NEW DELHI: Rivaba Jadeja, wife of World Cup-winning all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and Gujarat minister, has stirred controversy by suggesting that some Indian cricketers engage in questionable activities while on overseas tours. In a video circulating on social media, Rivaba praised her husband for his integrity and for steering clear of negative influences.
Although she did not name any players, her remarks cast a shadow over the broader culture within the Indian cricket setup. She also noted that Ravindra himself could have been tempted to indulge in such activities, but his sense of responsibility as a professional cricketer has kept him on the right path.
"मेरे पति (रवींद्र जडेजा , क्रिकेटर)को लंदन , दुबई, ऑस्ट्रेलिया जैसे अनेकों देशों में खेलने के लिए जाना होता है फिर भी आज दिन तक उन्होंने कभी व्यसन नहीं किया क्योंकि वो अपनी जवाबदारी को समझते हैं @Rivaba4BJP जी , शिक्षा मंत्री गुजरात सरकार #Rivabajadeja #ravindrajadeja pic.twitter.com/OyuiPFPvVa
— राणसिंह राजपुरोहित (@ransinghBJP) December 10, 2025
"My husband, the cricketer Ravindra Jadeja, has to travel to many countries like London, Dubai, and Australia to play cricket," Rivaba Jadeja said at the event. "Despite this, to this day, he has never touched or engaged in any kind of addiction or vice, because he understands his responsibilities. The rest of the team all indulge in vices, but there is no restriction on them."
"My husband has been away from home for 12 years; he can do whatever he wants, but he understands his moral duty - what he needs to do," she added.
Jadeja, one of India's premier all-rounders, has represented the national team across all formats. He retired from T20 Internationals last year, ending on a high following India's historic World Cup triumph.
The all-rounder is set to don India colors again in January next year for a three-match ODI series against New Zealand at home. Following that, he will feature for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2026.
Jadeja made his return to the Royals after several successful seasons with Chennai Super Kings. The move was part of a high-profile trade deal in which Sanju Samson joined CSK.