Ravindra Jadeja’s wife Rivaba Jadeja’s explosive ‘vices’ claim shakes Indian Cricket with new controversy
Rivaba Jadeja, wife of Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja, sparked controversy by praising her husband's discipline while suggesting his teammates indulge in "vices" during a public event in Gujarat.
Last Updated: 03.16 PM, Dec 12, 2025
Tribal Development, Primary, Secondary and Adult Education of Gujarat, Rivaba Jadeja, wife of Indian cricket star Ravindra Jadeja, has unleashed a storm of controversy with remarks praising her husband's iron discipline while implying his teammates freely indulge in "vices" and addictions. Delivered at a public event in Dwarka, Gujarat, the comments have divided fans, former players, and pundits, raising questions about privacy, generalisations, and the pressures on elite athletes.
“He has never touched or engaged in addiction or vice”
Speaking candidly, Rivaba highlighted the temptations faced by cricketers on global tours. "My husband, the cricketer Ravindra Jadeja, has to travel to many countries like London, Dubai, and Australia to play cricket," she said.
"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."
She added, "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."
The phrasing, "unlike some of his teammates" and "the rest of the team all indulge", struck a raw nerve. Social media erupted, with #RivabaJadeja trending nationwide.
Critics accused her of painting Team India with a broad, unfair brush, potentially damaging the reputations of stars like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah, who are known for their professionalism.
Who is Rivaba Jadeja?
Rivaba, a BJP MLA since 2022, often champions family values and fitness in her public life. Her words align with Jadeja's public image as a teetotaler and fitness freak, often seen hitting the gym or riding horses at his Jamnagar farm.
Yet, the timing amplifies the drama: Jadeja, 36, just traded from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a blockbuster IPL move, closing a glorious chapter with five titles under MS Dhoni.
Jadeja's IPL homecoming to RR, where he debuted in 2010, evokes nostalgia. The left-arm spinner and elite fielder boasts 1,600 IPL wickets and runs, plus 300+ international wickets across formats.
Though retired from T20Is post the 2024 World Cup triumph, he remains India's Test and ODI linchpin, with recent hauls in Australia underscoring his value.