Jonty Rhodes set to be on board with the MCA as fielding consultant

Former South African player, Jonty Rhodes is set to become the fielding consultant for the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA). This is an addition to Rhodes’ existing ties with India and Mumbai in particular. Currently, he’s the fielding coach for the Mumbai Indians franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The MCA is set to hire Rhodes who has been by far one of the greatest fielders the sport has had as their fielding consultant. If appointed, his presence will be a boost for Mumbai’s cricketers, especially the youngsters. Since 2010, when he joined MI, the 47-year-old has made Mumbai his home and both his children were born here.

Jonty Rhodes keen to take up the position

“We’ve been in talks with him for a while now, and since he’s keen to accept our offer, the process of his appointment is in the final stages now. We want him to spend around 80-100 days at our academy at Bandra Kulra Complex (BKC). He’ll help out our cricketers from all the age groups – from the under-12 to the Ranji Trophy level,” a MCA official was quoted as saying by TOI.

The Association is also keen to include former Indian pacers Zaheer Khan and Ajit Agarkar along with other former Mumbai cricketers in the coaching staff, to help out the pacers across all age groups.

“We want to employ their services for short-duration pace-bowling camps, and we’re sure both will be keen to help out,” said an official. Further, the Cricket Improvement Committee (CIC) has recommended the names of Dinesh Nanavati (batting & wicketkeeping), Ramesh Powar (spin bowling) Onkar Salvi (pace bowling) and Amit Dani and Wilkin Mota(fielding) as coaches for the MCA academy at the BKC.

MCA to launch new zonal academy

In order to harness and groom young talent from remote areas of the city, the MCA has initiated the process of launching six ‘zonal’ academies, on the lines of the BCCI‘s structure. “We’ve identified a nice ground in Belapur for one of those academies,” said an official.

Apart from Belapur, the other centres will be in Virar, Kandivali, south Mumbai, Shivaji Park (in Dadar) and Thane.