IPL 2018: Mumbai Indians appoint James Pamment as new fielding coach

Mumbai : Three-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Mumbai Indians on Thursday announced the appointment of New Zealander James Pamment as their new fielding coach as the team seek to defend their title in 2018.

 James Pamment will replace former South African player Jonty Rhodes, the former South African international.

Jonty 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 Jonty's work ethics as a key in Mumbai Indians' successful journey, Mumbai Indians 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.

"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."