Will Rhodes has reflected on the “unbelievable honour” of being Warwickshire Club Captain after announcing he’s stepping down from the role.
Rhodes – one of only seven Warwickshire captains to lift the County Championship – has led the senior squad since 2019, just a year after moving from his native Yorkshire.
He’s played a total of 148 games for the Club across all formats, scoring 5,982 runs (including 10 centuries) and taking 107 wickets.
The 28-year-old wants to focus on propelling those figures in 2024 and forcing his way back into the Bears Vitality Blast side.
“Coming to the Club as 22-year-old I never thought I’d get such an opportunity to captain a great club like Warwickshire,” said Rhodes, who’s not missed a First Class game for Warwickshire since his arrival.
“It’s been an unbelievable honour. I was hugely grateful for the opportunity when Jim Troughton and Paul Farbrace asked me to do it. And with the support of Robbo (First Team Coach Mark Robinson) and most recently Gavin Larsen I’d like to think I’ve made a positive contribution and helped take the Club forward.
“I’m looking forward to next season, helping whoever will be the new captain, and hopefully giving them a bit of advice from the experience I’ve gained over the years. And most importantly, collectively pulling together to win as many games as possible for the Club.”
A decision on the next Club Captain will be made in due course – but Rhodes said whoever is chosen as his successor will be “very lucky”.
“The next captain will be very lucky to take on this group,” he added. “This is an amazing group of very talented players. There are some experienced older heads and I’ve had the pleasure of giving debuts to some guys who I’m sure will go on to be Club legends.
“I’ve no doubt silverware is on the horizon; nothing would make me prouder to see the next captain lifting some silverware and taking this club forward.
“There have been two standout highlights during my captaincy: receiving my White Bear cap and winning the County Championship.
“To be able to say I led that championship winning side is very humbling and I’ll always look back on that day against Somerset with pride and fond memories.”
First Team Coach Mark Robinson said Rhodes has made his mark on Warwickshire County Cricket Club history.
“He’ll always be remembered as one of few players who’ve captained a side at Edgbaston to the County Championship.
“I’ve planned and plotted tactics with Rhodesy for several year now and I would personally like to thank him for all the support he’s given me as well as the wider Club.
“Rhodesy obviously isn’t retiring and will hopefully transition seamlessly into the ranks and continue helping us in our quest for success.
“But for now we thank him for all he has achieved with us as a leader.”
