Jonty Rhodes picks best fielder in the world. Batting and bowling are the key aspects in the game of cricket, but fielding is not far behind. The game has seen many incredible fielders in the past who have earned fame with their quick reflexes and agility.
But one name who is remembered for his fielding is former South African star Jonty Rhodes. He was the greatest fielder in the game as ever seen. The 55-year-old played for South Africa between 1992 and 2003. He played 245 ODIs and took 105 catches.
This game might never see a fielder like him again. But who can come near to him when it comes in this domain? Well, the South African great himself picks a couple of players who are brilliant on the field.
Jonty Rhodes picks Ravindra Jadeja as the best fielder in modern-day cricket
Jonty Rhodes has been associated with teams in the Indian Premier League as fielding coach. He is currently with Lucknow Super Giants and previously worked with Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings. He has worked with many Indian stars in his stint.
In an interview on the backdrop of the Pro Cricket League trophy and jersey unveiling event, Rhodes was asked about the best modern-day fielder. He picked veteran Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja as the one. He also picked Suresh Raina and lauded him for his ability on the field.
Rhodes said, “Two of the players whom I have always admired as a fielder are Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja. They two are the best Indian fielders, but when I talk of modern cricket, the best fielder, it is surely Ravindra Jadeja, whom you all fondly call sir Jadeja.”
Jonty Rhodes lauded the all-rounder and rated him as someone who can field at any position on the ground. Jadeja has retired from T20 internationals after the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. He will be playing in the Indian Premier League.
Jadeja has been out of action since the T20 World Cup 2024 win. He was rested for the Sri Lanka tour but was picked for the coming Duleep Trophy 2024-25. But he, along with Mohammed Siraj and Umran Malik, has been ruled out.
The all-rounder is likely to make his return to action in India’s coming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, starting on September 19. India are scheduled to play 10 Test matches in the next 5-6 months, and Jadeja’s role will be crucial because he is India’s first-choice spinner in the red-ball format.