IND vs SL, ICC World Cup 2023: Indian Legend Announces Best Fielder Medal Winner - Watch

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India great Sachin Tendulkar announced the best fielder medal winner after the Men in Blue crushed Sri Lanka by 302 runs in match 33 of the ICC World Cup 2023 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday (November 2).

The introduction of these medals by fielding coach T Dilip has got the team pumped up as every player is keen to win the award with spectacular effort on the field. And the fielding coach has been getting creative with his ceremony in the dressing room.

Last time, the announcement was made with the use of the stadium light show as the winner - KL Rahul's name was lit up in the ground after the victory over England. Earlier, a drone came towards the team with a photo frame of winner as the prize was announced.

On that occasion, Ravindra Jadeja handed over the medal to Shreyas Iyer while Kuldeep Yadav made sure that the batter wore the photo frame. This time the fielding coach brought in legendary Tendulkar to reveal the winner, which was once again Iyer, via a video message.

Dilip first gave a small speech himself, appreciating the efforts of the team on the field before he said the winner of the best fielder medal of IND vs SL, ICC World Cup 2023 match will be announced by a legend, which turned out to be Tendulkar.

"I think before I start anything, I would like to thank everyone because I could see everybody are enjoying and waiting for this. I'll make it as good as it can be," Dilip said in the video posted by BCCI.

"Guys, I think it was a shock, but the way you guys performed on the field was nothing short of extraordinary. Fantastic, well done!" added Dilip.

"One Special mention to the guys today in the hot sun, people who batted there, when they came back on the field, they made sure that they maintained that intensity. Hats off to everyone."

The fielding coach further added praise to Rahul, saying: "I think one of our GPS navigator types, working along with captain, he makes sure that he has the right fielders at right place. But also he was tested both sides laterally, taking one side on the right and one side on the left. Outstanding. KL Rahul."

Then Dilip got to the business end of the ceremony and stated: "We all know that our best fielder in waiting to take those brilliant catches. I'll tell you, my instint (was) that he (Jadeja) would take that catch today. Well done."

"I think last but not the least, I think I would call him a silent sniper. He is not the loudest on the field, but when it comes to throwing, when it comes to catching, he is just out there the best.

"To add to our special touch tonight, I think the best fielder award will be declared by a legend who's a perfect example for cricket excellency. I would like everyone to please come forward and have this. They deserve it," Dilip said as the video speech from Tendulkar was played on the dressing room TV.

In the speech, Tendulkar recalled his memories from the 2003 World Cup and revealed skipper Rohit Sharma had a chat with him about this fielding medal before he announced Shreyas as the winner.

"Hi guys. Very well done. Rohit met me the other day and spoke to me about the best fielding medal. And it took me back to 2003 World Cup, 20 years ago when we were playing in South Africa," Tendulkar said.

"We had one chart before the tournament started. 'I can, we can'. Each and every player had to sign that chart before going out on the field. It was all about commitment. And I will give my 100 percent for the country and for the team.

"And that is exactly what the current team is doing by giving fielding medal. It is to me a reflection of your commitment, doing something for your colleague, for your team and for the country.

"I simply loved the brand of cricket that you've played so far. It's been a joy to watch. Awesome guys continue this form. I am not going to say too much. Go out and do what you're expected to do. You know what I'm trying to say. All the best."

Fielding coach Dilip then thanked Tendulkar for appreciating the medal and revealed the winner of the day through the legend as Iyer, who received the medal from teammate Rahul. Iyer was given the medal for his catch to dismiss Sadeera Samarawickrama.