IPL 2018: James Pamment Replaces Jonty Rhodes As Mumbai Indians Fielding Coach

Three-time Indian Premier league (IPL) champions Mumbai Indians (MI) on Thursday announced the appointment of New Zealander James Pamment as its new fielding coach as they team seek to defend their title in 2018. Pamment will replace Jonty Rhodes, the former South African international. Rhodes has been an integral part of the champion outfit for nine seasons, since 2009, and has now expressed his desire to move on to spend more time on his personal business ventures.

Attributing Rhodes' work ethics as a key in Mumbai Indians' successful journey, MI owner Akash Ambani termed Jonty's contribution as 'invaluable' and 'unmeasurable in words'.

"Jonty 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. Jonty will always be a part of Mumbai Indians family for life," he said.

"We are happy to introduce James Pamment to the MI Paltan (MI Fan Army). James is an experienced coach at the international level having worked with New Zealand Cricket as fielding specialist and development. What impressed us was the way James 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 added.

Commenting on his new assignment, 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.