Rohit Sharma shares picture with T Dilip [Source: X and AFP]Just a few days ago, the India cricket team's support staff was overhauled, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India deciding not to renew the contract of fielding coach T. Dilip ahead of the Sri Lanka tour. The development saw the long-time servant of the Indian cricket team exit the coaching setup after serving the team since November 2021. Dilip was succeeded by Subhadeep Ghosh, as per Gautam Gambhir's recommendation, and his exit, along with Ryan ten Doeschate, gained significant attention in the following days. Now, almost five days later, Rohit Sharma, the Indian cricketer, shared a special post on his Instagram story for T. Dilip, while penning heartfelt words for him. Rohit Sharma appreciates T Dilip’s work on InstagramTaking to his official Instagram account, Rohit, who is not often very active on social media, shared a picture of himself posing with T. Dilip on his Instagram story at around 5 PM IST on August 3, 2026. Rohit also wrote a few words for the outgoing fielding coach, who has been a backbone of the team over the last five years. Rohit wrote, "You are a legend, Dilip garu. You created magic within the group and were a behind-the-scenes workhorse. Best wishes ahead." Johns. @CricCrazyJohns A Special Instagram story by Rohit Sharma for T Dilip 😍❤️ Aug 3, 2026, 4:54 PM Rohit's farewell message for Dilip warmed hearts and has now stirred several questions over whether Dilip was made to leave due to irreconcilable differences between him and the apex team management.It is also important to note that Rohit and Dilip shared a very close bond, which further explains why Sharma posted the picture with Dilip while wishing the fielding coach well for his next innings.Also Read- BCCI Gives Final Verdict On Rohit Sharma’s ODI FutureHow Did T Dilip serve Team India?T. Dilip's tenure as India's fielding coach saw him work with the team across multiple global tournaments. He initially took over the role in November 2021 under head coach Rahul Dravid and was later retained by Gautam Gambhir for a brief period. Appointed in November 2021, he succeeded R. Sridhar, serving through major transitions in the team's leadership. He worked under both Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as captains of the national team and contributed to India's strong fielding performances during their runners-up finishes in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the World Test Championship, as well as their subsequent title triumphs in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. The Hyderabad-born coach, who holds a bachelor's degree in computer science and the highest BCCI Level 3 coaching certification, brought an analytical cross-sport approach to the team's development, having learned under Australian coach Mike Young at the Deccan Chargers, and revolutionized the way India trained in the field.Interestingly, T. Dilip also introduced the Best Fielder medal just months before the 2023 Cricket World Cup, which boosted dressing-room morale and encouraged players to strive for higher fitness standards on the field.What is the relationship between Rohit Sharma and T Dilip?Besides maintaining a strong professional relationship as coach and player, Rohit also shares a friendly bond with Dilip. Unknown to many, Rohit had, in fact, also requested the BCCI to extend Dilip's tenure during his captaincy. Apart from their association on the cricket field, Sharma has also met Dilip at several non-cricketing events, further highlighting the bond they share. Had it not been for Rohit, Dilip might have lost his contract under Gautam Gambhir as early as 2025. Now, as Dilip bids goodbye to the Indian cricket team, Rohit Sharma's emotional farewell only adds to the nostalgia surrounding the relationship the two share.Also Read- Abhishek Sharma Ignored As North Zone Name Surprise Captain For Duleep Trophy 2026
