Ravindra Jadeja Dedicates 'Special' Player-of-the-match Award to Wife Rivaba After Father's Allegations

India cricketer Ravindra Jadeja continues to show public support for his wife Rivaba following a controversial interview given by his father. Jadeja produced an all-round show during the third Test against England in Rajkot after returning from a hamstring injury playing a prominent role in India’s record-breaking 434-run win.

Jadeja scored a century in the first innings after walking in to bat with India 33/3 before taking a five-wicket haul on the fourth day. For his superlative effort, he was given player-of-the-match award which he dedicated to his wife.

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“Obviously, scoring a hundred and taking a five-for in a match is a special feeling,” Jadeja said in a video shared by BCCI on their website. “This is a special man-of-the-match award at my home ground and I would like to dedicate this to my wife because she has been working hard behind the scenes mentally. She always gives me confidence.”

In an interview to Divya Bhaskar, Jadeja’s father Anirudhsinh had claimed that Rivaba is the reason behind the rift in their family.

“He is my son, and it hurts me. I wish I hadn’t gotten him married. It would have been better if he hadn’t become a cricketer. We would not have to go through all this in that case,” Jadeja’s father had said.

In response, the India allrounder rejected the claims and said they were made to tarnish the image of his wife.

“The things mentioned in the dubious interview to Divya Bhaskar are meaningless and false. Those are one-sided comments that I deny. The attempt to tarnish the image of my wife is improper and condemnable. I too have a lot to say but it is better that I don’t reveal those things in public,” Jadeja said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

A post shared by Rivaba Jadeja (@rivabajadeja)

A day after India’s win in Rajkot, Rivaba shared a post on her Instagram account.

“With the Man @royalnavghan himself… Your strength and courage amaze me every day more power to you, Mr. RJ,” she wrote.

Anirudhsinh also claimed that Rivaba wanted to live independently and away from the family.