Virat Kohli’s Unmatched Intensity: A Legacy That Elevates Teams, Says Former Fielding Coach T Dilip
Former India fielding coach T Dilip has shed light on the enduring quality that distinguishes Virat Kohli on the cricket field, even at this advanced stage of his illustrious career. Dilip attributes Kohli’s unique impact to his unwavering intensity, a trait he describes as “non-negotiable” and one that consistently motivates those around him to elevate their own game.
Reflecting on his impactful five-year tenure with the Indian team, Dilip emphasized how Kohli’s consistent approach, showing little distinction between training and match scenarios, directly influenced his teammates’ performance and mindset.
‘The intensity is always contagious’
“When it comes to Virat Kohli, intensity is non-negotiable,” Dilip stated in a video shared by Star Sports. “You have seen in power play how he is at your batsman at covers or short mid wicket with his reflexes, with his dives, with his stops. Even in the last series he was putting those dives and sharp at you all the time.”
However, what truly captivated Dilip was that Kohli’s profound intensity wasn’t confined to moments when the ball was directly headed his way.
“But what impressed me most is not the actions what he does when the ball is at him but also when the ball is not at him. You will see him running towards the non-striker and to take that throw and throwing back to the wicket keeper,” Dilip elaborated, highlighting Kohli’s relentless involvement in every facet of the game.
Dilip further underscored Kohli’s dedication by noting his willingness to assume demanding fielding positions, even in the crucial late overs of an innings. “Even at this juncture of his career, even today he goes to long on to long on in last overs and he is the first one to run out. And that’s a fabulous thing to do as a team,” he remarked, praising Kohli’s leadership by example.
According to Dilip, Kohli’s most significant contribution extends beyond his individual brilliance; it lies in the ripple effect his unwavering approach has on the entire squad. “The intensity is always contagious when he is around. With Virat Kohli one thing you always see is there is not much difference between him in a practice session or a match.”
He added, “And that’s very, very important because it’s just not Virat Kohli who’s fielding. There are five other players who are fielding with him who have stretched their limits when they are doing with Virat Kohli. That is the influence he has on the group actually.”
‘Barbados 2024 ’ remains Dilip’s most cherished memory
Dilip, who concluded his memorable five-year tenure as India’s fielding coach earlier this month, pinpointed India’s triumph at the 2024 T20 World Cup in Barbados as his most cherished moment with the team.
“If I have to go back to my best moment, I think Barbados 2024. The silence for few seconds before it broke. I think in that silence I could sense the amount of hard work the boys have put in that four years. And I’ll always keep that frame in my mind,” he shared emotionally.
Dilip also expressed pride in the transformative impact of the fielding medal ceremony, an initiative introduced during the 2023 ODI World Cup. This ceremony, designed to recognize comprehensive contributions rather than just spectacular catches, fundamentally altered the team’s attitude towards fielding.
“What I thought was to recognize the impact overall as a fielder than just a spectacular catch. But what it brought in is then all the 11 players on the field that we may not be in the hot spot, but a little contribution would get me that award,” Dilip explained.
“Players started to notice small things they act on the field. They celebrated when their other teammates did. Because end of the day, fielding medal is a team award and players embraced it. Fans actually supported it. But I think overall, fielding did get the recognition what it deserved the most.”
Dilip’s coaching stint coincided with one of India’s most successful cricketing periods. Under his watch, the team secured the T20 World Cup in 2024 and 2026, and the Champions Trophy in 2025. He also celebrated India’s Asia Cup victories in 2023 and 2025, while the team reached the finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup and the World Test Championship.
Having joined the national setup in November 2021, Dilip’s contract was not renewed following India’s T20I tour of Zimbabwe, with Subhadeep Ghosh stepping in as his successor for the fielding coach role.
