Team India captain Rohit Sharma and fielding coach T Dilip shared their views about the dominant fielding display that played a key role in India’s stunning 106-run win over England in the second Test in Vishakapatnam. The Indian Team were at their best on the fielding front, with sharp catches and run-outs being done with utmost perfection. Where Rohit and KS Bharat’s catches to dismiss Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett were amazing, Shreyas Iyer’s brilliant direct hit to send back Ben Stokes was no less.

“In a Test, the key thing is to maintain that momentum, intensity, and energy throughout the game. We have been fantastic, credit to the boys. The game really tilted towards us with Shreyas Iyer’s run-out, the way he moved and anticipated the shot, and getting that direct hit, especially to send back someone like Ben Stokes. Overall, I am really happy as a fielding coach because the boys have done a fantastic job,” T Dilip said in a video released by BCCI.

Rohit Sharma also said that his sharp catch at slip sent Ollie Pope back into the pavilion. He only had 0.45 seconds to react as the ball flew after the batter got an outside edge and Rohit successfully grabbed the ball after making a late adjustment in his position.

“We took some brilliant catches, and some brilliant run outs as well, game-changing run out. Of course, as a slip fielder, you are always ready for it. The idea is to just stay still and then react. It was a crucial wicket for us because Ollie Pope was somebody who was in good form. Sometimes the ball comes so quickly, that you’ve got no time to react, and no time to take your body there. So, your hand needs to be there at the right time and in the right place. I hope to take many more catches like that in this series,” Rohit Sharma explained. “Fielding is something we really pride ourselves. We want to be the best fielding team, the smarter fielding team.”

The third India-England Test will take place in Rajkot from February 15 onwards.