INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE

Jonty Rhodes and Mumbai Indians part ways after nine years

by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on

Rhodes had been with Mumbai Indians since IPL 2009. © BCCI

Mumbai Indians, the three time IPL champions, have parted ways with fielding coach Jonty Rhodes after nine years together.

The IPL franchise have brought in James Pamment as their new fielding coach.

Rhodes had been with Mumbai Indians since IPL 2009, and has moved away from the team in order to focus more on his personal business ventures.

"Jonty has been a pillar of strength and energy in Mumbai Indians. His contribution cannot be valued in words. We respect his decision and wish him the best for the future. Jonty will always be a part of Mumbai Indians family for life.

"We are happy to introduce James Pamment to the MI Paltan (MI Fan Army). James is an experienced coach at the international level having worked with New Zealand Cricket as fielding specialist and development. What impressed us was the way James had coached Northern Districts in Champions League T20 in 2014, and to be honest, his sides' fielding unit was one of the best Mumbai Indians had ever faced," Mumbai Indians owner Akash Ambani said.

Pamment, who had earlier been with New Zealand team Northern Districts as their head coach said it was an honour for him to join the Mumbai Indians set-up

"It's an honour for me to join the ranks of Mumbai Indians. It will be a great challenge and at the same time, a privilege to fulfil the duties of a role that was held by someone like Jonty. He has instilled a brilliant work culture among the players, on and off the field, and the results are out there for everyone to see. Mumbai Indians' is a champion outfit and I am grateful to the team's ownership on giving me this opportunity," he said.

Jonty, who has seen Mumbai rise from sleeping giants to become the IPL's successful side, said it was "heartening to see the players buying into my methods" while at Mumbai Indians over the past nine seasons.

"It has been a remarkable journey with Mumbai Indians, one that I will cherish all my life," said Jonty. "Over the last nine years, Mumbai Indians has set sporting benchmarks both on and off the field, and personally, it's been quite a remarkable journey for me to work with fantastic set of individuals like Sachin, Rohit, Anil, Ricky, Mahela and all the support staff and players over the years.

"The team's focus on young talent and persisting with them is something I believed in and it was heartening to see the players buying into my methods. Finally, all the success wouldn't have been possible if it hadn't been for the Paltan's support - the greatest fans ever! Like them, I will be an MI fan forever."

© Cricbuzz

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