'Mera naam Jonty Rhodes, I’m based in Goa' - Jonty Rhodes reflects on BCCI not appointing foreign fielding coach

Jonty Rhodes was reportedly the favourite to take up the India fielding coach role after T Dilip’s contract ended following the T20 World Cup 2024. Current head coach Gautam Gambhir suggested Jonty’s name, someone he has worked with in Lucknow Super Giants but BCCI officials didn’t consider appointing a foreign fielding coach.

Instead, Dilip’s contract was renewed and the discussions regarding Jonty ended. Meanwhile, the former South Africa international recently opened up on the entire process and hilariously stated that he resides in Goa and should have been considered as an Indian. He called himself a local and added that maybe he should move to a metro city to be considered in the future.

“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 said during a podcast on Aleena Dissects YouTube channel.

I've taken my hats off to the last two Indian fielding coaches: Rhodes

Rhodes lauded T Dilip and R Sridhar for their commendable job as India’s fielding coaches. He noted that the captains also played a part in improving the standard of fitness in the Indian team. Citing the example of MS Dhoni, the 55-year-old explained that the keeper-batter is still very quick and led the fitness revolution in the national team by example.

“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.