'He is at the next level': Jonty Rhodes names best fielder in the world right now

Jonty Rhodes, widely celebrated as one of the greatest fielders in cricket history, has heaped high praise on India's Ravindra Jadeja, calling him the "complete all-round fielder" in the world today. Known for his acrobatic fielding and unmatched agility on the field, Rhodes has always been the benchmark for excellence in fielding. However, in a recent interview, he acknowledged that Jadeja has taken fielding to the "next level," setting new standards.

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Jonty Rhodes hails Ravindra Jadeja as the best fielder

Ravindra Jadeja, who has long been revered for his fielding prowess, seems to have earned the ultimate endorsement from the legendary Jonty Rhodes. Rhodes' recognition of Jadeja as the best in the world right now highlights the Indian all-rounder's exceptional contributions to the game, not just with bat and ball, but also with his unmatched fielding skills that have often turned the tide in crucial moments.

"I am a big fan of Suresh Raina. I enjoyed his playing days but now he has retired. In the past in India, the cricketing infrastructure wasn't there to support the passion and love for cricket. Suresh Raina was someone who used to throw himself around the field," Jonty Rhodes said at an event on Saturday.

"Unlike Raina, I had a very fortunate upbringing. I played football, hockey and cricket on good grounds. So I was very fortunate.

"I think Jadeja is at the next level, he doesn't dive as much but he is so fast to the ball. And his accuracy at throwing down the stumps is somewhat like Ricky Ponting. He fields on the boundary, he fields on the circle. He is a complete all-round fielder," added Rhodes.

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"It has nothing to do with the hands; it's actually all about the legs because if you use your legs and be there at the right time, you can get your hands in good position. You can have the best hands in the world and the most magnetic hands but if you don't have the legs you cannot get there.

"It's more about quick body positions. It's all about technique," he added.

(With PTI inputs)