Jonty Rhodes poised to join Gautam Gambhir-led coaching staff as India's new fielding coach - Report

Amidst the glitz of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and Caribbean Islands, the Indian cricket team is reportedly keen on hiring the South African legend and fielding coach of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Jonty Rhodes, in their support staff.

According to RevSportz, Rhodes is in contention to become India's new fielding coach. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not approached the Proteas master, but sources revealed that Rhodes' name is being actively discussed for the role of the fielding coach.

Jonty Rhodes likely to bring expertise to Indian Team as Fielding Coach

Rhodes, known for his exceptional fielding skills and experience, would bring a wealth of knowledge to Team India’s support staff, having extensively worked with many teams in the world, if the rumors are true.

The reports also suggested that the BCCI is expected to announce the new head coach by the end of this month, with Gautam Gambhir emerging as the frontrunner to replace the outgoing Rahul Dravid as head coach of the Indian cricket team.

Gambhir has been known for his strategic acumen and leadership qualities, making him a strong candidate for the role. Well, Rhodes' possible inclusion as the fielding coach would enhance the fielding standards of the team, and his previous coaching stints and reputation as one of the finest fielders in history make him a perfect candidate for the job.

Notably, Rhodes had previously applied for the position of the Indian team’s fielding coach in 2019 but did not get the opportunity, as R. Sridhar was reappointed and then head coach Ravi Shastri wanted to retain his coaching staff.

Usually, Indian coaches prefer to select their support by their own choice, and in Dravid’s case, he also brought in Paras Mhambrey and T Dilip along with him when he was named India head coach in 2021. Rahul, Mhambrey and Dilip all worked together for India A for three years.

Jonty Rhodes and Gautam Gambhir in line for top coaching positions

So, if Gambhir gets the high-profile job, then there are high chances of Rhodes joining Team India’s coaching staff, as the duo worked together for two seasons in the IPL for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). However, Gambhir left the LSG for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), guiding them to an IPL 2024 win.

Apart from LSG, the South African legend also worked as a Mumbai Indians (MI) fielding coach for nine years. He also served as the fielding and batting coach for the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL.

Presently, Rhodes is the fielding coach of Durban's Super Giants (DSG) in the SA20, South Africa’s T20 franchise league, as well as the consultant fielding coach of the Sri Lanka cricket team.

When Rhodes applied for India’s fielding coach’s job in 2019, he said, as reported by RevSportz, “Yes, I have applied for the position of India’s new fielding coach. My wife and I love the country, and it has already given us so much. We have two children born in India.”