Ajay Jadeja announced as heir to the Jamnagar royal throne in historic declaration

New Delhi: Breaking tradition in a historic decision, the royal family of Jamnagar announced on Friday, October 11, that former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja will be the new ruler. Incumbent Jam Saheb Shatrusalyasinhji Digvijaysinhji Jadeja officially declared Ajay Jadeja, a prominent member of the royal family, as his successor, marking a significant shift in the family's lineage.

“Dussehra is the day on which the Pandavas felt victorious upon successfully completing their 14 years of incognito existence. Today, I too feel victorious as Ajay Jadeja graciously accepts to be my successor and the next Jamsaheb of Nawanagar, which I truly believe is a great boon for the people of Jamnagar,” said Shatrusalyasinhji.

“Thank you, Ajay,” he added, expressing gratitude for the honor bestowed upon him and acknowledging the significance of the moment.

Ajay Jadeja has been associated with the royal family of Jamnagar. The house of Jamnagar is a proud cricketing legacy which includes, among others, the rich heritage of the Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy-named after relatives K. S. Ranjitsinhji and K. S. Duleepsinhji, respectively.

Ajay Jadeja is the only other who can hold a promise for the thrones of Jamnagar. Like his family’s cricketing inheritance, Ajay Jadeja proved himself to be a legend on the field. He played from 1992-2000 representing India in 15 Test matches and 196 ODIs.

One of the most notable incidents of Ajay Jadeja’s cricketing days was when, in the quarter-final of the 1996 Cricket World Cup at Bengaluru, he led an incredible triumph for the Indian team over arch-rivals Pakistan. Jadeja scored 45 runs off just 25 balls but more importantly, it was seen that 40 of those runs were scored off the last two overs thrown by Waqar Younis.

Not only for his great batting, but Ajay Jadeja is also remembered for being a brilliant fielder. He has recently been working as a mentor for the Afghanistan cricket team at the 2023 ICC World Cup, sharing all his knowledge and experience with those players and helping them better their performance in the world arena.