South African cricket legend Jonty Rhodes has showered praise on Ravindra Jadeja, calling him a “complete all-rounder” and applauding Suresh Raina’s fielding prowess. Rhodes, renowned as one of the greatest fielders of all time, made these comments during an event where he was introduced as the brand ambassador for the Hero Pro Corporate League cricket tournament.
Jadeja’s Exceptional Fielding
Rhodes, who set a benchmark in fielding with his agility and sharp reflexes during his playing days, commended Ravindra Jadeja for his exceptional fielding skills. “I think Jadeja is at the next level,” said Rhodes. He noted that while Jadeja may not dive as frequently as some fielders, his speed to the ball and precision in throwing down the stumps are reminiscent of the great Ricky Ponting. “He fields on the boundary, he fields on the circle. He is a complete all-round fielder,” Rhodes added.
Jadeja’s reputation as one of the finest fielders in contemporary cricket is well-earned. His quick reflexes and accurate throws have made him a crucial asset for both the Indian national team and his IPL franchise, the Chennai Super Kings.
Raina’s Fielding Legacy
In addition to praising Jadeja, Rhodes expressed his admiration for Suresh Raina’s fielding abilities. Raina, known for his energetic and dynamic fielding, was a key figure for India during his international career. Rhodes reflected on the past, saying, “I am a big fan of Suresh Raina. I enjoyed his playing days, but now he has retired. In the past in India, the cricketing infrastructure wasn’t there to support the passion and love for cricket. Suresh Raina was someone who used to throw himself around the field.”
Rhodes emphasized the significance of fielding in cricket, stating that it is more about technique and body positioning than just having quick hands. “It’s actually all about the legs because if you use your legs and be there at the right time, you can get your hands in good position,” Rhodes explained. He believes that good fielding involves perfecting the technique rather than relying solely on natural ability.
Rhodes’ Enduring Passion
Despite being 55 years old, Rhodes continues to engage actively in cricket, notably through his role as a fielding coach for various IPL teams, including Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants. He remains enthusiastic about fielding, stating, “Flying is not the problem for me right now, the landing is the problem. When I am on the field I am not thinking about ‘should I dive or should I not’.”
Rhodes’ approach to fielding, which involves a fearless attitude and a commitment to practice, has been a significant factor in his success. He credits his father, who was also his coach, for instilling the philosophy that “perfect practice” is key to mastering any skill.
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