Not Virat Kohli: Jonty Rhodes names this Indian cricketer as best fielder in modern-day cricket

Former South African cricketer and Pro Cricket League brand ambassador Jonty Rhodes recently picked the "best fielder" in modern-day cricket. Jonty Rhodes revealed that he admires the fielding skills of Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja, describing them as the two best Indian fielders in modern cricket.

Fielding standards in modern cricket have improved and become a vital aspect of team selection. Unlike in the past, fielding is no longer confined to a few players or teams but is now a vital aspect for all top sides. Strong fielding performance could change the outcome of matches across formats.

Jonty Rhodes is remembered as one of the greatest fielders in cricket history. The former cricketer has also mentored and guided younger players in fielding. Rhodes has been involved with several Indian Premier League (IPL) teams, including the Mumbai Indians and the Lucknow Super Giants.

Admired As A Fielder Are Suresh Raina And Ravindra Jadeja - Jonty Rhodes

Jonty Rhodes recently said that both Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja are the best Indian fielders in modern cricket. However, Rhodes named Jadeja as the best fielder over Raina.

"Two of the players whom I have always admired as a fielder are Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja. They two are the best Indian fielders but when I talk of modern cricket, the best fielder it is surely Ravindra Jadeja, whom you all fondly call sir Jadeja," Rhodes told reporters on the backdrop of the Pro Cricket League trophy and jersey unveiling event.

The 55-year-old explained his choice of Ravindra Jadeja as the best fielder. He highlighted Jadeja’s ability to field at any position on the ground. Rhodes added that the Indian cricketer can quickly reach the ball and throw it accurately.

"The reason why I consider him the best is because he can field at any position. You can place him at mid-wicket, long-on or at short cover. He is so quick on the feet that the batter fears when the ball goes to him. So more than catching or throwing the ball the things that matter in fielding is how quickly you reach to the ball. And that is where Jadeja is best," Jonty Rhodes added, as per IANS.

Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma announced their retirement from T20 internationals after India's T20 World Cup victory in Barbados in June. Jadeja will continue to play in ODI and Test matches. The spin-bowling all-rounder was rested during the ODI series against Sri Lanka.

Ravindra Jadeja will not be part of the 2024-25 Duleep Trophy first round. The BCCI has released Jadeja from the Team B squad without a replacement. He is expected to return for India's home Test series against Bangladesh in September.

The first Test will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, starting on September 19. India will take on Bangalore in the second Test at the Green Park in Kanpur, starting on September 27.

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