(Image Source: Instagram)
[Saba Sports News] In the ODI World Cup 2023 clash between India and Australia at Chepauk, Virat Kohli, renowned for his exceptional fitness, made history by becoming the first player to win the ‘Best Fielder of the Match’ award. Fielding has evolved into an essential skill in contemporary cricket, receiving the same significance as batting and bowling.
The Indian team’s fielding prowess saw significant improvements during the latter part of MS Dhoni’s captaincy. Under Virat Kohli’s leadership, the ‘Men in Blue’ ascended to become one of the premier fielding units in international cricket, and this emphasis on fielding excellence continues during Rohit Sharma’s era.
To underscore the importance of fielding, the team management introduced a new initiative, presenting a medal to the best fielder in each match. This initiative was inaugurated during India’s opening match of the ODI World Cup 2023 against Australia in Chennai on October 8.
In a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), India’s head coach Rahul Dravid announced the change in their approach, with T Dilip, India’s fielding coach, being responsible for awarding the ‘Best Fielder of the Match’ medal.
(Image Source: Instagram)
Dilip explained that while several players exhibited exceptional fielding skills in the game, the award ultimately goes to the one who consistently demonstrates intensity, supports teammates, and ensures fielders are positioned optimally. In this instance, Virat Kohli was the deserving recipient of the award.
Virat graciously accepted the award, donning the medal with a broad smile, while his teammates cheered him on. Kohli’s fielding performance was electrifying, marked by brilliant catches and full-body dives to prevent runs.
He followed up his fielding heroics with a noteworthy batting performance, scoring 85 runs off 116 balls, contributing significantly to India’s successful chase of a 200-run target with six wickets in hand.