13 Facts about Ravindra Jadeja - The Rockstar of the Indian team

Ravindra Jadeja is an amazing all-rounder for India who made his name with three triple centuries in Ranji Trophy cricket and has almost been a permanent member in the national team since he made his debut in 2012. His handy lower-order batting has got India out of the jaws of death on a few occasions. Jadeja’s exceptional slow left-arm bowling, especially in the sub-continent has got people expecting him to be as good as a full-time bowler also being someone who can score those 30s and 40s lower down the order.

Here are few interesting facts about Ravindra Jadeja:

1. Birth:

Ravindrasinh Anirudhsinh Jadeja was born on December 6, 1988, at Navagam-Khed, Saurashtra. He was born in modest beginnings where his father was a security guard.

2. Father’s army push:

His father wanted him to study in army school and join the army whereas his passion drove him towards cricket. It was his mother who supported him in pursuing his passion.

3. Losing his mother:

Jadeja was in his late teens, his mother died in a tragic accident in 2005. He was almost about to surrender cricket and his dream to play for the country, but it was his sister who upheld him in achieving his dream.

4. U-19 experience:

He represented the U-19 national squad at a young age of 16. He was picked for the 2006 U/19 Cricket World Cup in Sri Lanka. India finished as runners-up, but Jadeja chipped in with three wickets in the final against Pakistan although they were on the losing side. In the 2008 U-19 World Cup that India won in Malaysia under Virat Kohli’s captaincy, Ravindra Jadeja was the vice-captain of the squad. He had 10 wickets in 6 matches averaging 13 in the tournament.

5. First-class cricket:

He made his first-class debut with 2006-07 Duleep Trophy. He plays for West Zone in the Duleep trophy and represents Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy.

6. Three triple centuries:

Jadeja became the 8th player overall and the 1st Indian to score three 300+ scores in first-class cricket joining the likes of Don Bradman, Brian Lara and WG Grace. His first came against Orissa in 2011 when he scored 314. He scored the second against Gujarat, he was 303* in that innings. His third and record-equaling one came against Railways in 2012 itself, when he scored 331. He achieved this feat at the age of 23 years.

7. ODI debut:

After an incredible 2008-09 Ranji season where he showed an all round show with 42 wickets and 739 runs, he was picked for the ODI series in Sri Lanka. He played in the final match of the series where he scored 60* but ended on the losing side.

8. Top rankings in ICC:

In August 2013, Jadeja was selected as ICC No.1 ODI bowler. He was the first Indian bowler to achieve this since Anil Kumble reaching the top rank in 1996. He was the fourth India bowler after Kapil Dev, Maninder Singh and Kumble to be ranked No. 1.

9. IPL:

He played for the Rajasthan Royals for the first three seasons. Jaddu assumed an important role in the Royals’ triumph in the inaugural season where he scored 135 runs from 14 matches at a strike rate of 131.06. Shane Warne the then captain called him a ‘Rockstar’ and alluded to Jadeja as a ‘superstar in the making’. In 2010 IPL, Jadeja was banned due to contractual irregularities. The next season, he represented the Kochi Tuskers Kerala before they were suspended. He then became a regular for the Chennai Super Kings with brilliant performances for the team from South.

10 His love for Horses:

He has two horses Ganga and Kesar, they are stationed at his farmhouse close to Jamnagar.

Also Read – 11 Cricketers and their Pets

11. Other business interests:

Jadeja owns an eatery in Rajkot called Jaddu’s Food Field. He had told the media about his restaurant, “Though I hail from Jamnagar, I’ve a special attachment for Rajkot. This city’s people are particularly fond of food and various delicacies and hence the decision to start a restaurant in Rajkot.”

12. Nicknames and online sarcasm:

Jadeja was condescendingly being called ‘Sir’ after his forgetful performances in the 2009 ICC T20 World Cup. In an IPL match, there were 2 runs required of the last ball and CSK won it with one ball remaining when Jadeja was on a strike and the social media made this incident viral. But like the quote “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win,” his match winning consistent performances have given his nickname a meaning worthy of being called.

13. Obsession with No.12:

Jadeja feels that this number is fortunate for him. He wears No.12 on his jersey and ensured his restaurant opens on December 12, 2012. He also was born in December and selected into the national Test squad in December 2012.