The news of former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja being named as the next Jamsaheb of Jamnagar has caused quite a stir on social media. Let’s take a look back at Ajay Jadeja’s illustrious playing career for India and the remarkable records he achieved.
Ajay Jadeja began his first-class career in the 1988/89 season, where he played 111 matches and scored 8100 runs at an impressive average of 54.00. Known for his aggressive batting style, Jadeja notched up 20 centuries and 40 half-centuries while representing teams like Delhi, Haryana, and Jammu & Kashmir. He also took 54 wickets as a right-arm medium pacer before retiring from first-class cricket in 2013.
In List A cricket, Jadeja amassed 8304 runs in 291 matches at an average of 37.91, including 11 centuries and 48 fifties. He also picked up 49 wickets during his List A career before playing his last game for Rajasthan in 2006.
Jadeja made his ODI debut for India in 1992 and went on to play 196 matches, scoring 5359 runs at an average of 37.47. He registered six centuries and 30 half-centuries in ODIs, with his best bowling performance being 3/3 against England in 1999.
Though Jadeja’s Test career was brief, he managed to score 576 runs in 15 matches at an average of 26.18, including four half-centuries. Unfortunately, he couldn’t fulfill his potential in Test cricket and retired in 2000 after a loss against South Africa.
Among his notable records, Jadeja is one of the few international players to score 5000 ODI runs and take 50 fielding dismissals. He is also one of the 13 players to score over 5000 runs in ODIs for India.
However, Jadeja’s career was marred by controversy as he was banned for five years in 2000 following a CBI inquiry into match-fixing allegations. Despite efforts to overturn the ban, he was only allowed to play domestic cricket after a court ruling in 2004.
In a positive turn of events, Jadeja ventured into coaching and served as the assistant coach/mentor of the Afghanistan men’s cricket team during the ODI World Cup in India in 2023. Under his guidance, the Afghan team achieved significant victories against England and Pakistan.
Ajay Jadeja’s journey in cricket has been a mix of highs and lows, but his passion for the game and contribution to Indian cricket remain unforgettable.
