Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja joins BJP
What's the story
Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja has officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The news was announced by his wife, Rivaba Jadeja, a BJP MLA, on her social media account. She posted pictures of him as a new member and shared photos of them both with their BJP membership cards. This development comes after the party's recent membership drive initiated by BJP National President JP Nadda.
Political background
Rivaba, an MLA from Jamnagar seat
Rivaba had joined the BJP in 2019 and was fielded by the party from the Jamnagar assembly seat in 2022. She emerged victorious on the seat, defeating Aam Aadmi Party candidate Karshanbhai Karmur. Notably, Jadeja's father-in-law Hardevsinh Solanki is also a politician. He was a Congress MLA from Jamnagar (North) between 2007 and 2012 but later joined the BJP ahead of the Gujarat Assembly elections in December 2017.
Career transition
Jadeja's recent retirement from T20Is
Jadeja, 35, recently announced his retirement from T20 Internationals following India's historic T20 World Cup 2024 triumph against South Africa in June. He is currently part of the Indian Test team that is set to play a five-match series against England starting September 12. The all-rounder has played 56 Tests, 168 ODIs and 59 T20Is for India since making his international debut in February 2009.