
Shivam Sharma
abplive|23-04-2026
Rajasthan Royals (RR) all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja shared a touching tribute to his wife, Rivaba Jadeja, during the post-match ceremony, following his match-winning performance against Lucknow Super Giants on April 22.
After securing his first IPL 'Player of the Match' award in two years, Jadeja didn't just thank his teammates - he gave a special shoutout to his wife’s political career and her intuition.
With a proud smile, Jadeja told the presenters, "I want to dedicate this award to the Education Minister of Gujarat." He was referring to Rivaba, who was sworn in as a Cabinet Minister (holding the Education portfolio) in October 2025.
Ravindra Jadeja revealed that Rivaba had made a bold prediction on the eve of the match. "She said yesterday that I will do well, and I did," he recalled, crediting her belief for his return to peak form.
In a moment of playful confidence, Jadeja also joked that he had the dangerous Nicholas Pooran "in his pocket" after outfoxing him with a slower delivery during the chase.
Ravindra Jadeja’s tribute was the cherry on top of a "vintage" performance that snapped RR’s two-game losing streak:
Coming in when the Royals were struggling at 77/5, Jadeja top-scored with a patient and crucial 43 off 29 balls*. His 49-run stand with impact player Shubham Dubey pushed RR to 159.
While defending the lowest total of the season, Jadeja bowled a tight spell (1/29), including the massive wicket of Nicholas Pooran, which effectively broke the back of LSG’s chase.
Result: Rajasthan Royals defeated Lucknow Super Giants by 40 runs
RR Score: 159/7 (Ravindra Jadeja 43*, Riyan Parag 20)
LSG Score: 119 all out (Mohammed Shami 2 wickets, Ravindra Jadeja 1 wicket)
Standings: RR climbed to 2nd; Lucknow Super Giants dropped to 9th
Standings: RR climbed to 2nd; Lucknow Super Giants dropped to 9th




