EXCLUSIVE: Jonty Rhodes aims to enhance Lions, SA cricket with IPL insights
Earlier this year, it was announced that Rhodes would join the already stacked Lions coaching staff — one that includes former Proteas and Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo, former star Proteas batter Hashim Amla, and former Proteas fast bowling legend Allan Donald.
Having spent almost two decades working in the IPL, Rhodes aims to empower the Lions' players for the betterment of South African cricket.
"What I've seen with the IPL — I've done 15 out of the 18 seasons — and what we're seeing with the SA20 is that the younger the players are, from an exposure point of view to international coaches and to international players, the faster they learn, because the best place to learn is in the game, on the field," Rhodes told Independent Media in an exclusive interview.
"In practice, yes, you need those processes and your skills training, but where you learn emotionally and mentally — how to handle the pressure — is on the field during the game.
"So I think from that point of view, the success of the national team is important because it inspires people. But the success of the SA20, the domestic and the franchise structure — and where the Lions have been so strong — is that success breeds success.
"People want to be in the team, people want to now perform and take the game to the next level. And that sort of inspiration and those sorts of role models are really important.
"Because I think there's been a lot of criticism in the past about the lack of cricket at a domestic level and what the standard is like. And if I watch the players here who are not the national players — man, their skill sets are really good, and their work ethic is intense.
"So that, for me, is important, because I think the players now realise that cricket is a business. You're not losing the passion, but there are no shortcuts. There is no shortcut to success because everyone is working hard. What sets you apart? And that's hopefully again a part of the experience that I can bring to the setup."
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