Jonty Rhodes reacts to not being appointed India fielding coach

Jonty Rhodes was widely regarded as a leading candidate for the role of India’s fielding coach following the end of T Dilip’s contract after the T20 World Cup 2024. Gautam Gambhir, the current head coach, had recommended Rhodes for the position, drawing on their successful collaboration with the Lucknow Super Giants. Despite this endorsement, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided not to appoint a foreign fielding coach. Ultimately, the BCCI chose to renew T Dilip’s contract, and discussions regarding Jonty Rhodes’ potential appointment were discontinued. Rhodes, the former South African international renowned for his exceptional fielding skills, recently shared his perspective on the situation. In a light-hearted manner, he joked about his residence in Goa, suggesting that his local status might have influenced the decision. Rhodes humorously remarked that perhaps he should relocate to a metro city if he hopes to be considered for future roles.

Rhodes’ comments highlight the sometimes unpredictable nature of coaching appointments and the factors that influence such decisions. Despite his disappointment, Rhodes' candid and amusing take on the situation reflects his continued passion for the game and his willingness to be part of the cricketing world, even if indirectly.

“Yeah! Can you believe it? I mean, 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),” Jonty Rhodes said during a podcast on Aleena Dissects YouTube channel.

Jonty Rhodes praised T Dilip and R Sridhar for their outstanding work as India’s fielding coaches, acknowledging their significant contributions to enhancing the team’s fielding standards. Rhodes highlighted their dedication and the positive impact they had on the team's overall performance. He also emphasized that the improvement in fitness levels within the Indian team was not solely due to the coaching staff but was also influenced by the captains.

Rhodes specifically cited MS Dhoni as a prime example of how leadership can drive a fitness revolution. At 55 years old, Rhodes admired how Dhoni, despite being retired, remains remarkably agile and continues to set a high standard for fitness and performance. Dhoni's commitment to physical conditioning and his ability to lead by example were crucial in inspiring and elevating the fitness levels of the entire team. His legacy, Rhodes noted, extends beyond his captaincy, having a lasting impact on how the Indian team approaches fitness and fielding. Rhodes' reflections underscore the importance of both coaching and leadership in shaping a team's performance. The combined efforts of the fielding coaches and the exemplary leadership of players like Dhoni have contributed to the overall enhancement of the Indian team's fitness and fielding capabilities.

“I've taken my hats off to the last two Indian fielding coaches. And it comes from captaincy. Under Dhoni… he had a lot of senior guys, 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. It's incredible. He certainly showed, just through his example, the importance of fitness and strength,” said Rhodes.

“Then Virat Kohli took over, and it was a part of the selection criteria. If you don't pass the fitness standards, it doesn't matter how good you are. Everybody was treated equally, and it took India to becoming a good fielding team,” he added.