Maharaja Shatrusalyasinh Jadeja of Nawanagar (Jamnagar), Gujarat, has named his nephew and former cricketer Ajay Jadeja as his heir to the throne. The announcement was made on the occasion of Dussehra, with the 53-year-old cricketer accepting the role.
Ajay Jadeja, 53, who represented India in 196 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 15 Test matches between 1992 and 2000, was named the successor by his uncle, Maharaja Jamsaheb Shatrusalyasinh Jadeja. The Jamnagar royal lineage is well-known in both political and cricketing spheres, with Ajay Jadeja’s father, Daulatsinghji Jadeja, having served as a three-time Member of Parliament from Jamnagar between 1971 and 1984.
Maharaja Jamsaheb made the declaration on Saturday, saying, "The festival of Dussehra is believed to mark the day the Pandavas emerged victorious from exile. Today, on Dussehra, I am equally happy, as I have found a resolution to one of my dilemmas thanks to Ajay Jadeja, who has accepted to be my heir." He further added, "Ajay Jadeja taking up the responsibility of serving the people of Jamnagar is truly a boon for its people. I express my sincere gratitude to him."
Maharaja Shatrusalyasinhji, who has held the titular position of the head of Nawanagar since 1966, has a distinguished history himself, not only as a royal but also as a cricketer. He captained Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy during the 1966-67 season and has long been involved in the administration of the Saurashtra Cricket Association. His royal lineage includes the legendary cricketer Ranjitsinh Jadeja, after whom the famous Ranji Trophy is named. Ranjitsinh ruled Nawanagar from 1907 to 1933, leaving behind a sporting and royal legacy.
Maharaja Shatrusalyasinhji took over the reins of Nawanagar after the death of his father in 1966. He was also briefly married to a member of the Nepal royal family, though they later divorced. The royal family, despite no longer holding formal power, continues to wield cultural influence in Jamnagar and maintains deep connections to the region’s people.
Ajay Jadeja's acceptance of the position as heir marks a continuation of the royal family's legacy, combining the sporting heritage of the Jadejas with their centuries-old tradition of leadership. Known for his charming personality both on and off the field, Ajay Jadeja’s new role is expected to bring him even closer to the people of Jamnagar, where his family has served for generations.
While his cricketing career has long been celebrated, Ajay Jadeja now faces a new responsibility — serving as a figurehead for the Jamnagar royal family and upholding the family’s rich legacy. With his history rooted in both sports and public service, Jadeja is seen as an ideal successor, set to carry forward the family’s contributions to Jamnagar and beyond.
This announcement on Dussehra, a festival symbolizing victory and new beginnings, aligns well with the spirit of the day and marks a new chapter in the long-standing relationship between the Jadeja family and the people of Jamnagar.
(With inputs from agencies)
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