Jonty Rhodes hails India's Ravindra Jadeja as 'complete all-round' fielder
South African cricket icon, Jonty Rhodes, has praised Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja as a "complete all-round" fielder. He also expressed admiration for Suresh Raina's fielding skills. The 55-year-old Rhodes, who is renowned as one of the greatest fielders in cricket's history and the first South African to reach 100 ODI catches, played for the Proteas from 1992 to 2003. Since retiring, he has worked with various Indian Premier League teams, including Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants.
Rhodes lauds Raina's commitment, Jadeja's fielding prowess
Rhodes praised former Team India star Raina while serving as the brand ambassador for the Hero Pro Corporate League cricket tournament. He described Raina as a player who used to "throw himself around the field." Despite acknowledging his privileged upbringing and access to good sports facilities, Rhodes highlighted that Jadeja is on another level due to his speed and accuracy in throwing down stumps.
Rhodes shares insights on fielding, praises Jadeja's versatility
Rhodes emphasized that good fielding is not about the hands but the legs. He stated that quick body positions and technique are crucial for successful fielding. He also praised Jadeja's versatility in the field at any position on the ground, stating "You can place him at mid-wicket, long-on or at short cover." According to Rhodes, this adaptability makes Jadeja one of the best modern-day cricketers.
Jadeja's future cricket plans and upcoming matches
Jadeja, along with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, has retired from T20 internationals but will continue playing in ODIs and Tests. He is expected to rejoin the Indian team for the Bangladesh Test series in September. However, the BCCI released Jadeja from the Team B squad for the preliminary round of the 2024 Duleep Trophy without naming a replacement. India and Bangladesh will face off in the first Test on September 19 at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Jadeja and Raina's stellar fielding numbers (catches)
Jadeja has featured in 72 Tests and has taken 42 catches. He has featured in 197 ODI matches and has taken 74 catches in total. In T20Is, he played 74 matches and claimed a total of 28 catches. The all-rounder stands third in the most catches by a substitute fielder in an innings with two catches. Raina has featured in 18 Tests, claiming 23 catches. He featured in 226 ODIs, claiming 102 catches. He took 42 catches in T20Is.
