Ravindra Jadeja contemplated retirement in 2005

As Shane Warne has said on numerous occasions, Ravindra Jadeja is the ‘rockstar’ of Indian cricket. The man from Saurashtra made his claim to fame initially when he lifted the U19 World Cup in 2008 in Malaysia. Having made his debut for the national side in 2009, it wasn’t until 2012 that Jadeja had become an irreplaceable member of the Indian side.

He has constantly featured in various ICC events as well as tournaments, making a massive impact as he did. However, behind all the glamour and glitz of the seven-year career, the 16 Tests and the 126 ODIs, there lies a man who hasn’t forgotten where he came from.

While his wife and father-in-law have basked in the upper-middle-class life, for the most part, Jadeja has come from humble beginnings. His father worked as a watchman in a security agency. The most tragic moment occurred in 2005 when Jadeja lost his mother and was forced to contemplate a premature retirement from the game.

However, some sweet-talking to Jadeja from his family members, friends and well-wishers ensured that Jadeja would continue playing the sport he loved so dearly. As luck would have it, Jadeja made his international debut four years later and became one of the most prominent players within the Indian ranks.

The star all-rounder was also instrumental in India clinching the ICC Champions Trophy in England in 2013, a tournament where he was adjudged the best player. He currently plies his trade with the Gujarat Lions in the IPL. More recently, Jadeja got married to Reeva Solanki.

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