Jonty Rhodes was the natural choice for the fielding coach to India after T Dilip’s contract ended in the wake of T20 World Cup 2024. However, his name was also advised by the head coach Gautam Gambhir who worked with Rhodes in Lucknow Super Giants. Still, BCCI preferred not to choose the foreigner for the post and re-elected to renew the contract of Dilip, which concluded all discussions over Rhodes.
In a recent podcast on the Aleena Dissects YouTube channel, Jonty Rhodes says he was joking that since he lives in Goa, he should have been considered an “Indian” for the role. Yeah! Can you believe it? They didn’t want an international coach, and I’m so local. I mean, mera naam Jonty Rhodes! I’m based in Goa. Maybe because I’m based in Goa. Maybe I need to be in a metro (city).”
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The BCCI decision notwithstanding, Rhodes had praise for T Dilip and former fielding coach R Sridhar, who had worked towards improving the fielding standards of India. He went on to add that the sense of emphasis on fitness by the captains was also important in the team’s ascendancy in their performances.
Jonty Rhodes reflects on BCCI not appointing foreign fielding coach.
“They didn’t want an international coach,and I’m so local.I mean,mera naam Jonty Rhodes!(I’m Jonty Rhodes) Come on.I’m based in Goa.Maybe because I’m based in Goa.Maybe I need to be in a metro city.” pic.twitter.com/Zzbtg7MD4G
— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) September 14, 2024
Considering the case of MS Dhoni, Jonty Rhodes noted how the batting icon leads the front while remaining fit. “He had a lot of senior guys when he was under Dhoni, and he just showed his physical ability—he still does at the end of his IPL career. Running between the wickets. amazing, and he’s 40. That’s incredible.”
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Jonty Rhodes also commended Virat Kohli’s leadership in the setting up of fitness standards within the team. “When Virat Kohli came in, that got incorporated into the selection process. If you can’t pass the fitness test, it doesn’t matter how great you are. Everyone got treated alike, and it made India a good fielding side,” he concluded.
Rhodia’s comments reflected his tremendous respect for the emerging fielding culture in India, even though he was not selected.
