Suresh Raina Is My Favourite Indian Fielder - Jonty Rhodes

Former South African batsman Jonty Rhodes has revealed his favorite Indian fielder. Rhodes, who is himself regarded as the best fielder to embrace the game believes Suresh Raina is one of the world’s best fielders. Raina is currently out of the Indian team and had last played for the national side in 2018 in a T20I match against England.

On the other hand, Jonty Rhodes also revealed the best fielders in the current time. Rhodes believes Ravindra Jadeja, Martin Guptill are one of the world’s best fielders with a Kiwi slightly ahead. Jadeja has a rocket arm and he is a livewire on the field. Similarly, Martin Guptill is quick on the field and takes everything which comes his way.

Read More: Dale Steyn Joins Melbourne Stars For Big Bash League 2019/20

Meanwhile, Suresh Raina is trying his best to make the cut into the national side. Raina had recently stated that he can end India’s number four woes as he has the experience under his belt. The southpaw batsman was shown the exit doors as he could not come up with consistent performances.

“Suresh Raina is my favorite fielder in the whole of India. In fact from the world perspective, he is one of the best fielders, he has been around for a while. He was left out of the team from the fitness point of view. Virat Kohli wasn’t happy and I think that has been interesting. As soon as the team got way more athletic, they have certainly improved their fielding because the guys are throwing themselves out”, Jonty Rhodes said in an interview with New Indian Express.

Meanwhile, Jonty Rhodes had recently thrown his hat in the ring to be India’s next fielding coach. However, he didn’t get the role as R Sridhar’s contract was extended. Rhodes also revealed that he would not only focus on fitness but also on agility if he is India’s fielding coach.

Read More: India vs South Africa 2019: 2nd Test, Pune – India’s Predicted Playing XI

“But for me, all the sports I played as a kid allowed me to field really well. So the areas I would be focusing on would be agility, not just fitness. That’s one thing. But fielding is not straight line running, it’s a natural movement. It’s not a linear effort”.

“And I think the Indian players, guys like Virat Kohli or KL Rahul, the guys who play football, are really good. Guys like Jadeja, they move really well”.

On the other hand, Rhodes believes India’s fielding has improved as the players are fitter. However, the former South African added that the Indian players need to work on their throwing. As the next T20 World Cup is in Australia which has bigger grounds, throwing from the deep is going to be crucial for all the teams.

“Throwing is a big part of T20. With two T20 World Cups coming up in the next two or three years, 2020 in Australia and 2021 in India, one aspect the Indian side can improve is the throwing”.

“A lot of guys are quick to the ball because of their improved fitness but they not really strong through the throw”.

“So that’s the area I would like to work upon. You can’t coach the X factor but sometimes a little bit rubs off. You want to inspire and empower the players in your team. It’s something I enjoy. I love coaching and I think I am a very positive person”.

India will play second Test match against South Africa from October 10 at Pune.