From godfather to grandfather: Jonty Rhodes in awe of cricket’s fielding revolution

Once the face of brilliance in the field, Jonty Rhodes now finds himself marvelling at how dramatically the craft has evolved. The former South African star, whose iconic airborne run-out during the 1992 Cricket World Cup became a defining image of fielding excellence, admits the modern game has pushed boundaries he never imagined.

Reflecting on today’s standards, Rhodes joked that he has gone from being the “godfather” of fielding to feeling more like its “grandfather”. While his dominance in the inner circle once set benchmarks, he says contemporary players have elevated fielding into something far more dynamic, particularly with acrobatic efforts at the boundary.

What was once extraordinary is now routine. Players regularly leap over the ropes, flick the ball back mid-air, and complete relay catches with precision, feats that Rhodes says showcase just how far the discipline has come.

The T20 era and the rise of boundary brilliance

Rhodes points to the advent of T20 cricket, especially tournaments like the Indian Premier League, as a key driver of this transformation. With batters growing more aggressive and bowlers constantly innovating, fielding has had to keep pace and then some.

He credits Kieron Pollard with popularising the now-common relay catch, where fielders coordinate mid-air to prevent sixes. According to Rhodes, such moments may look instinctive, but they are the result of intense, scenario-based training.

Having worked as a fielding coach in franchise cricket, Rhodes emphasised how drills are tailored to replicate match situations, especially those involving boundary-saving efforts. These high-impact plays, he noted, have become the highlight reel moments that players actively strive to be part of.

In a format where matches are often decided in the final over, sometimes the final ball, Rhodes believes fielding can be the difference-maker. Even marginal gains, like saving a single run per player, can collectively shift the outcome.

New-age stars set the benchmark

Among current players, Rhodes singled out Glenn Phillips for his all-round brilliance in the field. Whether inside the circle or patrolling the boundary, Phillips’ athleticism and anticipation have made him one of the standout performers of the modern era.

Rhodes also drew comparisons with his former teammate Herschelle Gibbs, recalling Gibbs’ flair for spectacular one-handed catches. While Rhodes himself relied more on technique and consistency, he acknowledged that Gibbs often brought a touch of showmanship that thrilled audiences.

Looking at the current generation, Rhodes sees a blend of both, technical precision combined with fearless athleticism. For a man who once revolutionised fielding, it is a shift he watches with admiration rather than nostalgia.

The game, he believes, has not just evolved, it has been reimagined.