Ajay Jadeja | Legends of Indian Cricket | Heroes of Indian Cricket
Ajay Jadeja is a former Indian professional cricketer who played for the Indian side between 1992 and 2000. He represented India in 15 Tests and 196 One Day Internationals.
Initial Career | Ajay Jadeja | Legends of Indian Cricket | Heroes of Indian Cricket:
On February 1, 1971, Jadeja was born into a former Nawanagar royal family. The family has a long history with cricket. K. S. Ranjitsinhji, after whom the Ranji Trophy is called, and K. S. Duleepsinhji, after whom the Duleep Trophy is named, are among his relatives. Daulatsinhji Jadeja, Jadeja’s father, was a three-term Member of Parliament from Jamnagar Loksabha. His mother is from Alappuzha, Kerala.
International Career | Ajay Jadeja | Legends of Indian Cricket | Heroes of Indian Cricket:
Between 1992 and 2000, Jadeja was a fixture in the Indian cricket squad, appearing in 15 Tests and 196 One Day Internationals. In his day, he was considered as one of the top fielders on the Indian squad. One of his most notable performances was his quick innings in the 1996 Cricket World Cup quarter-final against archrival Pakistan in Bengaluru, when he struck 45 off 25 balls, including 40 off Waqar Younis’ final two overs.
Jadeja has the record for the greatest one-day partnership for the fourth and fifth wickets, established against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, respectively. Jadeja was also known for his exceptional fielding and was regarded as one of the Indian team’s safest set of hands throughout his tenure.
Another remarkable moment in his career was capturing three wickets for three runs in one over against England in Sharjah to help India win the match. Jadeja has led India in 13 One-Day Internationals. One of his favourite hunting grounds was Bangalore’s Chinnaswamy Stadium, which hosted the 1996 World Cup quarter-final versus Pakistan.
Jadeja last appeared in a One Day International against Pakistan in the Pepsi Asia Cup on June 3, 2000. In a game that India finally lost, he scored 93 runs. Jadeja led the way with 8 fours and 4 sixes.
Ajay Jadeja entered international cricket with an infectious effervescence that won hearts and matches – but left behind an uncanny trail of bookmaker ties and unsolved issues. Jadeja’s innate agility, lively rushing between wickets, bold big-hitting, and winning grin were tailor-made for the floodlit era.
His frantic, street-smart batting in the middle and closing overs turned numerous one-dayers India’s way, none more decisively than in the 1996 World Cup quarter-final against Pakistan, when he hammered 45 off 25 balls.
Unfortunately, Ajay Jadeja’s career was cut short by a five-year ban for match-fixing.
Unfortunately, Ajay Jadeja’s career was actually cut short by a five-year ban for match-fixing.
Match fixing Scandal | Ajay Jadeja | Legends of Indian Cricket | Heroes of Indian Cricket:
A 5-year suspension for match-fixing overshadowed Jadeja’s successes in cricket. The Delhi High Court eventually lifted the suspension on January 27, 2003, allowing Jadeja to play domestic and international cricket again.
On February 2, 2001, Jadeja filed a petition in the Delhi High Court, contesting the BCCI ruling imposing the five-year ban based on the recommendations of the K. Madhavan Committee. In 2003, he returned to the Ranji Trophy. He took a double role with the Rajasthan side as he captained and coached them in 2005.
End of Career| Ajay Jadeja | Legends of Indian Cricket | Heroes of Indian Cricket:
Jadeja’s career did not have the sort of finish that Jadeja deserved. But, he left his mark in the limited time that he had at the highest level.
Jadeja currently works as a cricketing analyst and commentator with different broadcasters.
