everyday work - hard work, what we do and relationship and how can I help the team to take forward, whether it's through culture or work. That is where I want to earn that back again."

     Dilip, however, made it clear that his job would be to see what best can be introduced or what can be done in an existing environment.

     "I think when it comes to fielding medal, you know, I am very, very happy that a great initiative was taken, and actually, it's the players who made it really big, the way they have taken it.

     "But I feel end of the day, I am new to this Mumbai Indians setup, and as we know that there are certain traditions which already goes, and my way of working generally is whoever is the head coach is to understand their philosophy.

     "I'll definitely have a chat with them and see what best can be introduced or in an existing environment what can be done. But definitely fielding is something I would like to be rewarded and recognised."

     Talking about the energy among the Mumbai Indians supporters at the Wankhede Stadium, he said, "When it comes to Wankhede, I have seen personally there's always tremendous support because it is small ground, it resonates, it feels like in a tougher situation there is someone else backing you all the time.

     "I know at times, the results have not gone in favour where they are quite happy because expectations of Mumbai Indians were high, but I'm sure with their support and with the calibre and effort we try to put and we make sure that we bring back the smiles on their face, and we bring up a show where they'll always be entertained."

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)