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The fifty-over format has been in focus for the past few years. The rise of the T20Is has seen ODIs getting less importance and attention. At one stage, the format ruled the roost with plenty of bilateral cricket series, triangular and quadrangular series being played.

Jonty Rhodes, the former South African legend, expressed his concerns for ODI cricket’s future, saying the support and love of the fans has kept it alive. The 57-year-old was recently in Mumbai for the jersey launch of the Rotterdam Dockers, who are part of the European T20 Premier League.

“For me, it is the ODI format where we have to bring fresh crowds and a different perspective into the game. This could be the format that will face massive trouble in the years to come,” Rhodes told the media.

He also added, “We are fortunate that ODI cricket has passionate fans that support the team irrespective of the format.” South Africa are set to host the next ODI World Cup in 2027 along with Zimbabwe and Namibia. The tournament returns to Africa after 24 years. Jonty himself was part of the Proteas side when the event was last hosted in 2003.

Jonty owns Rotterdam along with fellow countrymen Faf du Plessis, Heinrich Klaasenand Bollywood star John Abraham. The inaugural edition of the tournament is set to begin on 26th August.

Difficult to think about cricket without ODIs, says Jonty Rhodes

Former South Africa legend mentioned that the inception of T20 Cricket caused fears that Test cricket could be harmed. Instead, the longest format of the game has not only survived but also managed to thrive with batters scoring runs at a brisk pace.

“When T20 Cricket began, there were people who said it would put pressure on Test cricket, but that is not the case. Amazingly, some of the aspects in Test matches look like T20 cricket, with aggressive batting and bowling. There will be fewer bilateral series in ODI cricket, but it is difficult to think of cricket without ODIs.”

Jonty played 245 matches for his national side in the fifty-over format and scored 5935 runs at an average of 35, with two centuries and 33 fifties. He was also known for his acrobatic fielding, which inspired many, and he is well-known for his run-out of Pakistan batter Inzamam-ul-Haq during the 1992 World Cup. During his playing days, he was the best fielder in the point region and made fielding fashionable for many cricketers.