3 Indian fielders who are carrying the Jonty Rhodes legacy forward

Fielding was not given much importance as batting or bowling until Jonty Rhodes came into the cricketing world. Jonathan Neil Rhodes is a former South African cricketer, whom fans regard as the greatest fielder of all time. He marked his presence in the world of cricket with his unbelievable fielding on the ground. Fielding at backward point, Rhodes made innumerable records with his diving and accurate throwing ability.

Rhodes became the talk of the world with his famous run-out (he ran Inzamam out) during South Africa’s fifth game of World cup against Pakistan in 1992. His diving run-out from backward point fielding position is still one of the most memorable moments of that World cup and a defining moment of Rhodes’ career.

The South African took 105 catches in tests and 127 catches in ODIs. He even holds the record of most dismissals by a fielder other than a wicket-keeper to his name. Rhodes is the cricketer who has the credit of bringing a revolution in the fielding department of cricket.

Jonty Rhodes was also the fielding coach of Mumbai Indians

The Indian cricket team right now is in top form dominating all the other countries of the world. The ideal balance between batting, bowling and fielding is the main reason contributing to India's success. During the 20th century, the fielding level of the Indian team was not great.

But the present Indian cricketers have taken the fielding aspect to a whole new level. From them, there are 3 players who have the potential to match if not better the great South African fielder's abilities-

#3 Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja, while fielding at the point position has raised the level of fielding in Indian cricket. His diving catches and bullet speed throws are a treat to watch.

There are various instances where Jadeja has turned the match around with his spectacular fielding. One such incident happened against India’s top rival Pakistan during the ICC Champions Trophy 2017.

After electing to bowl first, the Indian team posted a huge total on the board. Because of rain, Pakistan had to chase the revised target of 289 runs from 41 overs. Pakistan was motoring towards the target when Jaddu turned the match on his own, Jadeja’s bullet throw ran out Pakistan’s main striker Shoaib Malik. Despite having an awkward angle to throw, Jadeja got the bulls’ eye as Malik had to go back to the pavilion.

#2 Virat Kohli

After MS Dhoni stepped down from the captaincy, Virat Kohli has been leading the team and has made a fitness a must for selection. Along with improvements in captaincy, the fielding levels of Virat Kohli has also risen to a great extent. He is one of the best fielders in the current Indian team in all the formats of the sport.

Virat Kohli’s fitness has been his main strength in terms of his fielding. He is currently the fittest cricketer in the world. The fans got to witness a bit of Virat Kohli’s sensational fielding skills during a match between India and South Africa in 2015. Fielding at cover position, Virat took a stunning catch by diving to his left to dismiss South Africa’s top batsman, AB de Villiers.

#1 Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina had been, for long, one of India's most dependable limited overs batsman since his debut in 2005. Due to his inconsistent form, he is no longer a part of the international team. But in the past, there have been various instances where he has proved to be a match-winner for his nation.

Not only with the bat, but he has also turned matches with his fielding too. Raina has grabbed a number of blinders on the field in his career. He has also won many awards for his catches. The star is also a two-time recipient of the catch of the season award in IPL.

Suresh Raina's spectacular catches have stunned the cricketing world several times. One such example of it was his fabulous catch of Australian batsman Simon Katich.