Team India's star middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer was awarded the "fielder of the match" medal in a unique ceremony by fielding coach T. Dilip on Sunday. Despite dropping three catches against New Zealand in their World Cup match, the Indian team displayed exceptional ground fielding skills. Notably, Shreyas Iyer's remarkable catch, when he dived to his right from square leg to dismiss Kiwi opener Devon Conway for a nine-ball duck, stood out.
Following this spectacular catch, Mohammed Siraj signalled to Dilip, suggesting that the award should be given to Iyer. In an inventive twist, Dilip orchestrated a special presentation. He asked everyone to leave the room, and the entire squad returned to the field. There, they witnessed a drone approaching with a photo frame of Iyer. The squad was amazed, and Ravindra Jadeja presented Iyer with the award, while Kuldeep Yadav ensured Iyer proudly displayed his photo frame.
Watch below Shreyas Iyer's viral video...
Dilip praised the team's resilience in bouncing back after New Zealand initially gained the upper hand in the first innings, which featured a few dropped catches and a substantial 159-run partnership between Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell.
"Dharamshala did pose us unique challenges. But I think apart from a few errors, I think most of the time we stood on the top of it and our ground fielding and attacking. The way we came back was outstanding. Very well done, guys," Dilip expressed in a video released by the BCCI.
Next, Team India are set to face the defending champions, England, in the 29th match of the ICC Men's World Cup 2023 in Lucknow on Sunday, October 29. The Indian team will be joined by their star all-rounder, Hardik Pandya who missed the match against New Zealand due to an ankle injury that he sustained during the India vs Bangladesh match.
India currently occupy the top position on the points table, with New Zealand in second place.