Meet Ish Sodhi’s Parents: Rajbir Singh Sodhi and Simrat Sodhi

Ish Sodhi is one of New Zealand cricket’s most accomplished leg-spinners, admired for his clever variations, calm temperament, and consistent impact for the Black Caps across all formats.

Born Inderbir Singh Sodhi on 31 October 1992 in Ludhiana, Punjab, India, his life took a defining turn at the age of four when his family migrated to Papatoetoe in South Auckland.

Growing up there, Sodhi embraced a unique blend of Punjabi Sikh heritage and Kiwi culture, shaping both his identity and outlook. He is of Punjabi descent, an Indian-origin New Zealander, and was raised in a Sikh household.

Sodhi’s parents, Rajbir Singh Sodhi, a doctor, and Simrat Sodhi, a teacher, played a crucial role in his journey. After settling in New Zealand, they strongly supported his love for cricket, providing the stability and encouragement that allowed his talent to flourish. He grew up alongside his older sister, Sirat Sodhi, in a close-knit family environment.

He attended Papatoetoe High School in Auckland but made the bold decision to leave school early to fully commit to professional cricket training. That risk paid off, as he went on to establish himself as a key spin option for New Zealand, known for his control, guile, and ability to deceive batters at the highest level.

Ish Sodhi is 33 years old and stands at approximately 1.85 metres tall. Off the field, he leads a settled family life. He is married to Angelina Sodhi, his long-time partner, with their marriage confirmed in the early 2020s. Together, they have a daughter, Dahlia Lakshmi Sodhi, born around 2020.

Rajbir Singh Sodhi

Rajbir Singh Sodhi, often referred to as Dr. Raj Sodhi or Rajbir Sodhi, is Ish’s father and a medical doctor by profession. Originally from India, he made the bold decision to relocate his family abroad in search of better opportunities, ultimately choosing New Zealand partly because relatives were already there.

As a doctor, Rajbir provided a stable and professional foundation for the family, balancing his career while supporting his children’s pursuits. From early reports, Rajbir has been actively involved in Ish’s cricketing journey.

He has traveled to support his son during key matches, including family reunions in India during the Black Caps’ tour. His encouragement was crucial as young Ish adapted to life in Auckland and developed his skills in local cricket clubs.

Rajbir‘s background as a hardworking immigrant doctor reflects the values of dedication and perseverance that Ish often credits for his own resilience in the field. Today, Rajbir remains a proud father, watching Ish represent New Zealand while maintaining ties to their Punjabi heritage.

Simrat Sodhi

Simrat Sodhi is Ish Sodhi’s mother and a teacher by profession. She, along with her husband Rajbir, migrated from Ludhiana to South Auckland with their young son, Ish, and daughter, Sirat (Ish’s older sister).

Simrat‘s role as an educator likely instilled discipline, learning, and a strong sense of curiosity in her children, qualities that have served Ish well in his international cricket career. Simrat has been a constant source of emotional support, especially during Ish’s formative years as he transitioned from India to New Zealand and pursued cricket seriously.

Family accounts highlight how the Sodhis built a new life together, with Simrat helping nurture a home environment that blended Indian traditions with Kiwi culture. She has been mentioned in stories of family gatherings during tours to India, where relatives, including Ish’s grandmother Gurdeep Kaur, celebrated his achievements.

Simrat‘s steady presence as a mother and teacher has undoubtedly contributed to Ish‘s grounded personality and ability to handle the pressures of professional sport.

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