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The Indian cricket team’s dressing room was abuzz with excitement on Sunday as they celebrated a resounding victory over Pakistan in the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match in Dubai. The win not only brought them closer to securing a semi-final spot but also marked a significant moment in the tournament. Amidst the celebrations, a special guest made an appearance to add to the joyous atmosphere: former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan. Known for his impressive performances in ICC tournaments, Dhawan was invited to present the Best Fielder award, a tradition upheld by the team to recognize outstanding fielding efforts.
Shikar Dhawan’s grand entrance in the dressing room
Dhawan, dressed in a cream-coloured blazer and white shirt, accessorized with a silver necklace, walked into the dressing room with the same confidence that defined his playing days. His presence was met with enthusiasm, particularly from Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja, who couldn’t help but laugh at Dhawan’s signature swagger. The former opener even performed his iconic thigh-five, a gesture that brought smiles to the faces of his former teammates. This reunion was especially meaningful, given Dhawan’s pivotal role in India‘s Champions Trophy victory in 2013.
Here’s the video:
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Dhawan announces the best fielder award
The ceremony, led by fielding coach T Dilip, highlighted the exceptional fielding display by the Indian team. Axar Patel emerged as the winner of the best fielder award, thanks to his impressive performance that included two crucial run-outs against Pakistan. Patel’s precision and speed on the field were instrumental in restricting Pakistan to 241 runs. He edged out strong contenders like Ravindra Jadeja and Shreyas Iyer to claim the medal.
Dhawan’s words of appreciation for the team’s effort were heartfelt, as he congratulated the entire team, particularly the bowling unit, for their disciplined performance. He praised Kohli for his unbeaten century, which was a testament to his experience and skill. Dhawan also acknowledged the consistency shown by Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, highlighting their contributions to the team’s success.
A formula one pit stop crew analogy
Fielding coach Dilip drew an interesting analogy when he compared the Indian fielding unit to a Formula One pit crew. He emphasized the importance of making quick decisions without hesitation, much like a pit crew executes precision manoeuvres in a split second. Dilip noted that India achieved five direct hits during the match, showcasing their fielding prowess.
“The way we cut the angles was excellent. The feedback from KL (wicketkeeper) was that the accuracy of the throws was amazing,” Dilip said in the video, highlighting the team’s fielding strategy.
This comparison underscores the level of coordination and precision required in fielding, where every second counts. The team’s ability to execute such strategies effectively was a key factor in their victory over Pakistan.
Dhawan’s legacy of excellence
Dhawan’s legacy in Indian cricket is marked by his exceptional performances in major tournaments. He is renowned for his impressive batting average in ICC World Cups and Champions Trophies, which stands at 65.15. This average is the highest among batters who have scored at least 1000 runs in these tournaments. Dhawan’s career was highlighted by his role in India’s 2013 Champions Trophy victory, where he was named the Player of the Tournament. His contributions to Indian cricket have been invaluable, and his presence in the dressing room served as a reminder of the team’s rich history and tradition of excellence.
With this win, India have significantly strengthened their chances of advancing to the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy. Their next match against New Zealand on March 2 will be crucial in securing a top spot in the group. The team’s morale is high, thanks to the dominant performance against Pakistan, which was capped off by Kohli’s 51st ODI century. Kohli’s unbeaten 100, supported by Gill’s 46 and Iyer’s 56, ensured that India chased down the target of 242 with ease, finishing the match with 45 balls to spare.
