'Fielders have to stay focussed': Cricketnext

The Twenty20 World Cup is still a few months away but the excitement levels have reached fever pitch in South Africa. Former South Africa player and the person who gave a new definition to fielding Jonty Rhodes discussed the Twenty20 World Cup, contenders for the tournament and his life, post his international career in an exclusive chat with CNN-IBN's Himanshu Singhal.

Himanshu Singhal: How has life been after retirement?

Jonty Rhodes: I work for a bank that sponsors the South African ODI team, the Standard Bank. I'm also hoping to be involved (in cricket) by going forward with the South African team as the fielding coach, not only to the Twenty20 world cup but also for the coming season in South Africa. A bit of banking, a bit of family time, a bit of cricket, so best of both worlds.

Himanshu Singhal: You would have done wonders to the South African side as far as Twenty20 is concerned. So probably retired at the wrong time?

Jonty Rhodes: I'm not too sure about that. From a batting perspective, when I played limited overs cricket my ideal strike rate was 75 to 85 percent. When you play 20 overs cricket it needs to be over 100 percent. Batting wise I won't have cleared the boundary line that easily. I could have had a sweep shot that I would get away or a pull shot over the mid wicket for six. From the fielding aspect, sure. From that aspect I'm really sad that I didn't play Twenty20 cricket. The spectators get so much involved and have a great time and it is a great time for everybody.

Himanshu Singhal: As the fielding coach of the South African side what would be the main concern in the Twenty20 World Cup?

Jonty Rhodes: I suppose just keeping the guys focussed. As I said there is going to be a great vibe from the crowd. You can quite easily get distracted. The captain will be in a battle to speak to his players at the boundary lines because there is going to be amazing noise. The atmosphere is going to be brilliant. So it's less about catching and stumping, it's more about being focussed on each and every ball. 20 overs get over quickly, so you cannot afford even one mistake because one mistake can loose you the game.

Himanshu Singhal: If you had to rate the top three contenders for the World Cup, who will those top contenders be?

Jonty Rhodes: Obviously, Australia has played great cricket not just in the last year or two but for the last decade almost. So they are a top side. South Africa have home advantage. We have played a lot of 20 overs cricket. And a team like England, that have a league going on in the UK which I was a part of in 2003, the first time they had a 20 over league system set up. One thing is that it's for 20 overs, so go out there and hit fours and sixes, but there is actually a skill and a science to it. Teams that have played a lot of 20 over cricket are at an advantage. I think Australia, South Africa and the English team will be at an advantage.

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