• Sportzyverse
• Cricket news
• 06/17/2024
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Legendary South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes, renowned as one of the best fielders in cricket history, is reportedly in contention to join the Indian team as its fielding coach. This move is expected to align with the new coaching staff set to be headed by Gautam Gambhir following Rahul Dravid’s tenure.

Transition in Indian Coaching Staff

Rahul Dravid’s term as the head coach of the Indian cricket team will conclude after the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. Gautam Gambhir has emerged as the first choice of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to succeed Dravid. The head coach typically selects their assistants, shaping the support staff to fit their strategic vision.

Previously, under Ravi Shastri, R Sridhar served as the fielding coach, and B Arun was the bowling coach, with Sanjay Bangar and Vikram Rathour handling batting coaching duties. When Dravid took over, Rathour retained his role, while T Dilip became the fielding coach, and Paras Mhambrey was appointed as the bowling coach.

According to a report by RevSportz, Jonty Rhodes is being considered for the fielding coach position in India’s new coaching setup. Although no formal approach has been made to Rhodes yet, his name is actively being discussed. Rhodes previously applied for the role of India’s fielding coach in 2019 but was not shortlisted.

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The collaboration between Jonty Rhodes and Gautam Gambhir is not new. They worked together for two years in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Lucknow Super Giants. This past experience could be a significant factor in Rhodes’ potential appointment. The report also mentions that BCCI officials have initiated conversations with Gambhir regarding Rhodes joining the Indian coaching staff.

BCCI’s Coaching Staff Policy

Since Ravi Shastri’s tenure, the BCCI has favoured an all-Indian coaching staff, a trend that continued with Rahul Dravid. However, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has indicated that this policy might change. “If the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) selects a foreign coach, I can’t interfere,” Shah stated, suggesting a potential shift in approach towards incorporating international expertise.

As Rahul Dravid approaches the end of his coaching tenure, his focus is on securing a title for Team India. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, the Indian team is preparing for the Super 8s in the T20 World Cup 2024, aiming to clinch an ICC title. Dravid’s departure will mark the end of an era and pave the way for new leadership and fresh strategies under Gambhir.

Also read Gautam Gambhir set to Replace Rahul Dravid as BCCI accepts his “Demands”

The potential appointment of Jonty Rhodes as India’s fielding coach under Gautam Gambhir’s leadership signifies a new chapter in Indian cricket. With Rhodes’ extensive experience and exceptional skills, his inclusion could significantly boost the team’s fielding standards. As the Indian cricket team transitions into this new phase, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how these changes impact their performance on the global stage.