Ajay Jadeja, a former cricket player from India, has been named the next Jamsaheb of Nawanagar, or Jamnagar, which is situated in the historic Halar region on the southern beaches of the Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat.
Ajay’s father’s cousin, Shatrusalyasinhji Digvijaysinhji Jadeja, the present Maharaja Jamsaheb of Nawanagar, formally verified the announcement. Shatrusalyasinhji disclosed in a statement that Ajay has consented to become his heir. It is thought that the day the Pandavas triumphantly returned from exile is celebrated on the occasion of Dussehra.
“The Pandavas celebrated Dashera as the day they felt triumphant after emerging from their 14-year hiding place. The fact that Ajay Jadeja has graciously agreed to succeed me as the next Jamsaheb of Nawanagar makes me feel victorious as well, and I genuinely think this will benefit the people of Jamnagar much. In a statement, he added, “Thank you, Ajay.
Check out the Jamnagar Royal family’s official declaration here:
Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja has been declared the next Jam Saheb of Nawanagar, also known as Jamnagar, a princely state in Gujarat. This announcement was confirmed by Maharaja Jam Saheb of Nawanagar in a statement.#greaterjammu pic.twitter.com/zE5hIAnDVh
— Greater jammu (@greater_jammu) October 12, 2024
The father of Ajay Jadeja was elected to the parliament three times.
With a long and illustrious history in cricket, the royal family of Jamnagar has been closely linked to the game. Named after Ajay’s relatives, K.S. Ranjitsinhji and K.S. Duleepsinhji, respectively, are the esteemed Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy.
Between 1992 and 2000, Jadeja played cricket for India, representing the country in 196 One Day Internationals and 15 Test matches. Despite quitting cricket professionally, the 53-year-old has maintained his connection to the game by serving as a pundit and expert for multiple news outlets.
During the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, Jadeja most recently worked as the team mentor for the Afghanistan cricket squad. Under his leadership, the team triumphed over Pakistan and England. Along with performing in Bollywood films, Jadeja has also taken part in the dance reality show “Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa.”
Daulatsinhji Jadeja, his father, represented the Jamnagar Lok Sabha constituency during his three terms as a member of parliament. The Jam Saheb of Nawanagar Memorial in Warsaw, Poland, was visited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August 2023.
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Known as the ‘Good Maharaja’ for his humanitarian deeds during World War II, Jam Saheb Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji, a former Maharaja of Nawanagar, is honored by the memorial.