THIS South African legend applies for India's Fielding coach

Jonty Rhodes, who is rated as one of the greatest fielders of all time one, has applied to become India's next fielding coach. Rhodes confirmed the news on Wednesday that he has indeed thrown his hat in the ring. Over the years, Indian fielding standards have gone up but Jonty Rhodes is keen to help the side improve their catching especially on overseas tours.

An outstanding fielder, Rhodes was innovative with the bat and deployed the reverse sweep at a time when most batsmen still stuck to conventional stroke-making.

Speaking to India Today, Rhodes said he wants India's fielding to complement the batting and bowling depths: "I have great respect for what they have achieved over the past three years. But I don't want them to just be the team with the lowest drop-catch percentage, also the team who takes the most half-chances."

R Sridhar, sources suggest, could be nearing the end of his tenure as India's fielding coach after 5 years. In the 2019 Cricket World Cup, Ravindra Jadeja was the only outstanding Indian fielder on display. Vijay Shankar is another major asset but then he was ruled out of the tournament with an injury.

Meawhile, Jonty Rhodes was one of the most popular cricketers in the world back in the 1990s. He is best remembered for his sensational run out of Inzamam ul Haq in the 1992 World Cup - his sterling effort earned him the moniker of "Flying Jonty"

After retirement, Jonty has been around for a while. He spent 9 years with the IPL franchise Mumbai Indians and has also been the commentator for the official broadcaster. Jonty is looking keen for this role and would look to grab this opportunity with both hands and share his pivotal experience with skilled Indian players. 

HIGHLIGHTS

• India will play a full bilateral series against West Indies. 
• Ravi Shastri and Co has been given a 45-day extention. 
• Jonty Rhodes has applied for fielding coach and is likely to be favourite.