Despite setting some very lofty standards on the field last season, Rhodes believes there is still scope for improvement.
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Punjab Kings fielding coach Jonty Rhodes has said players will target at least one game-changing moment while fielding. The moment could be in the form of a run-out, a catch or just a save on the boundary. Punjab Kings were one of the teams which set some very lofty standards on the field last season. However, Rhodes is in no mood to adopt a complacent attitude.
“Aspects of the game we need to work on will be improving that one percent on the field, improving on those game changing events on the field,” he said while speaking to the Punjab Kings official media team.
“Whether it be a run out, a catch or just a save on the boundary that can turn the game in our favour. We are going to be working really hard at that. The aim to have at least one of those game changing moments while fielding in every match this season,” elaborated Rhodes.
The former South African cricketer was a fielding enigma during his playing days. The same brilliance extends even in case of planning fielding drills, with a focus on simulating match circumstances.
“You got to understand that the IPL is a long tournament, so it is about managing expectations in practice. It is about practicing at high intensity, practice like you are in a match situation,” he explained.
“My fielding sessions are never about practicing for hours, it is generally 5-10 minutes practicing like it is a match. With the heat and humidity in India, we got to be smarter about how we go about things so that come the knockout stages the players like have a lot left in the tank,” added Rhodes.
Punjab Kings will take on Rajasthan Royals in their opening match of IPL 2021. The match will take place on April 12 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. One can certainly expect an entertaining match considering the presence of some of the best in the business.
