Ajay Jadeja

Ajay Singh Jadeja was born on February 1, 1971 in Jamnagar. He was a regular in the Indian cricket team between the years of 1992 and 2000. An exuberant batsman, and an incorrigible charmer off the field, Ajay Jadeja entered international cricket with an infectious effervescence that won hearts and matches – but left behind an eerie trail of bookmaker connections and unanswered questions. A protege of Kapil Dev, Jadeja’s natural athleticism, energetic running between wickets, audacious big-hitting and winning smile were made for the floodlit age. His bustling, street-smart batsmanship in the middle and closing overs swung many one-dayers India’s way, none more emphatically than the 1996 World Cup quarter-final against Pakistan, when he blasted 45 off 25 balls including a 22 run destruction of Waqar Younis. His obvious vulnerability against genuine pace and swing restricted his Test appearances to 15, and his career was halted in December 2000 by a five-year ban following damaging, though inconclusive, findings in a CBI inquiry on match-fixing. This ban has since been overturned, but Jadeja has not yet made a return to the professional scene, opting instead to participate in the bastardised American version known as Pro Cricket.

Although his ban hit Indian cricket hard, fans fondly remember Jadeja as a player who would give his heart for the India crest. He was known for being a very vocal member of the team who lead by example both off and on the field. He even had minor success as a stand-in captain in place of Mohammad Azharuddin, when the latter had been injured. As his career enters its closing stage, many wonder how the fortunes of the Indian team would have changed had he been recalled. One thing that is certain, is that India have lost years of service from one of their best players of the past decade.

Stats

Full name Ajaysingh Jadeja

Born February 1, 1971, Jamnagar, Gujarat

Major teams India, Delhi, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir

Batting style Right-hand bat

Bowling style Right-arm medium

Test Average 26.18 (15 matches, 24 innings)

ODI Average 37.47 (196 matches, 179 innings)