‘Is it a bird? No, it’s Jonty Rhodes!’ Former South African cricketer plays cricket with Kerala youth | VIDEO
Kerala: Alappuzha youth were left amazed when cricket legend Jonty Rhodes, famous for his iconic 1992 World Cup run-out of Inzamam-ul-Haq, came to Kerala. Known for his incredible fielding, Rhodes joined young fans for a surprise game at Arthunkal Cricket Club.
A surprise cricket game
On Wednesday evening, Rhodes saw a group of young cricketers with bats and balls outside his hotel. He joined them and said he could come back to play the next day. Keeping his promise, he arrived at Arthunkal Beach this morning, cycling to meet the excited youth.
A holiday with family
The South African former cricketer and coach is in Kerala with his family for a short holiday. Fans got a rare chance to see a player whose skill and commitment have made him a legend.
The video of him playing with youth has emerged on social media.
The moment that made him famous
Rhodes’ fielding became famous during the 1992 World Cup. In a match against Pakistan, when Inzamam-ul-Haq and Imran Khan were taking the game away from South Africa, a small mistake gave Rhodes a chance. He ran to the stumps and dived full-stretch with the ball in hand to run out Inzamam.
Newspapers the next day captured the moment perfectly, with one declaring, “Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s Jonty!” That one move was just a glimpse of what would define Rhodes’ career: extraordinary fielding that thrilled fans worldwide.
A career built on fielding
Rhodes’ fielding was always extraordinary. He dived, leaped, and lunged across the field, saving runs and stopping batsmen from taking singles. Even though he was not the strongest batsman, his fielding alone could give his team 30–35 runs. Bowlers loved having him on the field, and batsmen avoided hitting the ball his way.