Ever since Gautam Gambhir emerged as the prime candidate to succeed Rahul Dravid as the India head coach, there was an equal interest in what shape his coaching staff would take. Gambhir’s name was made official in July and post that, several high profile names were talked about who could potentially join him in the backroom staff.
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Jonty Rhodes, arguably the greatest fielder to have played the game, has had been involved in IPL with various teams in the capacity of their fielding coach. Gambhir has worked with him at Lucknow Super Giants and it was natural that the former India captain would be interested in bringing Rhodes alongside.
As per reports, Gambhir wanted Abhishek Nayar (batting coach), Morne Morkel (bowling coach) and Rhodes (fielding coach) to join his coaching staff. Barring Rhodes, Gambhir’s suggestions were accepted by the team management as they persisted with Dillip.
Rhodes himself was surprised at the snub. In an interview, he has, in a lighter vein, wonders why he isn’t considered a ‘local’ since he practically lives in India.
“Yeah, can you believe it?” Rhodes said on Aleena Dissects while responding to a query on his reaction on why BCCI didn’t agree to Gambhir’s request. “I mean, they didn’t want an international coach and I’m so local! They want a local fielding coach. Mera naam Jonty Rhodes (My name is Jonty Rhodes), come on!”
“Maybe because I am based in Goa. Maybe, I need to be in a Metro or something,” he quipped.
Rhodes also addressed the rumours that he was even in the running for the head coach’s role. “I heard that too. I got congratulations all throughout the day. It was even on official sports websites and on the social media,” he said.
Rhodes though keeps the R Sridhar (previous India fielding coach) and Dillip in high regards and credited them for raising the standards of the fitness.
“I’ve taken my hat off to the last two fielding coaches in the Indian setup,” he said.
“I think it comes from the captaincy. MS Dhoni certainly showed players. He had a lot of senior guys at the end of their era and he just showed through his physical ability how important (fitness is). Between the wickets he is amazing. He’s 40! and still runs like that between the wickets, it’s incredible. So, he certainly showed just through his example the importance of fitness, speed and strength.”
“Then when Virat Kohli took over the captaincy, it was part of the selection criteria if you don’t pass the the fitness standards sorry! No matter how good you are, what results you are producing. Everybody was treated equally. To be a good fielding team, you need to be a fit and mobile and energetic side,” he added.
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