Ravindra Jadeja – Son of Rickshaw driver to Millionaire

Ravindrasinh Anirudhsinh Jadeja, born on 6 December 1988, is an Indian cricketer and represents Saurashtra in first class cricket and Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. He was also part of the victorious Indian U-19 cricket team that won the World Cup in Malaysia in 2008. Jadeja is a left-handed middle-order batsman and slow left-arm orthodox bowler.

Jadeja made his first class debut in 2006-07 Duleep Trophy. He played for India in Under 19 Cricket World Cup in 2006 and 2008. His bowling and fielding helped India win Under 19 Cricket World Cup 2008 final. Jadeja was selected to be a part of the Rajasthan Royals for the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League in 2008. His brilliant display in the IPL matches won him praises from the team’s captain and coach, Shane Warne. He was nicknamed "Rockstar" by Warne as he was so impressed with Jadeja's cricketing skills and predicted a bright future for the all rounder. He made his presence felt during the IPL campaign and played a crucial role in helping the team win the 2008 IPL defeating Chennai Super Kings in the finals played on June 1, 2008 in Mumbai.

 

He caught the attention of the national selectors with his strong all-round showing in the 2008-09 Ranji Trophy - 42 wickets and 739 runs - and was promptly picked for the ODI series in Sri Lanka. His international debut came in the final match of the series on 8 February 2009 where he scored 60*, even though India lost the match.

In early November 2011 in a Ranji Trophy match against Orissa, Jadeja smashed 314 off just 375 balls hitting 29 fours and 9 sixes.

In 2012 IPL Players Auction, Ravindra Jadeja was bought by Chennai Super Kings for $2 million after a tie breaker between Chennai Super Kings and Deccan Chargers as both the team bid for the same amount. Jadeja, whose base price was mere $100,000, was the second player to be put up for auction by auctioneer Richard Madley. In no time, it led to a fight to finish contest between the franchisees to bag him. Kings XI Punjab and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were the first to start the contest. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) soon joined in but left the fight midway preferring to hold on to their purse strings. Kings XI, too, gave up the fight before Deccan Chargers came in and along with CSK reached the $2 million mark. Finally, it was CSK who clinched the secret tie-breaker by quoting a higher figure than the Chargers. In fact, it was a bonus for Jadeja as he was getting only $950,000 from Kochi Tuskers.