India is not a place I visit, it's home: Jonty Rhodes

Former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes doesn’t speak about India like a visitor would. He speaks like someone who belongs. Having travelled to the country many times over decades — first as a player, later as a coach, and now as a resident for part of the year — his relationship with India has evolved beyond cricket. “When I first came here as a cricketer, it was just about the airport, hotel, stadium — that was India for me,” he says. “But since the IPL, especially from 2010 onwards, I’ve really been on the ground. I ride an Enfield, travel with local riders, and live in a small fishing village in South Goa. We’re not visitors anymore. We live here by choice,” he says. During his recent trip to Bengaluru, Rhodes spoke about his consistent and dedicated approach to fitness and how he sees India’s sporting culture changing.‘FITNESS IS NOT ABOUT SIX-PACKS, IT’S ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY’ In a country where the fitness and wellness industry is booming, Rhodes believes the biggest challenge is cutting through the noise. “Fitness and wellness industries are massive and growing in India. So the question is, how do you stand out? You have to allow people to try, sample and experience things,” he says. However, he is quick to point out what he sees as a growing misconception. “The big gest danger is that fitness is becoming Bolly wood fitness – biceps, abs, how you look. For me, fitness is not about aesthetics. It’s about what is sustainable. You don’t have to go to the gym every day. There are small habits you can build into your lifestyle – move ment, sleep and nutrition. Those three things really matter,” he says. His wife is a yoga teacher and architect, and as a family, health shapes their every day choices. “We moved to Goa for five months every year because I work in India but still want a lifestyle that supports well ness,” he explains. “Everything in our fami ly is connected. Even with long work hours, you can still make choices that support your health. I believe fitness works best when it’s collective. In India, homes are multi-genera tional. If there’s no support at home or work, it’s very hard to do it alone. That’s why accountability matters,” he says. “My kids don’t watch TV – we don’t even have one. They’re healthy because they’re out side, playing and moving,” he points out. Asked about his fitness mantra, he sums it up simply: “Can you do it every day? Can you sustain it? Small things done con sistently – that’s fitness.”‘Cricket runs deep, but India is finally opening up to other sports’ Having observed Indian sport closely for years, Rhodes believes the country is at a turning point. “Cricket here is not just a sport – it’s culture, emotion and identity. But what excites me now is that people are starting to move again,” he says. He credits multi-sport exposure for his own success. “I became the best fielder because nobody else was fielding,” he says, candidly adding, “But I was good because I played football, hockey and tennis. All of that made me a better cricketer.” Today, he sees that shift happening in India as well. He says, “People are exploring other sports, functional fitness and movement. That’s real fitness – being mobile, being able to play.”