Jonty Rhodes is widely regarded as one of the greatest fielders of all-time.
After India’s T20 World Cup triumph in June of this year, Jadeja announced his retirement from T20Is. However, the 35-year-old affirmed that he will continue to represent the country in ODI and Test cricket.
"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," Rhodes told reporters on the backdrop of the Pro Cricket League trophy and jersey unveiling event.
"The reason why I consider him the best is because he can field at any position. You can place him at mid-wicket, long-on or at short cover. He is so quick on the feet that the batter fears when the ball goes to him. So more than catching or throwing the ball the things that matter in fielding is how quickly you reach to the ball. And that is where Jadeja is best," he added.
Ravindra Jadeja hasn’t played any competitive cricket since the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa on June 29 in Barbados. The southpaw was rested for the ODI leg of the recently held white-ball tour to Sri Lanka.
Jadeja has been ruled out of the first round of Duleep Trophy 2024 match as well. He was initially picked in the Team B squad.
The all-rounder is expected to make his return when India host Bangladesh in a two-Test series, slated to start on September 19 at Chepauk.