South African fielding wizard Jonty Rhodes has stepped down as the fielding coach of the Mumbai Indians. Ahead of the eleventh edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Mumbai franchise has inducted James Pamment as the new fielding coach. Rhodes has been serving the MI team since IPL 2009.
As reported by the leading Indian cricket website, Cricbuzz, Rhodes took this decision so to focus on his personal business venture. The development has been confirmed by MI team owner Akash Ambani on December 7.
“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,” the website quoted Akash as saying.
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While introducing the new fielding coach James Pamment, Akash said,
“It’s a pleasure to introduce James Pamment to the MI Paltan. James is an experienced coach at the international level and has worked with New Zealand Cricket as fielding specialist.”
James Pamment has served as the head coach of the New Zealand team Northern Districts. On his welcome to the MI family, Jame 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 fulfil the duties of a role that was held by someone like Jonty.”
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At this moment, Jonty recollected his memories from the past and revealed his experience sharing the team dugout with legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Sanath Jayasuriya, Ricky Ponting and Mahela Jayawardene. He said,
“It has been a remarkable journey with Mumbai Indians, one that I will cherish all my life. Over the last nine years, Mumbai Indians has set sporting benchmarks both on and off the field. It was fantastic for me to work with Sachin, Rohit, Anil, Ricky, Mahela and all the support staff and players over the years.”
