'Sivakarthikeyan called to ask if I needed help' - Sajeevan Sajana reveals how Tamil actor helped her after 2018 Wayanad floods

Indian cricketer Sajeevan Sajana recently revealed how Tamil actor Sivakarthikeyan came forward to help her after the devastating Wayanad floods in 2018. Sajana shared that Sivakarthikeyan personally reached out to her at a time when her family had lost everything.

The 2018 Kerala floods caused destruction across the state, and Wayanad was one of the worst-hit regions. Sajana's family home was completely washed away, putting them in a state of financial suffering. She lost most of her belongings, including cricket equipment and trophies. Coming from a humble background, Sajana had always had financial responsibilities, saving small amounts from her district-level cricket payments to support her family. The loss of her home and equipment was a huge setback. 

"We were financially zero. When I used to play for the district, I got paid Rs 150. I used to save that 150 and make it 300, 600... and then give that amount to my parents. I used to be so happy," she said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

But everyone was supportive, enquiring and trying to help: Sajana 

At that time, Sivakarthikeyan, whom Sajana had worked with in the Tamil sports drama Kanaa, reached out to her. The actor, known for his philanthropic work, personally called Sajana and inquired about her situation.

“Sivakarthikeyan sir called me and asked me if I needed help. I told him, 'Anna [brother], my cricket kit is completely gone. I just need new spikes.' Within one week I got new spikes. I also had to go for the Challenger Trophy at that time and everyone there would ask how my family was doing and I used to get tense. But everyone was supportive, enquiring and trying to help,” the all-rounder added.

Sanjana, who was preparing for the Challenger Trophy at the time, and being able to play without worrying about her lost gear was a relief. More importantly, the support reminded her that she was not alone in her struggles. Despite the challenges she faced, Sajana continued to work hard.

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She went on to be named the Kerala State Association (KCA) Player of the Year twice in a row. In 2024, she gained national recognition during the Women’s Premier League (WPL) when she hit a last-ball six on her debut for Mumbai Indians, securing a memorable win.

"To be frank, for a debut player to be in that kind of situation….But [MI] coach Charlotte [Edwards] always used to remind me about my role. She said to me, 'SS, your role is to be a finisher. You'll get maximum six, seven balls, or even just two or three balls, to bat in an innings. So you need to hit and smash the ball in those chances'. So even at the nets I kept practising that way," the 30-year-old concluded.

Her performances in the WPL led to an India call-up, and she was included in the squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup. In a group-stage match against Pakistan, she once again displayed her ability to handle pressure, hitting a boundary off her first ball to seal a victory for India.