Rohit Sharma has paid an emotional tribute to T Dilip after the long-serving India's men's fielding coach was replaced by Subhadeep Ghosh, bringing the curtain down on a five-year association with the national team.

The former India captain took to Instagram Stories to hail Dilip's contribution to the side, writing: "You are a legend, Dilip garu. You created magic within the group and [you are] a behind the scenes workhorse. Best wishes ahead."

Dilip first joined India's support staff in 2021 and worked under two head coaches, Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gambhir. His initial stint ran until the end of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and he returned for a second spell during the Test tour of England in 2025 on a one-year contract. However, he was not retained after that deal expired, paving the way for Ghosh's appointment.

Dilip's time with the team coincided with one of the most successful periods in Indian cricket, with the side lifting the T20 World Cups in 2024 and 2026, as well as the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Perhaps his most recognised contribution was the introduction of the 'Best Fielder of the Match' medal during the 2023 ODI World Cup. The post-match ceremony quickly became a fan favourite thanks to the creative ways in which the winner was revealed, and it was designed to build a stronger fielding culture within the squad while encouraging players to take more risks and sharpen their athleticism in the field. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja were among the medal winners during the initiative's run.

Dilip bids farewell: 'A journey that has meant so much'

Following his departure, Dilip shared a heartfelt farewell message on Instagram, thanking the team and reflecting on his time with the squad.

"Five years. It is difficult to find the right words for a journey that has meant so much," he wrote. "When I first walked into this setup, I came in with one simple intention, to give everything I had every single day. Fielding has always been my way of contributing to the game I love, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have played a part in this team's journey."

He added that the fielding medal ceremony would remain among his most cherished memories: "The fielding medal will always hold a very special place in my heart. Seeing the excitement it created in the dressing room, the smiles it brought and the value the players attached to it are memories I'll carry with me forever."