Jonty Rhodes, Chris Gayle touched by Modi's gesture, share letter from PM celebrating their India 'connection'

On India’s 73rd Republic Day, West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle congratulated the country, and revealed that he received a ‘personal message’ from Narendra Modi, reaffirming his close ties with the Indian prime minister as well as the people of India.

Gayle wasn’t the only one cricketer to receive a message from Modi though, on Republic day, South African player Jonty Rhodes also received a letter from Modi, which talked about the ‘profound connection’ Rhodes has with India and its culture.

Both Rhodes and Gayle thanked the prime minister for the gesture and talked about Modi’s message on social media.




Modi, in his letter to Rhodes, wrote: "I would like to convey my Republic Day Greetings to You."

"Over the years, you have developed a profound connection with India and its culture. This is truly reflected when you named your daughter after this great nation. You truly are a special ambassador of the strong relations between our nations." The letter was shared by Rhodes online, with a thank-you note to the prime minister.

Gayle took to Twitter as well to share the news of Modi’s message, and wrote, "I would like to congratulate India on their 73rd Republic Day. I woke up to a personal message from Prime Minister Modi @narendramodi reaffirming my close personal ties with him and to the people of India. Congratulations from the Universe Boss and nuff love."


While South African Rhodes, a former Mumbai Indians fielding coach who resides in the country for a considerable part of the year, has a daughter named 'India', West Indian swashbuckler Gayle has been a big hit among cricket fans for his exploits in the IPL.

The Indian cricket board's Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a game-changer in the sport and every season, global cricketers make a beeline to take part in the cash-rich league which has changed lives for the better.

The likes of Gayle, David Warner, AB de Villiers have all been revered and loved by cricket fans in India.