Ace Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, 35, announced retirement from the game's shortest format -- a day after India lifted the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup 2024. Captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli had already announced their decision to retire from T20I cricket during the presentation ceremony at Barbados.
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Fondly called Jaddu, Ravindra Jadeja is one of the finest fielders to have graced the game ever. Announcing his decision via Instagram, the Vidarbha all-rounder said, “With a heart full of gratitude, I bid farewell to T20 internationals. Like a steadfast horse galloping with pride, I’ve always given my best for my country and will continue to do so in other formats. Winning the T20 World Cup was a dream come true, a pinnacle of my T20 International career. Thank you for the memories, the cheers, and the unwavering support. Jai hind"
Ravindra Jadeja was the vice captain of the U-19 World Cup-winning Indian squad of 2008, which was led by Virat Kohli. The gifted left-hander, who bowls slow left-arm orthodox, had played 74 T20Is for India. he has claimed a total of 54 wickets at an average of 29.85. He managed 515 runs with the bat at an average if 21.45. He made his debut in T20Is against Sri Lanka back in 2009.
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In the T20 World Cup title clash in Barbados on Saturday, India beat South Africa by seven runs to claim their second title in the tournament's history.
Born on December 6, 1988, in Jamnagar, Gujarat, Jadeja carved a niche for himself in the slam-bang world of T20 cricket, after making his India debut against Sri Lanka in 2009 ahead of the T20 World Cup in the same year.
But his rise in the format came with the historic IPL triumph of Rajasthan Royals in 2008 when as a young all-rounder, he made significant contributions with both the bat and ball, while also pulling off some great fielding efforts throughout the tournament.
It also earned him the nickname "Rockstar" by his then franchise captain, the late captain Shane Warne.
In 2012, Jadeja was bought by Chennai Super Kings for approximately Rs 9.8 Crore, making him the most expensive player of the year's players' auction.
Jadeja went on to win three more IPL titles with CSK including earning the player of the match in 2023 after he hit a four off the last ball of the final against Gujarat Titans.
For India, Jadeja was an integral part of six T20 World Cup campaigns, tasting success in his final one. It was the side's second T20 World Cup trophy and first in 17 years.
His unerring accuracy and subtle variations made him a formidable opponent for batters looking to score freely especially in the middle overs. His all-round abilities were further showcased in the 2014 World T20, where his economical bowling (five wickets at an economy of 7.36) and crucial lower-order contributions helped India reach the final.
- With PTI inputs
