Former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes, renowned for his exceptional fielding skills, has always shared a special bond with India. Having spent a significant amount of time in the country as the fielding coach of Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), he has developed a deep appreciation for its culture and traditions.

Recently, Rhodes and his wife Melanie Jeanne welcomed a baby girl in a hospital in Santa Cruz, Mumbai. The couple surprised many by naming their daughter ‘India’, a gesture that quickly gained widespread attention and became a trending topic on social media.

The Inspiration Behind the Name

Speaking about their decision, Rhodes shared that India’s rich cultural heritage, traditions, and spiritual depth were key factors in their choice. "I have spent a lot of time here, and what I love about India is its unique blend of culture, heritage, and forward-thinking mentality. It is a very spiritual nation, yet modern and progressive. This balance is something I deeply admire," Rhodes explained in an interview with Mid-Day.

He further elaborated that naming their daughter India would allow her to embrace both worlds – the deep-rooted traditions and modern outlook of the country. "With a name like India, she will have the best of both worlds and that sort of balance in life," he added.

A Special Birth Experience

Rhodes also revealed that Melanie gave birth to their daughter through water birth, and the baby weighed 3.7 kg at birth.

"What we truly love about India is that every day brings a new discovery. We are constantly learning something new about this country. We enjoy exploring different aspects of life, and we hope our daughter will also experience and embrace this sense of discovery," Rhodes said.

Melanie’s Love for India

Rhodes emphasized that his wife shares his admiration for the country. "She enjoys coming to India. She has learned yoga, and she appreciates the diversity of landscapes, from the mountains to the oceans. So, we had no hesitation in naming our daughter India," he added.

Not the First Cricketer to Name a Child After a Place

Rhodes is not the first cricketer to name a child after a place with personal significance. West Indies legend Brian Lara named his daughter Sydney, inspired by his first Test century in the Australian city. Similarly, former New Zealand pacer Dion Nash also named his daughter India.

"So, we are not the first ones. In fact, some children in South Africa are also named India. But for us, it was about celebrating the cultural and traditional diversity of this incredible country," Rhodes concluded.