Shikhar Dhawan praises 'phenomenal player for unforgettable moment' against PAK, makes stylish entry into dressing room: 'We always communicate...'

In a time-honored tradition, Team India's fielding coach T Dilip once again awarded the best fielder's medal to a deserving player following the Men in Blue's impressive victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday. This tradition, which was initiated by Dilip in 2023, has become a key aspect of the team's post-match rituals during ICC events. After each match, Dilip carefully selects three standout fielders and ultimately chooses one player to receive the prestigious award, recognizing their exceptional contributions on the field.

The Indian team produced a clinical performance on Sunday, outclassing Pakistan in all three departments to register a six-wicket win. Virat Kohli was named Player of the Match for his magnificent century under pressure to take India over the line.

After the game, Dilip lavished praise on the players for their efforts to keep things tight on the field as he also mentioned the importance of run-outs, which helped India strengthen their position in the game.

He named Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Shreyas Iyer as the three contenders for the Fielder of the Match award. He often tries to find a unique way to announce the winner, and this time, he welcomed veteran Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan in the dressing room.

Dhawan, who was the Player of the Tournament in the 2013 Champions Trophy, arrived in style as he received a loud cheer from the Indian players on his entry.

He praised the performances of Kuldeep Yadav, Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill in the crucial match and thanked the support staff for creating a great environment for the players.

"A big, big congratulations to the whole team, especially the bowling unit. Kuldeep Yadav took three wickets. And then coming down to the batting. Virat, well played. That's what the experienced players do. Very well done. Shubman, great consistency. KL Rahul. Thanks to the support staff as well for creating such a great environment in the team," Dhawan said in the video uploaded by the BCCI on their social media accounts.

Axar Patel named Fielder of the Match

He later announced Axar Patel as the Fielder of the Match over Iyer and Jadeja.

"Thank you for inviting me over here to give the medal to the special player who created the magic moment as we always talk about Axar Patel," said Dhawan.

The left-handed all-rounder was involved in a couple of run-outs, one of which was a direct hit to get rid of Imam-ul-Haq, while he also grabbed a crucial catch of Saud Shakeel.

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