Catch up with Jonty

HYDERABAD: Here is some good news for aspiring Hyderabad cricketers. Fielding legend Jonty Rhodes will be in the city for a three-day training camp at the Gymkhana organised by the Hyderabad Cricket Academy of Excellence (HCAE). MV Sridhar, director of the academy, confirmed to City Express that Rhodes will conduct training sessions from Oct 24 to 26.“Since he is on an extended visit to India, we thought we would utilize his expertise for the benefit of Hyderabad cricket. He has accepted our invitation and  will be here for three days,’’ he said.Apart from helping the Hyderabad Ranji team, the 41-year-old South African will train budding cricketers of different age groups including women. “Rhodes will also impart training to coaches. There  will be a seminar on fielding with Rhodes,’’ Sridhar said. Chief coach at the academy Vijay Mohan Raj termed the visit of Rhodes as a very good opportunity for young boys as they can get tips first-hand from a legend. Hyderabad Ranji fielding coach Noel David said he was eagerly waiting for Rhodes’ arrival. “He has been a great fielder. I have always enjoyed his fielding, particularly his catches at point and of course, the run out of Inzamam-ul-Haq in the 1992 World Cup is still vivid in memory. As a coach, I would be learning a few tricks,’’ said David who was himself a live-wire during his playing days. Drawing a parallel between Rhodes and Mohammad Azharuddin, he said, “I was a great admirer of Azhar who was a lively fielder. Rhodes had good pair of hands, swift legs and was very agile on the field. If fielders like B Sandeep, Paramveer Singh and Neeraj Bist, who are sharp at point,  learn a few tricks from Rhodes, they will be more sharper on the field.’’ T Suman, who has trained under Rhodes who’s now the fielding coach of Mumbai Indians, felt Hyderabad will hugely benefit from the South African’s expert advice. “He makes fielding look easy and enjoyable. In modern cricket, fielding plays a crucial role and some of his techniques would make any cricketer a better fielder. He is a hard-working coach who never wastes a minute,’’ said the lanky cricketer.