Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja's father says he has no relationship with son’s wife

The all-rounder tied the knot with politician Rivaba Solanki in 2016

In a shocking revelation, Anirudhsinh Jadeja, father of ace cricketer Ravindra Jadeja, recently opened up about the strained relationship with his son and daughter-in-law, Rivaba. In a candid interview, Anirudhsinh disclosed a rift that has kept the family members apart despite residing in the same city.

The cricketer’s father shared with host Dainik Bhaskar, “I have absolutely no relation with Ravindra and his wife, Rivaba. We don't call them, and they don't call us. The issues started after two or three months of their marriage.” Despite living in Jamnagar, the same city as Ravindra, Anirudhsinh lamented that they rarely cross paths.

He expressed his solitude in a two-BHK apartment, once shared with Ravindra before the sportsman’s marriage. The room still houses some of the cricketer's trophies and clothes. Anirudhsinh revealed facing financial challenges and living on his late wife's pension.

The interview delved into the family's humble beginnings, where Anirudhsinh worked as a security guard to support Ravindra's cricket aspirations. Tensions escalated when Rivaba, a Member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, sought control of a restaurant opened by the family, leading to further disputes.

Anirudhsinh alleged intrusion by Rivaba's parents and highlighted the purchase of a new house worth INR20 million, funded by Ravindra's money. Relaying regret over steering his son towards cricket, the father said, "He is my son, and it burns my heart. I wish I hadn't gotten him married. It would have been better if he hadn't become a cricketer."

Ravindra responded to the accusations on the microblogging platform X (formerly Twitter), dismissing the interview's claims as “meaningless and untrue,” as per The Times of India's translation. He condemned efforts to tarnish his wife's image and hinted at undisclosed aspects. The family saga adds a layer of complexity, involving political affiliations, with Rivaba being a BJP member and Ravindra's sister associated with the Congress.

Let's ignore what's said in scripted interviews 🙏 pic.twitter.com/y3LtW7ZbiC

— Ravindrasinh jadeja (@imjadeja) February 9, 2024

However, merely days after his father publicly expressed family discord, the Indian all-rounder dedicated his Player of the Match Award to his wife, as reported by Indian media outlets. The heartfelt acknowledgment followed Ravindra's stellar performance in India's commanding 434-run victory over England in the third Test of the ongoing series in Rajkot.

"It is a special feeling to take a 5-wicket haul in the second innings. And that too, a hundred and a 5-wicket haul in the same Test is special," he remarked in a video message relayed by the Indian cricket board (BCCI).

Ravindra furthered on, "This is a special Man of the Match at my home ground. I would like to dedicate this award to my wife. She has been working hard behind the scenes, mentally. She always gives me confidence."

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