Ravindra wants to make it for Jamnagar… and for mom

Durrani was the last to don the India cap in 1973. Since then, there has been a lull. (Ajay Jadeja did make it to Team India but lived in Delhi and played all over North India).

Then, from behind the frames, emerges the shadow of 19-year-old Ravindra Jadeja. With it comes the hope to revive a legacy. “It’s my dream to play for India,” says Ravindra, like so many budding cricketers his age. His coach Mahendra Singh Chauhan wants to see Ravindra’s picture alongside the greats of Jamnagar one day. “I wish to see it one day,” says Chauhan, who has been coaching the Saurashtra all-rounder since 1996.

Generations of youngsters have grown up in the region only hearing stories of the legends.

Even Ravindra has pictures of Yuvraj Singh and Rahul Dravid plastered on his wall. “To idolise someone, it’s essential to watch him play.

“It’s important for Jamnagar to produce an international cricketer now, so that he can motivate the next generation,” says Chauhan.

Since India won the Under-19 World Cup, riches have been showered on Ravindra, the vice-captain of the team. Rs 15 lakh from the BCCI, a Rs 25,000 monthly salary from Reliance for the next three years, and a Rs 20 lakh contract with the IPL.

“Life has certainly improved. I plan to buy a house in Jamnagar by May,” says Ravindra. “Earlier, we used to restrict our spending during festivals so that we could save some money for him to play cricket,” his elder sister Naina adds.

Not about the money

But with lots of money comes the possibility of taking your foot off the accelerator. Is that a danger Ravindra has thought about? “His focus won’t be lost,” Chauhan insists.

“He was at the nets when people from the media told him about the IPL offer. But he was unmoved. Money is important, but I know he has a sensible head over his shoulders.”

Ravindra says he knows the cash flow will stop if he takes things easy. “I keep things simple. If I play well, money will come, and it won’t if I play badly. “I’ll keep my focus right, try to play for India and then stay there.”

There is another reason why he wants to make it to the national team: a promise he had made to his mother. “Our mother (who died in July 2005 due to burns) wanted him to play for India. He was very close to her.

“We all were broken, especially Ravindra. She sacrificed a lot for us,” says Naina. “That was the saddest moment of my life,” Ravindra says. “But I will fulfill her dream.”