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[Saba Sports News] Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja has been named the next Jamsaheb of Nawanagar, also known as Jamnagar, located on the southern shores of the Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat’s historic Halar region.
The announcement came from the current Maharaja Jamsaheb of Nawanagar, Shatrusalyasinhji Digvijaysinhji Jadeja, Ajay’s father’s cousin, who confirmed Ajay’s agreement to succeed him.
In his statement, Shatrusalyasinhji expressed his joy, likening the moment to the triumph of Dussehra, when the Pandavas achieved victory after 14 years in exile. “I feel victorious by Ajay Jadeja condescending to be my successor… a great boon for the people of Jamnagar. Thank you, Ajay,” he said.
Jamnagar’s royal family has deep ties to cricket, with the Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy named after Ajay’s relatives, K.S. Ranjitsinhji and K.S. Duleepsinhji.
Ajay’s cricketing career spanned from 1992 to 2000, during which he represented India in 15 Test matches and 196 ODIs.
Post-retirement, he has remained connected to cricket as a commentator and analyst, and recently mentored the Afghanistan team in the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, helping secure wins against England and Pakistan. Jadeja has also ventured into Bollywood and reality TV, appearing in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa.
His father, Daulatsinhji Jadeja, served as a Member of Parliament for Jamnagar. In August 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored Jam Saheb Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji, the former Maharaja known for his humanitarian efforts during World War II, at a memorial in Warsaw, Poland.