5 Overseas cricketers who showed their love towards India in different ways
Former World Cup winner is also part of this list.
India is one of the countries across the globe where cricket is followed by the fans quite religiously. The gentlemen’s game holds the biggest fanbase in the country. The interesting thing is that the people not only like the Indian players but also the overseas players as well. Even, the overseas cricketers also like to travel to India as they get lots of love wherever they go, more than they get in their own country.
Since Indian Premier League came into the existence, it has given a major boost to a strong bond between the overseas players and the Indian fans. There are many foreign cricketers, who like the culture, tradition, food of India. Many big and high profile players like AB de Villiers, David Warner, Dale Steyn and many more spend a lot of days in India as they play for different franchises in the cash-rich league. This creates an emotional connect with the tradition and culture of the country.
Some players just speak good about a country that has produced some of the gems cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Sunil Gavaskar and many more. Meanwhile, there are some cricketers, who are expressive about it.
So, let’s check out the five overseas players, who showed their love towards India in different ways –
1. Jonty Rhodes
Jonty Rhodes, the former South African cricketer has been a regular face in India over the last few years. Sometimes it is due to his commitments with IPL franchises and sometimes for vacations. He is arguably one of the best fielders in the history of cricket and the only player to win a Man of the Match for his fielding although in a first-class game.
The former player has named his daughter India in order to show his love and respect for the country. Earlier, Rhodes had gone on to say that this country has a proper balance of rich heritage, culture and tradition. And, he expects the same thing for his daughter.
He feels like it is his second home far from South Africa where he gets lots of love from the fans. Recently, he was also seen in Rishikesh and had posted the picture of him bathing in Ganga on his official Instagram handle.
2. Matthew Hayden
Mathew Hayden, the former Aussie opener is known for a having a fierce rivalry with Team India on the field. But, everything changed after the arrival of the Indian Premier League. He was picked by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and received lots of love from the local fans. The former was overwhelmed by the fact that he is getting all the love despite hailing from away country.
He also accepted it with open arms and showed it by wearing ethnic attire. On various occasions, he was spotted wearing the traditional Lungi when he was playing for the Men in Yellow. Earlier, Hayden had also said that he likes the Indian cuisines.
So, whenever, he comes to India for his projects then he goes out having the Indian food that is finger-licking good. Now that he is retired from the game, Hayden time and again visits the country either for commentary or for vacations.
3. Steve Smith
The fans will be surprised to know that Steve Smith also likes to spend time in India. In 2017, when he was playing for Rising Pune Supergiant, he had shared a picture on his official Instagram handle wearing the traditional wear of Maharashtra.
In that still, he could be spotted standing alongside Ajinkya Rahane, who was also playing for the same franchise in that edition. Smith was wearing a turban and Maratha’s royal outfit coupled with ‘Kolhapuri’ Chhappal. And, he looked quite fascinating in the attire.
He also recorded a clip in which he was seen speaking in the Marathi language. The former Aussie skipper did the same as he wanted to create an emotional connect with all the Pune fans. However, now he plays for Rajasthan Royals in Indian Premier League. Also, he will lead the team in the upcoming season of the cash-rich league.
4. Dwayne Bravo
Dwayne Bravo is a funny character, who always keeps himself calm on and off the field. He is known for his performances in the ground with the ball and bat. He is a regular face of Indian Premier League and currently, he plays for three-time IPL winners Chennai Super Kings.
He is one of the most beloved overseas cricketer in India, who has a massive fan following in the country. Bravo recently recorded a song with Punjabi singer Jassi Gill name Chamiya starring Shakti Mohan. He also accepted his love for Bollywood and follows many actors.
He is playing for the CSK since 2014. However, he didn’t play for them for two years as the franchise was suspended from the league for about two years. But, he was bought back by the CSK in their comeback season. Previously, he had also acted a role in a Tamil Film, Ula.
5. Brett Lee
Brett Lee, the former Aussie bowler is another player, who loves India from the bottom of his heart. He is one of the fierce fast bowlers of all-time. But, he has a strong emotional connect with the tri-colour flag nation. The former player recorded an album named ‘You’re the one for me’ with Indian singing legend Asha Bhosle . And, he was poured with wishes from every nook and corner.
He too often comes out showing his love for India. Earlier, he was also spotted wearing the traditional lungi called ‘veshti’ during TNPL’s T20 League game.
He also likes Indian food and whenever he comes to the subcontinent country, he doesn’t miss to have it during his free time. And, in return the Indian fans also give him applauds for the same.
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