After retiring from international cricket, Rhodes pursued a career outside the sports arena
Jonathan Neil "Jonty" Rhodes, born on July 27, 1969, in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, is celebrated as one of the greatest fielders in cricket history. Rhodes made his international debut in an ODI against Australia in February 1992 and his Test debut against India in November 1992. Over a distinguished career, he represented South Africa in 52 Tests and 245 ODIs, amassing 2,532 Test runs at an average of 35.66 with three centuries and 17 half-centuries and 5,935 ODI runs at 35.11 with two centuries and 33 half-centuries.
His fielding brilliance was highlighted by a memorable Man of the Match award as a substitute player in a first-class match, where he was involved in seven dismissals. As we celebrate his 55th birthday, these lesser-known facets of Jonty Rhodes's life and career remind us of his multifaceted contributions to the game and beyond.
Jonty Rhodes during an interview
In April 2015, Rhodes and his wife, Melanie, welcomed their second daughter, born at Santa Cruz Hospital in Mumbai, during the 8th season of the Indian Premier League. At the time, Rhodes was serving as the fielding coach for the Mumbai Indians, and the couple chose to name their newborn daughter 'India' as a tribute to the country that had become a significant part of their lives. Rhodes expressed his deep affection for India and its rich culture through this unique choice of name. Reflecting on this decision, he posted, "With a name like India, she will have the best of both worlds and that sort of balance."
After retiring from international cricket, Rhodes pursued a career outside the sports arena. He secured a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Natal, blending academic success with a cricketing career. Post-retirement in 2003, Rhodes worked as an account executive for Standard Bank, one of South Africa's leading financial institutions. His role at the bank also involved working with its cricket sponsorship programmes, leveraging his cricketing expertise to enhance the bank's involvement in the sport.
Jonty Rhodes doing what he does best
Renowned for his exceptional fielding, Rhodes holds a unique record in ODI cricket. During the C.A.B Jubilee Tournament, also known as the Hero Cup, in 1993 at Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, Rhodes accomplished an extraordinary feat by taking five catches in a single inning. His remarkable efforts dismissed five West Indian batsmen: Brian Lara, Desmond Haynes, Phil Simmons, Jimmy Adams, and Anderson Cummins. This incredible performance earned him the Man of the Match award and set a world record that still stands today, underscoring his unparalleled fielding prowess.
Rhodes's exceptional cricketing skills earned him a spot among the Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 1999. Rhodes first shot to fame during the 1992 World Cup was in a match against Pakistan on March 8 at the Brisbane Cricket Ground. While chasing a revised target of 194 runs, Pakistan had Inzamam-ul-Haq and skipper Imran Khan at the crease. With the score at 135/2, Inzamam, on 48, set off for a run but was turned back by Khan. The ball rolled towards Rhodes, who raced in from a backward score at 135/2, Inzamam, on 48, set off for a run but was turned back by Khan. point. In a split-second decision, he sprinted towards the wicket, dived full length with the ball in hand, and broke the stumps to effect a stunning run-out.
Rhodes, celebrated for his cricketing prowess, also showcased his athletic versatility by representing South Africa in hockey. He was selected for the national hockey squad for the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. Unfortunately, the team did not qualify for the tournament. Four years later, Rhodes was again called up for trials to compete in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, but a hamstring injury dashed his hopes of participating.
