South African fielding legend Jonty Rhodes has once again expressed his deep affection for India, describing himself as 'half Indian, half South African' during a visit to Chennai on 20 October 2026. Rhodes made the remarks at the inauguration of a new Solar Experience Centre launched by Evolve Energy Group, a subsidiary of Evolve Green Energies, where he serves as brand ambassador.

Rhodes and His India Connection

Rhodes' bond with India runs well beyond cricket. He has been a regular visitor to the country for decades and has been associated with multiple franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His two children were born in Mumbai during the IPL seasons of 2015–2017, and his daughter carries the name India Jeanne Jonty Rhodes — a tribute to the country he holds dear.

'I spend a lot of time in Chennai, down the coast of Mahabalipuram. And half a year, we actually spend in Goa as a family. So two children were born in Mumbai during IPL 2015–2017. And my wife and I love coming back to India,' Rhodes told reporters at the event.

The Chennai Solar Centre Inauguration

Evolve Energy Group, which counts Rhodes as its brand ambassador, launched the Solar Experience Centre in Chennai as part of its push to make renewable energy accessible and comprehensible to everyday consumers. Rhodes said he had never previously been associated with a renewable energy brand in India, describing the partnership as an opportunity to 'make a difference.'

'I've obviously been involved with different products and brands in India, but never with renewable energy. And it's great here to be associated and a brand ambassador and a partner with Evolve Energy, because we want to make a difference,' he said.

He credited the centre's hands-on format for demystifying solar technology, admitting he himself owns only a single solar panel for hot water at home because he had not fully understood the broader technology until now. 'I've never been down to an experience centre where you got experts explaining the whole process and just saying, don't worry, we will look after you,' he noted.

On Fielding and the IPL Legacy

Rhodes, widely regarded as one of the greatest fielders in cricket history, also spoke about his ongoing commitment to raising the standard of fielding in the IPL. He drew a parallel between his sporting legacy and the renewable energy cause, framing both as investments in future generations rather than personal glory.

'As a fielder, everyone said, oh, your legacy was running out, Inzamam-ul-Haq in 1992. But my legacy is trying to make the kids in the IPL better fielders than I ever was,' he said. The reference was to the famous 1992 Cricket World Cup run-out, widely considered one of the most iconic fielding moments in the sport's history.

A Call for Action on Renewable Energy

Rhodes used the occasion to stress the urgency of moving from rhetoric to action on clean energy. 'A lot of people talk about renewable energy, but not much action is taken,' he said, praising Evolve's integrated approach — from installation to consumer education — as a model worth replicating.

'With the legacy of renewable energy, it's about what the future is for our children. And that is something we can all make a decision and actually take action on,' he added. The remarks align with a broader global push by sports personalities to lend credibility and reach to sustainability campaigns. With his continued ties to Indian cricket and now to India's energy sector, Rhodes' engagement with the country appears set to deepen further.