TNPL 2017 | Jonty Rhodes joins Ruby Trichy Warriors as mentor

Jonty Rhodes’ love for India is well documented as he has spent a good amount of time in the country even after his retirement from the game as he formerly was the fielding coach for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League. Moreover, Rhodes even went on to name his daughter “India’. And now, the 48-year-old is back for yet another stint in the country as he has been named as the mentor for Ruby Trichy Warriors in the Tamil Nadu Premier League. 

This was revealed by the team on their Twitter handle as they wrote:

Speaking of the appointment, Tinu Yohannan, head coach of Trichy Warriors, said "The mere presence of a legendary player like Rhodes can motivate the players. I am excited to welcome him to the team."

Yohannan, the former India pacer, said "It will be a privilege to have him in our midst. His presence in the dressing room and during the practice sessions can be invaluable. He can pass on a lot of knowledge to the young players." 

Rhodes will be linking up with the squad on 7 August but will be with the team only for a brief period. 

"Though he will be with the team only for one match, it will be good to have him with us. With his experience, he can pass on valuable tips to the Warriors players," the team head coach added.

Meanwhile, another former South African cricketer Lance Klusener, who is coach of Lyca Kovai Kings, will be joining the team in Dindigul tomorrow, the franchise officials said. Klusener had been the coach of Kings in the first edition of TNPL also. 

Klusener and Rhodes are the latest high profile additions to the TNPL as legendary Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan is also associated with the tournament as the mentor of VB Thiruvallur Veerans.