Mumbai: Defending IPL champions Mumbai Indians have appointed New Zealand’s James Pamment as their new fielding coach. He thus replaces the legendary South African Jonty Rhodes who had been with the Mumbai franchise for nine years.
A Mumbai Indians statement reveals that Rhodes had decided to end his association with the team because he wanted to give more time to his personal business ventures.
Team owners Akash Ambani credited Rhodes’ work ethic as being a crucial part in the success of Mumbai Indians in the IPL and described it saying, “invaluable and unmeasurable in words.”
He said, “Rhodes 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. He 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). He is an experienced coach at the international level having worked with New Zealand Cricket as fielding specialist and development,” he also added.
He further revealed that he was impressed with Pamment’s coaching abilities when he coached Northern Districts in 2014 in the now defunct Champions League T20.
“What impressed us was the way Pamment 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,” he said.
While speaking on his new about-to-begin stint with Mumbai Indians, Pamment said,” 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 Rhodes.
“He (Rhodes) 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 added.