MSK Prasad Reveals Why Jonty Rhodes Didn't Make The Cut For Team India's Fielding Coach Post

Jonty Rhodes missed out on becoming team India’s fielding coach by a big margin as he didn’t even make the cut in the top three choices. R Sridhar, unsurprisingly, was top on the list and was followed by Abhay Sharma and T Dilip.

Rhodes was the strongest contender to give Sridhar a tough competition for the post and it was a big surprise to see him not even making it to the top three.

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India chief selector, MSK Prasad, revealed why Jonty didn’t make the cut. As per him, he didn’t fit in the roles India A and U-19 roles, that could be offered to the candidates on number 2 and 3 spots.

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“He (R Sridhar) is one of the best fielding coaches in the world today. He has transformed this team into a wonderful fielding unit. There were no second thoughts in regards to R Sridhar. In regards to second and third position, we don’t see Jonty fitting in there because those roles are for India A level and NCA,” MSK Prasad said.

Chairman of Selectors, MSK Prasad speaks about R Sridhar's contribution to #TeamIndia and why Jonty Rhodes didn't make the cut. pic.twitter.com/IuWH5FeHI2

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 22, 2019

Rhodes had applied for the job when the board had invited application. It is a well-known fact that Ravi Shastri wanted his staff to continue but the day Rhodes threw his hat in the ring, Sridhar had a tough competition against him. Rhodes is considered to be the best fielder of his time.

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The former South Africa batsman was associated with Mumbai Indians for nearly a decade and has long experience of working with Indian players as well.

Apart from R Sridhar, Bharat Arun, the incumbent bowling coach, was also the first choice of the panel for his role. Arun has done a remarkable job as the bowling coach and it was already confirmed that he would keep the position. Paras Mhambrey and Venkatesh Prasad were number 2 and 3 on the list.

In the batting department,  Sanjay Bangar is set to be replaced by Vikram Rathour. The former India opener is at the top of the list for the batting coach post. This means that he will replace Bangaar n the position.

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Nitin Patel was preferred choice for team’s physio post. He has been part of the backroom staff in past. Girish Dongre is also set to join the backroom staff as the administrative manager.