Ravindra Jadeja is commonly referred to as “Sir Jadeja,” a nickname that originated from the playful banter of former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni. This moniker gained popularity around 2013, primarily due to Dhoni’s humorous tweets that likened Jadeja’s abilities to legendary figures, particularly referencing the iconic Indian actor Rajinikanth.
Who gave the Nickname ‘Sir’ to Jadeja?
MS Dhoni’s Influence – The nickname “Sir” was popularized by MS Dhoni during an IPL match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). In a critical moment of the game, CSK needed two runs from the last ball, and after a series of events involving a no-ball, Dhoni tweeted:
“If you give Sir Jadeja 2 runs to score from 1 ball he will win it with the ball left”.
This tweet humorously elevated Jadeja’s status among fans, framing him as a player capable of extraordinary feats.
Cultural Context – The title “Sir” is often associated with knighthood or high respect, but in this context, it was adopted in a light-hearted manner. Dhoni’s tweets, which included references to Rajinikanth, turned Jadeja into a meme sensation within the cricket community.
Reception and Personal Preference
Despite the affectionate nature of the nickname, Jadeja himself has expressed discomfort with being called “Sir.” He has stated:
“People should call me by my name. I hate being called sir. If someone wants to call me anything, they can refer to me as ‘Bapu”.
This sentiment reflects his preference for more personal and culturally resonant forms of address.
Conclusion
The nickname “Sir Ravindra Jadeja” is a testament to both his cricketing prowess and the camaraderie within the Indian cricket team, particularly his relationship with MS Dhoni. While it has become a beloved term among fans, Jadeja’s personal preference leans towards simpler forms of recognition.
