When you are the captain of the Indian Test side, scrutiny becomes a constant companion. For Shubman Gill, already a familiar face in Indian cricket’s spotlight, the pressure has intensified…
Ravindra Anirudhsinh Jadeja was born on December 6, 1988, in Navagam Ghed, a small town in the Jamnagar district of Gujarat, India. Born into a humble Rajput Hindu family, Jadeja’s early life was defined by financial limitations, strong family values, and dreams of cricket glory. His father, Anirudh Singh Jadeja, worked as a security guard for a private firm, and his mother, Lata Jadeja, was a nurse. His mother’s death in a tragic accident in 2005 deeply affected him and almost made him quit cricket, but he eventually used the grief to fuel his ambitions.
Growing up with his sisters Naina and Padmini, Ravindra showed early interest in cricket. His family supported him as best they could, and he started training at a young age, facing intense competition and limited facilities in rural Gujarat. Despite the odds, Jadeja’s talent stood out.
Ravindra Jadeja doesn’t just shine on the cricket field—he lives by discipline, humility, and a quiet strength that shapes every part of his life. He embraces the values of his traditional Rajput upbringing—showing deep respect, demonstrating resilience, and standing loyal to his roots. Jadeja often shares how his childhood and early struggles taught him to stay grounded, even as he climbed to the top of world cricket.
He stays calm in high-pressure moments by anchoring himself in his spiritual beliefs and close family ties. His teammates often say he lifts others through his steady presence—always focused, always committed, always ready to put the team ahead of himself. He doesn’t seek the spotlight; instead, he earns it through his actions—whether sprinting full tilt in the outfield, breaking partnerships with the ball, or guiding a tough chase with the bat. Jadeja leads with consistency and integrity, and that’s what makes him so respected in every corner of the cricketing world.
Ravindra Jadeja’s fitness has been one of his greatest strengths. Known for his agility, quick reflexes, and electric fielding, he follows a strict fitness routine involving daily gym workouts, cardio, HIIT, and yoga. He has one of the fastest throws and best catching records in modern cricket, often referred to as the “best fielder in the world” by commentators and fellow cricketers.
Off the field, Jadeja is fond of horse riding, sword collection, and music. His unique style, royal demeanor, and love for traditional Rajputana values have earned him the nickname “Sir Jadeja” among fans and teammates. He is known for being introverted and disciplined, preferring to let his performances speak.
In April 2016, Jadeja married Rivaba Solanki, an engineer by education and later a BJP politician. Their wedding was widely covered by the Indian media. In 2022, Rivaba became a Member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly from the Jamnagar constituency. Together, they form a power couple, often seen supporting each other publicly.
The couple has a daughter named Nidhyana, born in June 2017. Jadeja often shares moments from his family life on social media, showcasing a balanced personal and professional life. His daughter is considered his lucky charm, with many of his best performances coming post-2017.
Jadeja was selected for the India U-19 team in 2005 at the age of 16. He played a crucial role in the 2006 U-19 World Cup, and in the 2008 edition, he was the vice-captain under Virat Kohli, helping India win the title. His performances as a bowling all-rounder caught national attention.
Jadeja began his domestic cricket journey with Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy. He made headlines by scoring three triple centuries in first-class cricket — a feat achieved by very few cricketers worldwide. His consistency in the domestic circuit earned him recognition and eventually a call-up to the national team.
| Format | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 82 | 154 | 18947 | 8080 | 325 | 7/42 | 10/110 | 24.86 | 2.55 | 58.2 | 13 | 15 | 3 |
| ODIs | 204 | 196 | 10116 | 8180 | 231 | 5/33 | 5/33 | 35.41 | 4.85 | 43.7 | 7 | 2 | 0 |
| T20Is | 74 | 71 | 1356 | 1612 | 54 | 3/15 | 3/15 | 29.85 | 7.13 | 25.1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Ravindra Jadeja has had a long and decorated IPL career. He started with Rajasthan Royals in 2008, winning the inaugural IPL. He later played for Kochi Tuskers Kerala before becoming a key member of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Bought for $2 million in 2012, he became an icon in yellow.
After India won the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, Jadeja announced his retirement from T20 Internationals. He cited his desire to focus on Tests, ODIs, and IPL, and to give space for emerging talents. His final T20I was against South Africa in the World Cup final, where he bowled a tight spell and contributed with sharp fielding.
