Ravindra Jadeja Credits Two Mahendras for Shaping His Illustrious Cricket Career
In a heartwarming revelation, Indian cricket’s dynamic all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has unveiled the two pillars of his extraordinary career, both sharing the first name Mahendra and hailing from the culturally rich state of Bihar. This captivating story of mentorship and grit emerged during a candid chat on the podcast ‘Kutti Stories with Ash’, hosted by teammate and spin wizard Ravichandran Ashwin.
Jadeja, often hailed as one of India’s most versatile players with 280 Test wickets and over 2,000 runs in the longest format, attributed his success to his childhood coach Mahendra Singh Chauhan and the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni. ‘My cricketing journey is beautifully bookended by two Mahendras,’ Jadeja shared with a smile. ‘I began playing at the historic Cricket Bungalow ground in Jamnagar at the tender age of 8 or 9 under Coach Chauhan, who still trains aspiring cricketers there. And of course, there’s Mahi bhai, whose guidance has been invaluable.’
Reflecting on his formative years, Jadeja painted a vivid picture of Coach Chauhan’s impact. A former police officer with an unyielding belief in physical prowess, Chauhan instilled a culture of fitness-first in the young Jadeja. ‘His mantra was simple—batting and bowling can be honed, but fitness is non-negotiable,’ Jadeja recounted. ‘I used to run 15-20 kilometers around Jamnagar, which built the foundation for my agility and fielding skills—something I’m known for today.’
When it came to describing MS Dhoni, Jadeja struggled to find a single word that could encapsulate the former captain’s aura. ‘There’s no one word for his greatness. He stands above everyone,’ he said with reverence. Under Dhoni’s captaincy, Jadeja flourished not just for Team India but also in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where the duo played pivotal roles in securing multiple titles, including the 2023 IPL trophy.
The conversation also veered towards another Indian cricketing giant, Virat Kohli, who recently bid farewell to Test cricket. Jadeja lauded Kohli’s relentless drive, especially in the longest format, where the former captain amassed 9,230 runs in 123 matches at an impressive average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties. ‘What stood out about Virat was his obsession with winning. Whether it was a grueling three-hour session or just 45 overs left, he’d push us to take all 10 wickets. His never-give-up attitude was infectious,’ Jadeja remarked.
As Jadeja continues to dazzle fans with his all-round brilliance—be it with his lethal left-arm spin, gritty batting, or electric fielding—his gratitude towards the two Mahendras serves as a reminder of the power of mentorship. From the dusty grounds of Jamnagar to the grand stadiums of international cricket, his journey is a testament to hard work, discipline, and the guiding hands of Chauhan and Dhoni. How many more records will this Rockstar of Indian Cricket shatter with their blessings? Only time will tell.