While all the focus is on the retention scenarios for the IPL franchises for the auction and MS Dhoni returning as the skipper of Chennai Super Kings, another significant news has come from the camp of Mumbai Indians. The long association of the defending champions and the fielding coach Jonty Rhodes has come to an end.
Rhodes, who had joined the franchise in 2009, has decided to step down to focus more on his personal business ventures. Known as the best fielder to have ever graced the game of cricket, said that it was a remarkable journey with the team and he will be an MI fan forever.
“It has been a remarkable journey with Mumbai Indians, one that I will cherish all my life,” said Jonty as quoted by Cricbuzz. “Over the last nine years, Mumbai Indians has set sporting benchmarks both on and off the field, and personally, it’s been quite a remarkable journey for me to work with fantastic set of individuals like Sachin, Rohit, Anil, Ricky, Mahela and all the support staff and players over the years.
“The team’s focus on young talent and persisting with them is something I believed in and it was heartening to see the players buying into my methods. Finally, all the success wouldn’t have been possible if it hadn’t been for the Paltan’s support – the greatest fans ever! Like them, I will be an MI fan forever.”
James Pamment replaces Jonty Rhodes
Mumbai Indians have roped in James Pamment as the replacement for Jonty Rhodes. Pamment had been with New Zealand team Northern Districts as their head coach. Akash Ambani, the owner of MI, thanked Rhodes for his contribution and also welcomed Pamment in the team’s setup.
“Jonty has been a pillar of strength and energy in Mumbai Indians. His contribution cannot be valued in words. We respect his decision and wish him the best for the future. Jonty will always be a part of Mumbai Indians family for life.
“We are happy to introduce James Pamment to the MI Paltan (MI Fan Army). James is an experienced coach at the international level having worked with New Zealand Cricket as fielding specialist and development. What impressed us was the way James had coached Northern Districts in Champions League T20 in 2014, and to be honest, his sides’ fielding unit was one of the best Mumbai Indians had ever faced,” Akash Ambani said.Pamment was delighted with his appointment and said, “It’s an honour for me to join the ranks of Mumbai Indians. It will be a great challenge and at the same time, a privilege to fulfill the duties of a role that was held by someone like Jonty. He has instilled a brilliant work culture among the players, on and off the field, and the results are out there for everyone to see. Mumbai Indians’ is a champion outfit and I am grateful to the team’s ownership on giving me this opportunity.”
