Jonty Rhodes Strongest Contender Indian Coach: Indian cricket is going through an overhaul after the World Cup disappointment and the recruitment process for the top coaching positions such as the head coach, batting coach, bowling coach, fielding coach, physiotherapist, strength and conditioning coach as well as an administrative manager are vacant. The deadline for sending in applications is July 30. Recently a number of cricketers fitting the eligibility criteria have applied for the vacant posts.
Former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes, the synonym of acrobatic fielding during his days, has also applied for the post of the fielding coach.
The legend played 52 test matches and 245 ODI’s for South Africa between 1992-2003 and scored 8000+ international runs in his career. However, he rose to fame for his athletic, leopard-like fielding at the point, and gully areas. Taking single when Jonty was around, was a nightmare for every batsman.
Looking at his experience, he has worked as a fielding coach for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, and also has a good experience coaching the Kenya National team. He, thus, fits the bill for the role.
The last team staff tenure ended after the India exit from the World cup 2019. R. Sridhar is India’s current fielding coach, and deserves all the credit for making Indian cricketers look like Greek Gods. He is also a strong contender to retain his position given India’s strong fielding performances and presence in the recent years.
Sridhar played a pivotal role in developing the method to judge player performance on ball by ball b
asis. He, along with the other coaching staff, has been given a 45-days extension and will be with the team for the West Indies tour.
India have emerged among the best fielding units in the world, standing tall with the names like Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.
Now who gets the nod between Sridhar and Rhodes will be something to be keenly watched in the near future.
