Jonty Rhodes Praises Hardik Pandya’s Hunger For Cricket
May 26, 2019 at 10:20 PM
Former South African star cricketer Jonty Rhodes has recently lauded the Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya for his desperate attitude to the cricket.
Jonty Rhodes worked closely with Hardik Pandya in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as once Rhodes was the fielding coach of Mumbai Indians (MI) where Hardik serves as a player.
Recently, he has shared some of his thoughts about Hardik Pandya to indicate his quality in this game.
The pace bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya initially shined in the IPL, playing for MI. However, once his elder brother Krunal Pandya performed better and put behind him. Even, the spin bowling all-rounder Krunal Pandya replaced Hardik in some matches and impressed with his performances.
Rhodes feels that it was the biggest test for the youngster Hardik. Then Rhodes claimed that Hardik handled that situation very well and proved his quality.
Rhodes recently told according to the Deccan Herald, “He is a player with enormous hunger. I remember when his brother Krunal burst into the scene, Hardik got dropped. I told him that this was going to be his biggest test. It’s not about bowling a superb bouncer or hitting sixes to finish off games. I told him ‘if you can bounce back after your brother has taken your place in the side, especially since you are seen as the rockstar of Mumbai Indians, then nothing like it.’ He handled the phase really well.”
As a fielding coach, I was worried about Hardik’s focus – Jonty Rhodes
Meanwhile, initially, Rhodes was also concerned about Hardik Pandya’s focus to the game. As he is a stylish man, Hardik has a higher chance to lose his focus due to these attractions. However, the youngster has ultimately proved him wrong through his tremendous focus on the game.
Apart from being a mature player and a good finisher, Rhodes also believes that Hardik Pandya is now a proper all-rounder.
Rhodes quoted, “As a fielding coach, I was worried about Hardik’s focus. He came across as someone who would take a selfie with a guy or a girl in the stands. Or someone who is worried about his hat or hair. When the crowd gets going, it’s hard to keep your mind in the game sometimes. But Pandya focuses a lot. Look, he has had a lot of distractions that could have dragged him down. But thankfully, he is a sensible boy from a sensible family. He has matured a lot as a player, to become a good finisher and now ticks all the boxes for an all-rounder.”
Jasprit Bumrah just keeps getting better and better and that’s good news for India – Jonty Rhodes
In the meantime, Rhodes also praised the no.1-ranked ODI bowler Jasprit Bumrah. Like Hardik Pandya, Bumrah also started to shine his cricket career through the IPL, playing for MI. Rhodes feels that Bumrah has learned the effective bowling skills very quickly, and he is utilising it properly in international cricket.
Observing Jasprit Bumrah’s incredible growth, Rhodes believes that it is good news for India.
Rhodes said, “It’s amazing how quickly Bumrah has gone from an understudy to Lasith Malinga to someone superior to the Sri Lankan pacer at Mumbai Indians. Bumrah’s action is different, difficult for those playing him the first time. Also, Malinga lost quite a bit of pace and his slower ball became a bit ineffective. Bumrah is a smart operator, who was groomed well by John Wright and Shane Bond at Mumbai Indians. He just keeps getting better and better and that’s good news for India.”
Jonty Rhodes spent a long time with the IPL team Mumbai Indians. He spent nine seasons for this side from 2009 to 2017. Later, James Pamment replaced him as the fielding coach of this IPL team, and he is still with this team.