Former South African cricketer and one of the best fielders of his era, Jonty Rhodes, has showered high praise on Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, describing his fielding skills as “next level”. Rhodes also extended his admiration for Suresh Raina, another celebrated Indian cricketer, highlighting his enthusiasm for the sport and his exceptional fielding abilities.
Rhodes, who has recently been named the brand ambassador for the Hero Pro Corporate League cricket tournament, spoke at length about the evolution of cricket in India and the significance of infrastructure in nurturing talent. “I am a big fan of Suresh Raina. I enjoyed his playing days a lot, but now he has retired,” Rhodes said, reflecting on Raina’s contribution to the game.
“In the past, India’s cricketing infrastructure wasn’t as developed to support the immense passion and love for the sport. Despite this, Suresh Raina was among those rare talents who would throw himself around the field with great vigor and professionalism,” he further added. Rhodes, known for his spectacular fielding during his career, acknowledged the advantages he had due to the quality infrastructure available in South Africa. “Unlike Raina, I had a very fortunate upbringing. I played football, hockey, and cricket on good grounds. So I was very fortunate,” Rhodes stated, emphasizing the importance of good facilities in the grooming of sports talents.
Turning his attention to Ravindra Jadeja, Rhodes didn’t hold back in his commendation. “I think Jadeja is at the next level. He doesn’t dive as much, but his speed and accuracy are incredible,” Rhodes said, comparing his throwing precision to the legendary Ricky Ponting. “He fields on the boundary, he fields inside the circle. Jadeja is a complete all-round fielder who brings a lot to the table with his versatility.”
According to Rhodes, Jadeja’s adeptness at direct hits and his agility make him a formidable presence on the field, capable of shifting the momentum of the game with his fielding alone. This high praise from Rhodes, a fielder who redefined athleticism in cricket, underscores the significant impact Jadeja has had on the sport.
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In the same discourse, Rhodes also commented on the recent appointment of Zaheer Khan as the mentor for the Lucknow Super Giants, a franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL). “Zaheer Khan will definitely bring calmness to the team. Having someone like Zak (Zaheer Khan) around will be of great help for the franchise,” Rhodes commented, highlighting the nuanced role Khan is expected to play.
Rhodes elaborated on the importance of Khan’s presence, especially in high-pressure situations that are synonymous with the IPL. “The team meetings, selection meetings, franchise discussions with owners – all of these require a calm and composed head, especially as the tournament has its ups and downs depending on the results,” Rhodes explained. He pointed out that maintaining support and consistency are key to navigating the tumultuous nature of the tournament.
Even though Rhodes acknowledged that the franchise had previously enjoyed substantial support on and off the field, he emphasized the need for continuity. “Fortunately, we had that support earlier too, but we need to continue that,” he affirmed. With the team now being around for three years, Rhodes noted that there is an ever-growing pressure to perform and meet high expectations. “The team is no longer a brand-new franchise; it has been around for three years now. So, obviously, the pressure is there to perform. We need to achieve what we plan, which is to reach the playoffs. We haven’t reached the final yet,” Rhodes mentioned, setting a clear agenda for future ambitions.
Rhodes expressed optimism regarding Zaheer Khan’s impact, hoping that his calm demeanor, combined with his vast technical knowledge and bowling expertise, will provide a significant boost to the franchise. “With Zak and his calmness, I think it will be very important for the franchise. Also, with the technique and bowling experience that he carries, it will benefit the franchise immensely,” he concluded.
As Rhodes’s remarks reverberate across the cricketing community, the spotlight remains firmly on these legendary players, both past and present, who continue to shape and influence the game.
