The deadly COVID-19 outbreak has forced suspension of all on-field sporting activities. But off the field, while in isolation, former and current cricketers are making good use of social media to keep themselves occupied.
On Sunday (May 17), India batsman Suresh Raina hosted an Instagram Live session with ex-South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes.
Since Jonty is unanimously regarded as the greatest fielder of all time, the discussion between him and Raina predominantly revolved around the domain of fielding and fitness.
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During the chat, Jonty acknowledged that the fielding standards have improved by leaps and bounds in the game as compared to his playing days.
"South African players were a good fielding side even during the 1992 World Cup - in which I came to the limelight, which was not the case in other teams. They had only 2-3 good fielders. But things have changed now. Fielding has become the third important part of the game, along with batting and bowling. It gives the player a value addition," he quoted.
Highlighting the importance of catching in cricket, Jonty said, "For example, catching in Test is just as important. You don't want to give players like Virat Kohli a chance even in a Test match."
Kohli’s physical transformation has grabbed many eyeballs in the last five years or so. In fact, several members of the Indian cricket team even got inspired by his fitness regime and consequently started training with discipline.
It seems that the Indian captain has also managed to impress Jonty Rhodes with his physique as the South African considers him as the fittest cricketer in the world.
"We have to look at different physical requirements for players, how often they got injured and how much fitness has improved their games. In that scenario, Virat Kohli's transformation from a chubby lad after realising the importance of fitness is unbelievable. Not only exercise but to look after his diet. He is the fittest in my opinion," the 50-year old said.
Jonty ran out many batsmen in his playing days. But according to him, there was one batsman he knew he couldn't run out no matter what.
When Raina asked about this, Jonty took the name of former Australian batter Michael Bevan.
"Michael Bevan was extremely fast. He was a middle-order batsman like me and for us the responsibility was to take the team home. So we made one run to two and were fast in between the wickets. And Bevan was very fast. For most of the time, a direct hit will get you a wicket but not with Bevan. He always reached home," he said.
Jonty drew parallels between the current India fielding sensation Ravindra Jadeja and Bevan in terms of ground fielding.
"Jadeja like Bevan is very fast in the field and reaches the ball quickly and easily. That's why he doesn't dive much. He is fully committed while fielding. Key to good ground fielding is anticipation and running fast and he has both. Every fielder has to be prepared during the match," he explained.
In the end, Jonty Rhodes shared the secret behind his incredibly successful fielding style.
"We didn't have a fielding coach when we started. I played many sports and I was a centre forward in hockey and football. When I go for goal, the goalie always comes up to cut the angle. So I tried the same in cricket while fielding. Ball came faster but I was prepared and anticipated it early. It played on the batsman's mind too because they see me coming in. Before the batsman takes one step, I am three steps in. And I cut angles as a goalkeeper while fielding. No powerplay in my days so it helped a bit," he concluded.
(With TOI inputs)
