Amidst a whirlwind of off-field family controversies, Indian cricket all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has stepped up to dedicate his remarkable performance in the Rajkot Test against England to his wife, Rivaba. Jadeja was an instrumental force in India’s thumping 434-run triumph over England in the 3rd Test, a victory that has helped India edge forward with a 2-1 lead in the intense five-match series.
In what many would describe as an impeccable display of skill and tenacity, Jadeja not only smashed a scintillating hundred but also clinched a five-wicket haul in England’s second innings. It was a performance that spoke volumes of his abilities, bringing to light his exceptional contribution to the team.
The Rajkot Test became a stage for Jadeja to reaffirm his prowess in both the batting and bowling departments. In the first innings, he stepped up to the crease and delivered a knock of 112, propelling India to a robust 445. His critical innings laid the foundation for what was to become a sizeable lead and a massive challenge for the visiting English side. As England shouldered the daunting task of chasing a mammoth total of 557, Jadeja, with his left-arm spin, showed no mercy. His 5/41 ensured that the opponent’s battle was nothing short of an uphill struggle.
But it wasn’t just his on-field performance that made headlines. In a touching moment, Jadeja, while accepting his Player of the Match Award, acknowledged his wife’s silent support. “It is a special feeling to take a 5-wicket haul in the second innings. And that too, a hundred and a 5-wicket haul in the same Test is special. This is a special Man of the Match at my home ground. I would like to dedicate this award to my wife. She has been working hard behind the scenes, mentally. She always gives me confidence,” he said affectionately in a video circulated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
This marked the second time in Jadeja’s Test career that he has achieved the impressive feat of scoring a hundred and taking a five-wicket haul in the same match. This hallmark of a true all-rounder is a testament to his invaluable presence in the Indian cricket squad.
The backdrop to his latest achievement, however, has been marred by familial discord making the rounds in the media. Jadeja’s father, Anirudhsinh, leveled allegations against his daughter-in-law Rivaba for creating a rift in their family. Responding to the claims, Jadeja urged the public to disregard such narrations. On February 9, in a statement spread across social media, Jadeja expressed, “Let’s ignore what’s said in scripted interviews.”
Moreover, he directly addressed the unsanctioned remarks circulating in an interview with the news outlet Divya Bhaskar. “The things mentioned in the dubious interview to Divya Bhaskar are meaningless and false. Those are one-sided comments that I deny them. The attempt to tarnish the image of my wife is improper and condemnable. I too have a lot to say but it is better that I don’t reveal those things in public,” Jadeja shared, displaying his reluctance to air personal laundry in a public forum.
This moment of professional success mixed with personal resilience showcases Ravindra Jadeja’s admirable character. As the cricketing community celebrated his on-field achievements, Jadeja’s gesture towards his wife Rivaba amidst the family’s strife painted an image of unity and strength. It remains a striking reminder that beyond the cheers of the stadium and the exaltation of crowds, there’s a private battle being fought, one that only adds depth to the victories earned on the green field. Ravindra Jadeja, with his dedication and words, has not only proven his mettle as a cricketer but also underscored the importance of the support system that anchors him off the pitch – his family.
