Expectedly, former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag, who is very active on social media these days and known for his funny tweets, led the tribute hailing Rhodes’ fielding abilities.
He was among the first ones to wish Jonty a very happy birthday with a humourous tweet, reminding the South African of how he used to look like an “Udan Khatola” (Unidentified Flying Object) while fielding.
In modern-day cricket, we are accustomed to seeing fielders diving around, taking superb catches and executing amazing run-outs but the following video prove why Jonty was special. It is one of the most iconic moments in the history of cricket when Jonty literally flew to get Pakistan’s Inzaman Ul Haq out in the 1992 World Cup. See for yourself:
Jonty retired from cricket in 2003. Later, he joined the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as their fielding coach in the inaugural season. Jonty still looks as fit as ever and is the fielding coach of both the South African team and the Mumbai Indians side.
India’s Mohammed Kaif, who himself was a brilliant fielder, has always seen Rhodes as his role model, calling the South African his ‘guru’ through his tweet.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) also wished the 'king of the backward point' with this tweet.
Jonty's compatriot and fellow commentator Pat Symcox wished the 1999 Wisden Cricketer of the Year.