Jonty Rhodes is considered one of the most sensational fielders ever in cricket. His astonishing ability to affect fast reflexes on the ground enabled him to change the dimension of fielding as a whole. Over time, he has worked as a fielding coach in various franchises in the Indian Premier League.
As of now, he is attached to the Lucknow Super Giants. When Rhodes was asked to pick the best fielder in the world today, he did not hesitate and said that it is India’s Ravindra Jadeja. “Complete all-round. he is my number one choice,” Rhodes said.
His fielding has become the stuff of legend, and batsmen often make it a point to avoid his area on the field, knowing that singles or doubles might just get converted into run-outs. Just ask his victims about some of those stunning direct hits or marvellous catches. Rhodes then spoke about another Indian cricketer who set a high standard on the field – Suresh Raina. Rhodes named Raina as his “favourite” player when he was playing, purely for his fielding skills.
“I am a big fan of Suresh Raina. I loved watching him play, although he’s retired now,” Jonty Rhodes told The Telegraph. He said that back then, India was not the same in terms of cricket infrastructure, but Raina could be identified by his energy on the field. “Suresh Raina was someone who would throw himself around the field.”
This, Rhodes said, is privileged growing up, having been able to play football, hockey, and cricket on the best grounds. He drew a comparison with Raina’s journey and lauded Jadeja for making fielding an art. “Jadeja is at the next level. He does not dive as much because he is so quick to the ball. His throwing down the stumps are very Ricky Ponting-esque. Whether on the boundary or in the circle, Jadeja is a complete all-round fielder.”
The now 55-year-old Rhodes had a glittering 11-year career in cricket, taking 139 catches to become the first South African to achieve 100 catches in ODIs. A multifaceted athlete, he was even part of South Africa’s hockey team for the trip to the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.
