After the victory of India in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Rahul Dravid decided to step down as the head coach to retire on a high note. It was quite obvious that Gautam Gambhir would be the next face Indian cricket required as head coach. He is rated as an extremely good mentor and coach, especially after he led KKR to the title in the 2024 season of the IPL. Gautam Gambhir suggested the names of Abhishek Nayar and Ryan Doeschate as assistant coaches, which the BCCI approved quickly. He even recommended Morne Morkel, which was agreed upon. But his recommendation for Jonty Rhodes as fielding coach was turned down, with the BCCI retaining the services of T Dilip. Rhodes, these days living in Goa and considers himself local. When being asked about his non-selection as India's fielding coach, know what the South African legend said at a podcast on Aleena Dissects YouTube channel. “Yeah! Can you believe it? I mean, they didn't want an international coach, and I'm so local. I mean, mera naam Jonty Rhodes! (I'm Jonty Rhodes) Come on. I'm based in Goa. Maybe because I'm based in Goa. Maybe I need to be in a metro (city),” Also Read | When Dhoni Kicked a Water Bottle Out of the Park: Ex-CSK Star Reveals Heated Moment He went on to praise the two previous fielding coaches, T Dilip and R Sridhar, along with the captaincy of MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli for making fielding one of the top priorities and bringing it up to the same level as well. “I've taken my hats off to the last two Indian fielding coaches. And it comes from captaincy. Under Dhoni… he had a lot of senior guys, and he just showed his physical ability, he still does at the end of his IPL career. Running between the wickets.... amazing, and he's 40. It's incredible. He certainly showed, just through his example, teh importance of fitness and strength,” said Rhodes. “Then Virat Kohli took over, and it was a part of the selection criteria. If you don't pass the fitness standards, it doesn't matter how good you are. Everybody was treated equally, and it took India to becoming a good fielding team.” Jonty Rhodes is currently 55 years old. He is known as one of the best fielders ever and was the first South African cricketer to take 100 catches in ODIs. Also Read | 'Don't Say There's Any Tiff': Gambhir’s 'Class Act' Clears the Air After Kohli’s Historic 50th Ton