Jonty Rhodes has worked closely with Rohit Sharma during his time at Mumbai Indians.
Rohit Sharma has been a crucial figure in Indian cricket for over a decade, revolutionizing the team’s approach with his aggressive style of play. His leadership was vital in securing India’s victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, ending an 11-year drought for a major ICC trophy.
Having worked closely with Rohit during his time at Mumbai Indians, legendary South African fielder Jonty Rhodes expressed his admiration for the five-time IPL-winning skipper.
Speaking on a YouTube podcast titled Aleena Dissects, Rhodes recalled his MI days and was shocked to realize that Rohit has not changed a bit.
“I mean he hasn’t changed at all. It’s so ridiculous. I just picture his walk when he came out to bat and he would have a few throw-downs in the nets or even shadow-hitting, it was just majestic. He didn’t practice as hard as Sachin Tendulkar. That’s for sure. Maybe he practices away from the nets at times but just his technical ability and I think he doesn’t have the best technique,” Rhodes said.
“He’s being criticised for not having a lot of foot movement, but because he is so relaxed at the crease and those hands flow well. It’s been great to see him because he stayed the same, true to himself and I think that’s so important,” he added.
Jonty Rhodes highlighted the importance of sticking to their true selves to bring out the consistency that is needed to succeed at the highest level.
The 55-year-old further stated that Rohit cannot be compared to someone like Virat Kohli and lauded the Indian captain for sticking to his true self.
“Because if you’re a Virat Kohli and you’re in the face of people. that’s Virat Kohli. But you can’t ask him to do all that, Rohit is taking over from this guy, be like him. If you’re true to yourself then you’re going to be more consistent in your performance so it’s been good to see his journey,” he said.
Jonty Rhodes also commented on Rohit Sharma’s hilarious stump-mic antics and his laidback approach, saying that it is a great way to lead the side.
“Even when playing against him or coaching against him, whether he is at IPL, franchise level or international cricket, you see the same. You know, messes around with the teammates, you can hear some of the stuff in the microphone,” said Jonty.
“He’s really funny and people don’t expect that from Rohit. He’s quite the cheeky guy. He’s a senior guy but he’s behaving like a kid. I think as a captain that takes the pressure away, the mindset you know, the players are not stressed under him,” he concluded.