Suryakumar Yadav Clinches Best Fielder Medal In T20 World Cup 2024 Final

Suryakumar Yadav earned the Team India best fielder medal after their T20 World Cup 2024 final win over South Africa at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados on Saturday night (June 29).

He received the 'Best Fielder' award from BCCI secretary Jay Shah for his crucial catch that dismissed David Miller, a moment pivotal to India's victory.

The fielding coach, who initiated the Best Fielder award for extra motivation, announced the winner. He praised the team for fielding like a "pack of wolves," leaving no stone unturned.

"We talk of rising to the occasion in big games... We just didn't rise but we conquered today," said the Indian fielding coach. "The intensity, camaraderie, and resilience shown today and throughout the tournament were extraordinary."

"We fielded like a pack of wolves, as Rahul bhai and Rohit keep saying... Everybody knew their roles but together we hunted every opportunity which came our way leaving no stone unturned," Dilip added, revealing Shah would present the medal.

Suryakumar expressed gratitude by saying, "Thank you so much Dilip Sir for giving me this opportunity and collecting this medal from Jay sir," receiving cheers from his teammates.

Suryakumar's catch of David Miller showcased perfect judgement, composure, and athleticism. South Africa needed 16 runs from the final over when he made this crucial play.

Earlier, South Africa required 30 runs from as many balls. Hardik Pandya triggered a collapse by dismissing Henrich Klaasen for 52. They lost four wickets for 17 runs, ending at 169/8 while chasing 177.

Award Tradition Continues

Coach Dilip introduced an award - a medal - to honour the best fielder in each match during last year's ODI World Cup and continued this tradition in T20 World Cup 2024.

The best fielder medal is awarded not only for splendid catches but also for run-outs, saving runs, or wicketkeeping excellence.

T20 World Cup 2024 - Team India Best Fielder Medal Winners

• India vs Ireland - Mohammed Siraj
• India vs Pakistan - Rishabh Pant
• India vs USA - Mohammed Siraj
• India vs Afghanistan - Ravindra Jadeja
• India vs Bangladesh - Suryakumar Yadav
• India vs Australia - Axar Patel
• India vs England - Rishabh Pant
• India vs South Africa - Suryakumar Yadav

The likes of Ravi Shastri, Sir Vivian Richards, Yuvraj Singh, Nuwan Kulasekara, and Dinesh Karthik have been among the guests to crown winners during the T20 World Cup. Recipients include Mohammed Siraj, Rishabh Pant, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel.

This tradition highlights not just individual brilliance but also teamwork and dedication on the field. It serves as an extra motivation for players to excel in all aspects of fielding.