Three-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians today announced the appointment of New Zealander James Pamment as its new fielding coach as they seek to defend their title in 2018.

James Pamment will replace 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, 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.

“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.”

James, who held the Head Coach position at Northern Districts before accepting the new assignment, expressed ‘excitement’ to be part of the high-profile club. “It’s an honour for me to join the ranks of Mumbai Indians. 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 Jonty. He 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,” said James.

“It has been a remarkable journey with Mumbai Indians, one that I will cherish all my life,” said Jonty adding, “Over the last nine years, Mumbai Indians has set sporting benchmarks both on and off the field, and personally, it’s been quite a remarkable journey for me to work with fantastic set of individuals like Sachin, Rohit, Anil, Ricky, Mahela and all the support staff and players over the years.

The team’s focus on young talent and persisting with them is something I believed in and it was heartening to see the players buying into my methods. Finally, all the success wouldn’t have been possible if it hadn’t been for the Paltan’s support – the greatest fans ever! Like them, I will be an MI fan forever.”

James Pamment Brief Profile:

Age : 49.

• Born in Huddersfield, UK and graduated through the Yorkshire County Cricket Club Age groups playing U13, U15, U16 & U19.

• Moved to New Zealand in 1988 to be a professional Player/Coach.

• Represented Auckland Cricket Association from 1993 to 1996 at First Class and List A level.

• High Performance Coach from 2006 – 2009 with Bay of Plenty Cricket Association.

• High Performance Coach with Northern Districts Cricket Association from 2008 until date. International players worked with during this time: Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Kane Williamson, BJ Watling, Corey Anderson, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Anton Devcich, Dean Brownlie and Daniel Flynn and up and coming Internationals Tim Seifert and Scott Kuggeleijn.

• Head Coach with Northern Districts Cricket Association from 2013 until present day.

• New Zealand Cricket National Fielding Specialist & Development Coach from 2010 until 2013, working with the NZ U19 World Cup Squad at 2012 WC, NZA Squads and the NZ National team in 2012/13 and again in 2017 in preparation for the Ireland ODIs and the Champions Trophy preparations.

• Coach Education advisor with New Zealand Cricket around Specialist fielding skills from 2012 until present day.