Jonty Rhodes reveals why he was rejected for the position of India’s fielding coach. The South African legend was considered the best fielder in his playing days.
Advertisement
If there was ever a man that epitomised fielding, it was Jonty Rhodes. The South African can be credited for highlighting the importance of an aspect of the game that was not considered on par with batting and bowling. He is rightfully regarded as the greatest fielder of all time.
Also read: Aakash Chopra slams fan who compares India’s loss in Women’s T20 World Cup to 2017 Champions Trophy
However, when he applied for the position of India’s fielding coach last year, he failed to even make the cut for the interviews. Instead, the job went to R Sridhar with Abhay Sharma and T Dilip finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively.
The MSK Prasad led selection panel explained their decision of ignoring Rhodes in the list altogether by saying, “We don’t see Jonty (Rhodes) fitting in there (choice Nos 2 and 3) because those roles are more for India A level and NCA,”
Jonty Rhodes reveals why he was rejected for the position of India’s fielding coach
Jonty Rhodes however, has a different view than that of the then India selection panel. When asked by a fan on Social media what the reason for his rejection was, the 50-year old gave a rather humorous reply to the fan with a cheeky swipe at the Indian board saying, “They said “no thanks”.
They said “no thanks” https://t.co/cuyZWNB5hQ
— Jonty Rhodes (@JontyRhodes8) March 7, 2020
Rhodes made a name for himself in world cricket with his lighting fast reflexes. His catching, ground fielding and throwing were unparalleled during his days. His most defining moment was when he ran out a dangerous looking Inzamam-ul-Haq in the 1992 World Cup.
Rhodes ran in from backward point, gathered the ball and raced the retreating Inzamam to the wicket. Rhodes, with ball in hand, dived full length to break the stumps and effected the run out; an image that is still looked back with fondness by several fans regardless of the country or players they support.
India would have been served well by the legendary South African as their fielding coach. However, according to Rhodes himself, Sridhar was the better candidate of the two. After failing to land the job last year, he had a much more serious answer to the very same question.
“I am sure my interview was not as good as the one with the incumbent coach because he has been there for the last couple of years. Players have definitely worked with a plan. And you can see the progress as it just doesn’t happen. I am expecting that from an interview point of view – he kicked my butt,” Rhodes had said.
Click here for more cricket news
