PHOTOS: IPL Coach Jonty Rhodes Celebrates Baby India’s Birthday in India, His Favourite Country

Former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes named his daughter India last year as a tribute to the country he loves. Now, the Mumbai Indians IPL coach is back to India with his entire family for a holiday, and his heartwarming pictures on social media are going viral.

By Neeti Vijaykumar

May 6, 2016

Former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes named his daughter India last year as a tribute to the country he loves. Now, the Mumbai Indians IPL coach is back with his entire family for a holiday, and his heartwarming pictures on social media are going viral.

Jonty Rhodes’ love for India and its culture is popular news amongst cricket fans. Last year, the former South African cricketer named his new born baby girl India. Between coaching Mumbai Indians for IPL and spending time with his three sons, wife and baby daughter India, he also finds time to travel. In one of his latest globe-trotting adventures, he introduced baby India to her eponymous country. And they look like they’re all having tons of fun!

He captured the hearts of a million Indians as he tweeted and posted pictures of his visit to India on Instagram.

Happy 1st birthday baby India welcome back #landofyourbirth pic.twitter.com/UYuOclF3PX
— Jonty Rhodes (@JontyRhodes8) April 23, 2016

He even took the family to the Pejawar Mutt temple in Mumbai to perform a small ceremony to bless baby India, dressed in a dhoti.

Performing Puja for baby India

A photo posted by @jontyrhodes8 on May 1, 2016 at 5:54am PDT

Rhodes, who began his cricketing career in 1992 and rose to fame as a fielding champ, is now coaching the Mumbai-based team for the current IPL season.

He celebrated baby India’s birthday by taking the family on a long tour around the country. They covered Mumbai, Tamil Nadu and even Ranthambore.

“Why are your ears so small, Mr Elephant?” India spotting difference between African and Indian elephants!

A photo posted by @jontyrhodes8 on Apr 24, 2016 at 11:29pm PDT

He also went to the Annamalaiyar Temple in Tamil Nadu to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Blessed to be in India; Annamalaiya Temple in Tamil Nadu #landofherbirth

A photo posted by @jontyrhodes8 on Apr 24, 2016 at 11:33pm PDT

While speaking to Midday, he expressed why he was glad to be in India.”I have spent a lot of time here. What I love about India is that it’s a rich mix of culture, heritage and tradition. It is a very spiritual country, very forward-thinking nation. I really like that combination. You have to have a good balance of life. With the name like India, she will have the best of both worlds and that sort of balance.”

India Jeanne Rhodes too had a swell time seeing new colours, tasting new flavours and, especially, watching elephants and animals.

India and Ethan out spotting tigers #ranthambore #paradise #incredibleindia #savethestripes pic.twitter.com/iP1LAnlOoc
— Jonty Rhodes (@JontyRhodes8) May 3, 2016

#indiarhodes #landofyourbirth pic.twitter.com/NEGseEL7QN

— Jonty Rhodes (@JontyRhodes8) April 25, 2016

The 46-year-old was filled with joy when his wife Melanie gave birth to their baby daughter in India in April 2015. His wife, too, is fond of Indian culture, especially yoga.”She really enjoys coming to India. She’s learnt yoga.”

“She loves the fact that you can go from mountains to oceans… there is a lot of diversity (in India),” he said.

Only good thing about airline losing a bag – u have to shop local #incredibleindia #gorgeousgirls #oberoivanyavilas pic.twitter.com/oBgFhrWwfW

— Jonty Rhodes (@JontyRhodes8) May 3, 2016

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