‘Maybe Because I Am Based in Goa’: South Africa Legend Surprised He Was Snubbed For India Coaching Role

South African cricket legend Jonty Rhodes recently expressed his surprise at not being considered for the role of India’s fielding coach. Despite his impressive resume and backing from former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir, Rhodes was overlooked for the position.

Jonty Rhodes: A Fielding Legend

Jonty Rhodes is widely regarded as one of the best fielders in cricket history. His agility, speed, and anticipation on the field set him apart from his contemporaries during his playing days. After retiring from international cricket, Rhodes has been involved in various coaching roles, including a stint as the fielding coach of the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The India Coaching Role Snub

In a recent interview, Rhodes expressed his surprise at not being considered for the role of India’s fielding coach. He humorously suggested that his current residence in Goa, India, might have been a factor in the decision. Rhodes stated, “Maybe because I am based in Goa, they didn’t want an international coach.”

The South African legend’s comments come after Gautam Gambhir, a former Indian cricketer and currently a member of the Lok Sabha, publicly endorsed Rhodes for the fielding coach position. Gambhir had stated that Rhodes would be an ideal candidate for the role, given his expertise and experience in fielding.

BCCI’s Decision

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ultimately decided to appoint a domestic candidate for the fielding coach position. The decision to overlook Rhodes has raised questions about the BCCI’s selection process and criteria for coaching roles.

Conclusion

Jonty Rhodes’ surprise at being snubbed for the India fielding coach position has garnered attention in the cricketing world. His reputation as one of the best fielders in the game’s history and his coaching experience make him a strong candidate for such roles. The BCCI’s decision to appoint a domestic coach over Rhodes has sparked a debate about the selection process for coaching positions in Indian cricket.