India’s Champions Trophy 2025 victory over New Zealand was a testament to all-round excellence, and Ravindra Jadeja once again proved why he is regarded as one of the best fielders in world cricket. In the dressing room celebration after the final, Jadeja was awarded the Fielding Medal—a special recognition for the best fielder in the match, introduced by India’s fielding coach T. Dilip.
Fielding medal: A dressing room tradition
The Fielding Medal has been a popular tradition in the Indian team since the 2023 ODI World Cup, where it was introduced by coach T. Dilip to recognize outstanding fielding performances in each match. The medal is awarded internally in the dressing room, serving as a motivation for players to raise their fielding standards. Over time, it has become a source of pride among the team members, adding a unique touch to India’s post-match celebrations.
Jadeja shines in the final
In the Champions Trophy 2025 final, Jadeja once again showed his brilliance on the field, saving crucial runs, taking sharp catches, and applying pressure on the New Zealand batters with his quick reflexes. His exceptional anticipation and athleticism played a vital role in restricting New Zealand to 251, giving India the upper hand in the match.
During the medal presentation, T. Dilip emphasized the importance of every effort on the field, stating that no commitment was too small as each act of intensity and teamwork contributed to India’s ultimate goal. He highlighted the balance between aggression, attitude, and reflexes on one side and camaraderie, class, and brotherhood on the other.
Announcing Jadeja as the winner, Dilip praised his relentless energy, leadership qualities, and ability to set high fielding standards, making him a deserving recipient of the award. The team erupted in applause as Jadeja received the medal, celebrating his invaluable contribution to India’s Champions Trophy triumph.
As India continues to emphasize fielding as a key aspect of their game, the Fielding Medal has become a powerful symbol of excellence—one that motivates players to push their limits every time they step onto the field.
