One of India's most important all-round players in recent years, Ravindra Jadeja, disclosed that the two most significant individuals in his remarkable cricket career are both from Bihar and have the same first name.
Jadeja revealed in a recent podcast with Ravichandran Ashwin, his teammate from India and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), that two people named Mahendra are very important to his cricketing journey: his childhood coach, Mahendra Singh Chauhan, and his India and CSK captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
“I began playing in Jamnagar at a ground called ‘Cricket Bungalow’ when I was about 8-9 years old. My coach, who still trains at the same ground, is also from Bihar and his name is Mahendra Singh Chauhan. I have mentioned to Mahi bhai that my cricket journey is between two Mahendras—Mahendra Singh Chauhan and Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
He was a police officer who believed that a sportsman should maintain peak fitness. He felt that while batting and bowling can be managed, one must run a lot. My fitness level and fielding skills are a result of running 15-20 kms around Jamnagar," said Jadeja on the podcast ‘Kutti Stories with Ash.’
Later in the podcast, Ashwin asked Jadeja to describe Dhoni in one word. Jadeja responded, “There is no single word to describe his greatness. He stands above everyone."
Jadeja also discussed the recent retirement of India's most successful Test captain, Virat Kohli, from the longest format. The 36-year-old emphasized Kohli's unique qualities.
“It was his positive approach, especially in Tests. The special thing about Virat is that he always wanted the team to take 20 wickets in a Test match. He never gives up, regardless of whether it’s a three-hour session or 45 overs remaining—he always aims to take all 10 wickets of the opposition," Jadeja added.
Ravindra Jadeja has 3370 runs, 323 wickets in 80 Tests; 2806 runs, 231 wickets in 204 ODIs, and 515 runs and 54 wickets in 74 T20Is for India. He won 2 ICC Champions Trophies and one T20 World Cup with the Indian team.
