Jonty Rhodes shocked at not being selected as India's fielding coach despite support from Gautam Gambhir: 'Unbelievable!'

Rhodes, considered one of the all-time great fielders in cricket, had previously collaborated with Gambhir during their time at Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Despite Gambhir's departure from LSG in 2023 to return to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the 2024 season, Rhodes continued in his role as LSG's fielding coach. Under Gambhir's leadership, KKR clinched their third IPL title that year, with Shreyas Iyer serving as the team's captain.

Given Rhodes' long association with Indian cricket and his extensive experience coaching in the IPL, it came as no surprise when his name was considered for India’s fielding coach position. Rhodes, who currently resides in Goa, was a strong contender. However, the BCCI ultimately decided to retain T Dilip, preferring to keep an Indian coach in the role. Dilip, the only holdover from the Dravid era, remains a key part of the new coaching setup under Gambhir.

Rhodes, however, has now broken silence on the entire process, confirming that Gambhir had indeed suggested his name for the role.

“Yeah! Can you believe it? I mean, they didn't want an international coach, and I'm so local. I mean, mera naam Jonty Rhodes! (I'm Jonty Rhodes) Come on. I'm based in Goa. Maybe because I'm based in Goa. Maybe I need to be in a metro (city),” the South African said during a podcast on Aleena Dissects YouTube channel.

The South African former batter, however, was all praise for the T Dilip and R Sridhar – the last two fielding coaches – and commended MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli for elevating the side's fitness standards.

“I've taken my hats off to the last two Indian fielding coaches. And it comes from captaincy. Under Dhoni… he had a lot of senior guys, and he just showed his physical ability, he still does at the end of his IPL career. Running between the wickets.... amazing, and he's 40. It's incredible. He certainly showed, just through his example, teh importance of fitness and strength,” said Rhodes.

“Then Virat Kohli took over, and it was a part of the selection criteria. If you don't pass the fitness standards, it doesn't matter how good you are. Everybody was treated equally, and it took India to becoming a good fielding team.”