• The match between Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants was called off due to rain on May 3.

  • LSG's fielding coach Jonty Rhodes helped the groundstaff drag covers to the pitch in a heartwarming gesture.

IPL 2023 [WATCH]: Jonty Rhodes wins hearts as he lends a helping hand to groundsmen after rain intervenes LSG-CSK clash
Jonty Rhodes helping the Lucknow's Ekana Stadium's groundstaff drag the covers (Image Source: Twitter)

The 45th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 saw Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) lock horns with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Lucknow’s BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium on Wednesday (May 3). Although the match was called off due to the rain, an incredible gesture from LSG’s fielding coach Jonty Rhodes to assist the groundsmen during the contest won many hearts and was lauded by cricket enthusiasts across the world.

Asked to bat first, Lucknow didn’t start well and lost five wickets with just 44 runs on the board. However, Ayush Badoni scored an unbeaten 59 off 33 balls and helped his team reach 125/7 in 19.2 overs until the play was stopped due to the rain.

As soon as it started raining heavily and the players left the outfield, the groundstaff quickly ran to drag the covers in order to protect the pitch from getting wet. The support staff was soon joined by Jonty, who immediately marched towards them and lent a helping hand.

The official Twitter handle of IPL shared the video of the veteran South African’s heartwarming gesture and wrote: “@JontyRhodes8 to the rescue. No shortage of assistance for the ground staff in Lucknow.”

LSG’s official Twitter handle also posted the clip of the same with a caption, “Jonty Rhodes, always an asset in the field”, to which Jonty responded by writing: “Just trying to live up to my supporters signs from the 90’s which claimed that “water covers 70% of the earth, and rest is covered by Jonty #respectcricket #lovemjyob”

The former Proteas cricketer even replied to a fan’s appreciation Tweet and said that his act was inspired by MS Dhoni.

“Thank you @Anand_ac314 I was actually inspired by @msdhoni and the way he handled the incredible support he was shown at #EkanaStadium. Not just a legend, but a great man too #7 #legend #greathuman #respectthegame,” replied Jonty to a fan.

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About the Author:
VISHWANATH HARIHARAN
Vishwanath Hariharan is Content Strategist at CricketTimes.com. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. From breaking news stories to in-depth features and opinion pieces, he has covered a wide range of topics. Vishwanath is very fond of watching cricket. Like many others, he too grew up watching, playing, and imitating his favourite players of the game. MS Dhoni is like a demigod to him. You can connect with him at vishwanath.hariharan@crickettimes.com and follow him on Twitter & Linkedin.