Team India are on a roll in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 by become the first team to qualify for the semi-final of the tournament. The Men In Blue defeated Sri Lanka by a mammoth 302-run margin in Mumbai as their bowlers and batters put up an outstanding display to register this feat. (Match Highlights | Scorecard | Pics | Report | Points Table | Full Coverage)
However, apart from the batting and bowling, India's fielding has also caught the eye in this World Cup, with a fielding medal ceremony held after every match in the locker room. India's fielding coach T Dilip has been the key individual behind this idea and finds innovative ways of announcing the best fielder award after every World Cup game. Post the victory over Sri Lanka in Mumbai, the Indian cricket team were in for a surprise from none other than Sachin Tendulkar. The legendary cricketer, who has his statue erected at the Wankhede Stadium, lauded Rohit Sharma's men for their performance so far in this World Cup.
"Rohit met me the other and spoke to me about the fielding medal," Sachin said via video message. The Master Blaster then shared an anecdote from his time during the 2003 World Cup.
"When we were playing in South Africa, we had a chart. It had 'I can, we can' mentioned and every player had to sign that chart before going out on the field. It was all about commitment… that I will give my 100 commitment to the country and the team. That is exactly what the current team is doing by giving a fielding medal. It is a reflection of your commitment to do something for your colleague, for your team and for the country. I've simply loved the brand of cricket that you have played so far. It's been a joy to watch, Tendulkar said in a video message that was played on a tv screen inside the Indian dressing room.
At the end of the video, Tendulkar announced the best fielder medal to Shreyas Iyer, who was thrilled to bits to receive it. KL Rahul did the honours of giving the medal to Iyer.
Coming back to the match, Indian pace attack lead by Mohammed Shami's fifer, dismantled Sri Lanka for 55 runs as the Men Blue registered a win. Mohammed Siraj bagged three whereas Jasprit Bumrah took one in their bowling spells.
India are the only unbeaten team in the tournament and currently stand in the top place of the World Cup points table.
Rohit Sharma and his side next play South Africa in their upcoming match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday.
