Former cricketer VVS Laxman wanted to ensure the young team had a taste of the same traditions that have originally been associated with Indian cricket. The team showed excellent fighting spirit and made an amazing recovery from that shattering defeat at the hands of Zimbabwe in the first T20I to win the series 4-1. Though it is a win that reflects their class, one would say that it gives a glimpse of the future. That process started under the mentorship of Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Suryakumar Yadav in different ways.
VVS Laxman’s Gesture Ends
The famous dressing room tradition brought in by VVS Laxman and passed on was just a staple of how Indian cricket is entering different phases. While the coaching staff also changes, the one led by Gautam Gambhir as the head coach will be different as well. VVS Laxman wanted to ensure the young team had a taste of the same traditions and camaraderie that have traditionally been associated with Indian cricket.
What added to the sweetness of the win in this series was the surprise video call from T Dilip, one of the outgoing coaches in the Rahul Dravid era. It reminded everybody that tradition and continuity are deeply integral parts of cricket.
In his call, he pointed out the importance of fielding in cricket. He talked about how Indian cricket set a high benchmark for the same and urged budding players to follow it with integrity. Now, according to Dilip, fielding was one such area of the game where the Indian players did well regularly.
The coach also introduced the fielding medal tradition to the new team. The award serves a player who makes huge differences with his fielding. Again, this is something inspirational in kind, and so the tradition was initiated by Dilip saying that Subhadeep Ghosh would be the one to take it.
Rinku Singh turned out to be the fielding medal winner. Though he did not take any catches or affect any run-outs in the final T20I, his performance throughout the series proved to be great. With six catches across the second, third, and fourth T20Is, Rinku certainly earned the medal.
Subhadeep Ghosh’s Praise
For the brilliant effort Rinku Singh had put in on the field, coach Subhadeep Ghosh was all praise.
He said:
In cricket, catching is a very important thing. The taking of catches controls and dominates the game.
In his praise for consistency in performance and commitment towards the field, he appreciated Rinku. The player was very happy with the medal he got and further said that, compared to batting, he liked fielding. With his smiling face and words, Rinku expressed his relish for fielding and how much he is dedicated to it. He feels honored that he was recognized for it.
This win in Zimbabwe is only the beginning which was led by temporary coach VVS Laxman. The series against Sri Lanka is slated to pop up immediately after this, and more such opportunities are yet to befall this team of young faces. With a new coaching staff, then fresh ideas and strategies would find their way toward the success of the team under the new guidance of Gautam Gambhir.
Now begins the most exciting phase of Indian cricket, one that balances tradition and innovation. The young generation is ready to take on fresh challenges and do well under the able guidance of experienced players and coaches. Their team unity that led to the series win against Zimbabwe should be carried into the dressing room.
