One thing that stands out for me about Chennai is always cricket
The Hindu
Jonty Rhodes, South African Cricket Coach, speaks about his love for the city, its close connection to sport and his surfing experiences
South African Cricket Coach
Jonty Rhodes
Your fondest memory of Chennai?
Well, my fondest memory of Chennai is certainly not coming to an IPL game as a coach when M.S. Dhoni is captaining a fantastic CSK side! The whole stadium is yellow and it is very intimidating as an opposition. As a cricket and MSD fan, however, it is the most incredible experience to go to Chepauk, sit and hear the noise! I have obviously spent a lot of time in Chennai, up and down the coast, and one thing that stands out for me is always the cricket! The sport has always been strong here.
Tell us about the sports scene in Chennai
Chennai is seen as a sporting hub. I have been coming back as a surfer for a long time, to beaches in Mahabs, Pondicherry and Kovalam. I have always been associated with sport in Chennai and one sport that is not very commonly known or recognised is surfing. Surfing here has been very close to my heart. It has been great to show and experience something different, to the wonderful surfing culture.
What quality of Chennai do you love the most?
Ambassador of Finland to India Kimmo Lähdevirta on Tuesday said Finnish companies “face issues” in Tamil Nadu due to regulations that prevent their participation in tendering processes. Interacting with senior journalists of The Hindu at its head office in Chennai, he said certain regulations imposed by the State government were limiting.