In a discussion with CNBC-TV18, Rhodes highlighted that the influence of a player’s performance extends beyond mere statistics, emphasizing the critical role of saving runs on the field, even if it doesn’t appear on the scorecard.
“As a cricket player, my primary focus was the scoreboard. Saving 10 runs in the field didn’t reflect on it, so my goal was to score runs. However, over time, as a coach mentoring younger players, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of the process over the outcome,” Rhodes stated.
He continued, “The scoreboard isn’t always indicative of the whole picture. This perspective has followed me into my life, even during my time working in a bank in South Africa after retiring from cricket. Statistics don’t capture everything; impact often resides beyond the numbers,” he remarked.
Rhodes has also taken on roles as an investor and brand ambassador for UpUrFit, a company dedicated to delivering topical solutions for sports and fitness. They focus on key areas such as pain relief, sports hygiene, and recovery, offering a range of products aimed at making fitness solutions more sustainable.
Rhodes expressed his alignment with the company’s mission and the enthusiasm of the founders, which led to their strategic collaboration.
“As a former cricketer, I have always been passionate about sports. Post-retirement, I’ve made it a point to stay actively involved in the game. More importantly, my health and wellness journey now incorporates social sports, something that I’ve observed gaining popularity in India,” said Rhodes.
He further stated, “From my initial conversation with Vikram (Gunjal) and Munish (Vig) about UpUrFit, I was genuinely impressed by their vision for the market and their objectives. I deeply resonated with their products and the role they aim to fill in the Indian market.”
Rhodes has represented South Africa in 52 Tests and 245 ODIs, amassing over 8000 international runs through 50 half-centuries and five centuries. He has taken 139 catches for the Proteas and has participated in various coaching roles within the Indian Premier League (IPL), including past tenures with the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
