The all-rounder from Jamnagar, fondly called Sir Ravindra Jadeja, talks about his wins and losses on and off the field, and that famous Rajasthani sword dance at Lord’s…
Q. What has your life’s journey so far taught you?Ever since I have played international cricket, I’ve had the chance to meet different people and have learnt a lot from them. Coming from a small town (Jamnagar, Gujarat), it’s a big thing for me to get this exposure, and I could do all of this thanks to cricket. I am very grateful.
Q. In 2012, you became Indian Premier League’s (IPL) costliest player to be bought ($2 million). Tell us about your journey from then to now… It was a great thing for me when I found out that they had bid so much for me. My financial stability really improved after that bid. The day this news reached me, I had exactly `10 in my pocket! I was mainly bought at the base price before that season. After that season, I could take on family responsibilities and take care of all medical expenses.
Q. Is there something you wish to build? A house or buy something you personally like... like SRK said he wanted to own a bungalow in Mumbai, and that is what kept him going initially...No. Generally, I don’t like materialistic things. I think if I’m a good human being, do good work and help people when required, I’ll be more than happy with myself. Being materialistic is not everlasting. Your greed will get the better of you. Being a good human, however, goes a long way in shaping your life.
Q. What is a must-buy for you when you are touring?I generally buy leather shoes. I love leather products like bags, shoes etc. I try to look for a good shop where I can get these whenever I travel.
Q. Your mother’s death (in an accident) was a dark time for you and your family. What kept you going and how did you deal with such a huge loss?Mom’s dream was for me to play for India, which really motivated me to work harder, and with passion. Unfortunately, she wasn’t with us when I played. But because of her, my passion for cricket increased. Cricket always comes first for me. My passion is still the same as it was when I was a kid. And I practise the same way as I used to earlier. But I wish my mother was around to see how well I have done – as a player and financially.
Q. How do you deal with trolling on social media, especially, when a match didn’t go your way?Earlier, social media would affect me a lot. I didn’t know how to react when I was new in the team. I would get very disturbed. As I kept playing, I understood my abilities. Slowly, the self-doubts in my skill disappeared and I became more confident. Trolling stopped affecting me completely. My Twitter game has also improved a lot, don’t you think?
Q. We are told that you love riding and own five horses (including three steeds at your farm house)... I love horses. Earlier, I’d go to my friends’ farms to ride horses with them. Now, I have my own farm, and in my free time, I usually ride in my farm. I am very emotionally attached to my horses. I love spending time with them, and I feel our bonding has also improved. Wherever I am, I keep checking on my farm – whether everything is okay, are the horses looked after well, etc.
Q. Tell us about the match in 2014, at Lord’s, England, where you brandished the bat upon reaching 50 runs – very impressive swordplay. Is that a hobby too?The Lord’s Test was an important match to win because everyone knows the value of winning there. It was the first time I did the sword celebration. That move came to me naturally, it wasn’t pre-planned. But since I’m good at it, I think swordplay has become MY thing. Often, players in the dressing room want me to entertain them with this dance.
Q. Who is the wittiest player that you have come across?There are many players who are witty. Virat (Kohli) is one of those, because he mimics others very well and his jokes are good. So, I think Virat.
(PICS: INSTAGRAM@ROYALNAVGHAN)Q. How do you celebrate achievements? What has been your favourite moment on field, and a match that you would like to forget...The biggest achievement for me is that I played for India. The most special day for me was my debut match. Coming from a small city to represent India was a big thing for me. You will lose and win many matches, but I just try to enjoy my cricket irrespective of results. I don’t play for records or think that deep. My motive is to keep enjoying the game.
Q. What’s your comfort food?North Indian food is tasty but obviously not healthy. We try to avoid unhealthy food, but given a chance I love daal makhni with paratha.
Q. Who amongst the players (Indian or international) is a good chef? Are you one?I’m not really sure if these guys in our team can cook! I’ve not seen any player cook. I know how to make just masala chai on my own. I try to make it at home whenever I have time.
Q. How do you de-stress after a match? After a match, we de-stress by listening to music in the dressing room. Irrespective of the result, we do that.
Q. What kind of music do you listen to? What about movies... what is your favourite?I like to listen to Nineties’ music. I really like Kumar Sanu ji’s songs because they had deep meaning. I like Bollywood movies with a good story. Nowadays, biopic is the new trend. Given time, I’d like to watch those as well.
Q. Any item on your bucket list that you haven’t yet ticked off?I don’t really have a special bucket list. I just like to explore different places and meet different kinds of people, learn their culture wherever I go. As cricketers, we get to explore different countries, and thanks to cricket, I have been able to meet different kinds of people and learn from them.
Q. We are very keen to know about the ‘Sir’ Jadeja title. Tell us how it came to be?Actually, Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) had tweeted around 3-4 years ago, and since then, the ‘sir’ thing has stuck with me. Personally, I hate this title. I really dislike it when someone calls me ‘sir’. I always tell people to call me by my name, be it Jaddu or Jadeja.
Quick takesIf not a cricketer, I would be?A professional horse rider
The most fashionable cricketer according to me...Young team, young cricketers so everyone is pretty fashionable
Craziest fan momentSeen many crazy fans, but the one who I remember had a permanent tattoo portrait of me! That was a big thing for me
“Christmas time with home minister in Westminster,” says Jadeja about this picture on Instagram with his wife, Rivaba, in Westminster, London
Q. As a family getaway, which is your preferred destination? I’ve travelled to a lot of places, but my favourite destination is London. I really love the culture and the city. You can go shopping or to a restaurant and have a good time. Daytime, when the sun is out, it’s more beautiful.
Q. Tell us more about how you met your wife, Rivaba...I met my wife for the first time through my family. We’ve had an arranged marriage.
Q. What is it that you both like about each other? She’s very honest, whatever be the situation she will tell you the truth. I like her ability to be straight forward. That’s what I like most about her.
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