Jonty Rhodes who is the Kings XI Punjab’s fielding coach feels that match mindset is more concerning factor than skills and stressed the importance and need to have a few practice games to give the players who are short of match practice the taste of what awaits them in IPL.
Jonty Rhodes, who returns to the IPL after a two-year-long gap, also feels that coaches have an additional burden of providing emotional support to the players most of whom would be without their families and friends due to Covid-19 health safety protocols.
Jonty Rhodes Stresses On Practice Matches To Regain Match Mindset
The strict bio-secure SOP in place for the 53-day IPL, beginning September 19 in the UAE, has ensured that most players will be without families.
“You tend to pick up the skills quickly but it is the match practice or the lack of it that will take a while to get used to. Playing in the nets is one thing, if you can get the match mindset, especially in a tournament like the IPL, it is very important. ” Rhodes, who was part of the Mumbai Indians camp for nine seasons, told PTI from Dubai.
Like other teams, Jonty Rhodes said KXIP too is keen on having a few practice games before the tournament. Except for Chennai Super Kings, all teams have spent at least one week in the nets after completing their six-day quarantine upon arrival in the UAE. CSK were forced to have an extended quarantine after 13 of their members tested positive for Covid-19.
“We are tying to arrange one or two practice games just because of this reason (for match mindset),” said the South African, who is rated among the best fielders of all time.
A tournament like the IPL can drain the cricketers, more so in a biosecure bubble which they have to cope for almost three months. They are even barred to invite teammates in their hotel room. Jonty Rhodes is of the opinion that the support staff will also take care of the cricketers well being as they will not have the support of family members.
“So, I think the toughest part is not the bio-bubble, the toughest part has been not being able to play and players have come through that and are prepared (for living in bio-bubble).”
Jonty Rhodes have played 52 Tests and 245 ODIs where he averaged a shade over 35 but was known for his fielding skills in the South African team.
Jonty Rhodes Impressed With Current KXIP Squad On Fielding Front
On the fielding front, Jonty Rhodes is impressed with most of the squad members of KXIP.
“I have been trying to reiterate that if I am looking at a fielder, I am watching his feet and not his hands. If you can’t get to the ball, even the best hands in the world are not (useful).
I have been impressed with almost all of them.“
However, Jonty Rhodes would like to work on skills of the younger fast bowlers in KXIP squad as he does not want anyone to be a liability on the field.
Kings XI Punjab
“I would certainly be keeping an eye on them and making sure they enjoy their fielding. The last thing a player wants is letting his team down on the field,” added Rhodes.
KXIP will be led by KL Rahul and will consist of Karun Nair, Chris Gayle, Glenn Maxwell, Nicholas Pooran, Mohammad Shami, Mayank Agarwal, Chris Jordan and Sheldon Cottrell to name a few.