Sports

Rhodes to conduct high performance camp

Former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes, credited to have revolutionised fielding in world cricket, is set to conduct a High Performance Camp (HPC) at the Tribhuvan University Stadium in Kirtipur from Wednesday. Rhodes to conduct high performance camp

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Adarsha Dhakal

Published at : November 13, 2018

Updated at : November 13, 2018 08:51

Kathmandu

Nepal Cricket School (NCS) has brought Rhodes, along with former West Indies and Afghanistan fielding coach Ryan Maron, in Kathmandu for the HPC which will be conducted in multiple session involving youth cricketers, national U-19 and senior players and coaches for the next 10 days beginning from Wednesday.

Rhodes, the fielding coach with Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, said he is looking forward for more than the 10 days with Nepali cricket. “My impression with the Nepali cricket is that it has a very strong team at the U-19 level. It has stunned South Africa and Pakistan in the past at U-19 World Cups,” said Rhodes referring to Nepal’s famous two-run victory over the junior Proteas during the 2006 U-19 World Cup plate semi-final in New Zealand.

“But the biggest concern is what happens to these cricketers after the U-19 level. It is because of the lack of facilities, funding and even infrastructure. Ryan and I are looking to make sure that the participants take whatever they learn for the rest of their playing career,” said the 49-year old adding their visit is more than the 10-day camp.

“Its not just a high performance camp for the next 10 days. We are looking for continuity and grow cricket in Nepal. Our focus is not just on the players, the big part is conducting sessions with the coaches as well. We will be working with the coaches who already have the knowledge and do whatever we show them. The challenge for us is to make them able to give the continuity by making the most of the facilities they have,” added Rhodes.

“We just want to serve as a catalyst for cricket in Nepal and see how we can implement in helping the game go strength to strength,” the South African said. Rhodes shot to fame during the 1992 World Cup when he ran out Pakistan batsman Inzamam-ul-Haq with a diving run out. Asked what does he feel about the run out, Rhodes said he regretted it soon after.

“It was a decision that I made spur of the moment. I never tried anything like that afterwards. I regretted later for throwing myself although it launched my international career. It didn’t revolutionise fielding in world cricket but made people aware that there is a third element in the game which was very important,” he said.

The HPC in Kathmandu, however, will not only about fielding. “We will be giving them match situations and experience. We want to make them practice like they are playing matches because practicing alone in the nets is not enough. The skills and drills we do are especially designed to simulate the matches,” Rhodes added.

According to NCS, a total of 47 U-19 and U-16 cricketers have registered themselves for the HPC. Rhodes will also have a three-day camp with U-19 cricketers and another three-day session with national team cricketers. A three-hour session with the coaches is scheduled for Tuesday.

Adarsha Dhakal
Adarsha Dhakal is a sports reporter for The Kathmandu Post. He has been reporting on sports for more than a decade, focusing on cricket, basketball and sports features. He has been with the Post for over five years and has worked for various other national publications.