South African cricket legend Jonty Rhodes is confident that India will become a stronger force under the leadership of new head coach Gautam Gambhir. Rhodes, known for his exceptional fielding skills and coaching expertise, believes that Gambhir possesses the qualities to make an immediate impact on any team.
Rhodes highlighted Gambhir’s proven track record, pointing to his transformative impact during his time with the Kolkata Knight Riders. He described Gambhir as a hands-on coach who knows what he wants and is not afraid to voice his opinions. Rhodes is convinced that Gambhir’s dedication and meticulous approach will propel the Indian team to new heights.
Rhodes also praised the appointment of former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan as the mentor for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), the IPL side where Rhodes serves as the fielding coach. He believes that Zaheer’s calm and composed nature will prove invaluable in the high-pressure environment of the IPL. He emphasized the need for a steady presence in the dugout, especially during tense moments, to maintain focus and composure.
Rhodes further highlighted the significance of Zaheer’s cricketing knowledge and experience, stating that he brings both expertise and a winning mentality to the team. He also spoke about his previous collaboration with Zaheer during their time with the Mumbai Indians, praising Zaheer’s technical proficiency.
Regarding rumors surrounding Rohit Sharma potentially replacing KL Rahul as the captain of LSG, Rhodes expressed his respect for Rohit’s talent but emphasized that personnel decisions are not within his purview. He focused on his current role and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to have coached Rohit during his time with the Mumbai Indians.
Finally, Rhodes compared young LSG batter Ayush Badoni to former South African batting great Herschelle Gibbs. He lauded Badoni’s precocious talent and his exceptional ability to hit big shots. Rhodes observed that Badoni’s low center of gravity and quick hands allow him to hit deliveries with power and precision, drawing parallels to Gibbs’s hitting prowess. He emphasized the importance of Badoni developing calmness and strategic thinking to become a truly formidable batsman.
