Jonty Rhodes responds with gusto after being overlooked for the position of Team India coach

Jonty Rhodeswidely regarded as one of the greatest players in cricket history, he redefined the art of playing with athleticism, speed, and quick wit. His performances on the field, especially during the 1992 Cricket World Cup, showed his ability to change matches with his sharp catches, pin throws, and acrobatic outings. Rhodes’ run changed modern cricket, increasing the importance of this aspect of the game and inspiring future generations to focus on training and coaching. His legacy as a pioneer of elite fielding remains unmatched today.

Jonty Rhodes reacts after missing out on the role of India coach

Despite his playing prowess, Rhodes was recently overlooked for the role of India coach by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). There were rumors that Rhodes would take over T Dilipespecially after Gautam Gambhir took over as head coach. However, the BCCI decided to retain Dilip following India’s strong performance on the field during the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup. Dilip was the only member of the coaching staff retained after that Rahul Dravid‘s contract is over.

In simple terms, Rhodes expressed his surprise during a recent interview Aleena is taking YouTube apart channel (via India Today).

“Yes! Can you believe it? I mean they didn’t want a foreign coach, I’m from home. I mean, mera naam Jonty Rhodes! (I’m Jonty Rhodes). Come on. I am based in Goa. Maybe because I am based in Goa. Maybe I need to be in the metro (city),” he laughed.

New coaches under Gautam Gambhir

Alongside Gambhir and Dilip, India’s newly formed coaching staff includes associate coaches Ryan Ten Talksand again Abhishek Nayarand a bowling coach Morne Morkel. Morkel will start his role in the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.

UPDATE: South African star Jonty Rhodes names world’s ‘perfect’ striker

Rhodes credits MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli for India’s fitness revolution

Apart from being part of the Indian coaching system, Rhodes appreciated the great contribution of the former Indian captains. MS Dhoni again Virat Kohli in revolutionizing the Indian approach to fitness and the field. He praised the two captains for setting new standards of fitness.

“I have taken off my hats to the last two Indian coaches. And it comes from the captain. Under Dhoni, he had a lot of top guys, and he just showed his physical ability, still going on at the end of his IPL career. Running between the wickets… it’s amazing, and he’s 40. It’s surprising. He certainly showed, just by his example, the importance of strength and power,” Rhodes said.

He also praised Kohli for raising the bar: “Then Virat Kohli came in, and that was part of the selection process. If you don’t pass the fitness standards, it doesn’t matter how fit you are. Everyone was treated equally, and it took India to be a good team.”

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