Jam Saheb Ranjitsinhji To Ajay Jadeja: Jamnagar Royals Have A Cricket Legacy Passed Down Through Generations

In his Dussehra message, Jam Saheb Shatrusalyasinhji of Jamnagar announced former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja as the heir to Jamnagar royal throne.

Jamnagar Royal Family: In a gesture that blends tradition, heritage, and cricket, Jam Saheb Shatrusalyasinhji of Jamnagar has named former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja as the heir of Jamnagar royal throne. For Jamnagar, once known as Nawanagar, this Dussehra announcement is not only a continuation of royal lineage but a tribute to a historic relationship between cricket and this royal family.

The bond between the Jamnagar royals and cricket goes back generations — a connection rooted in the legacy of cricketing pioneers Jam Ranjitsinh and Jam Duleepsinh, and a passion for the game that remains as vibrant today. 

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Who Was Jam Ranji?

The story of Jamnagar is steeped in grandeur and influence. Founded in 1540 by Jam Rawal, Jamnagar quickly developed a reputation as a city with a remarkable royal lineage and rich cultural heritage, and later a passion for cricket that grew into an enduring legacy. While many royal families turned to political or cultural endeavours, Jamnagar’s royals adopted cricket as their calling card on the world stage. It was Jam Ranjitsinh, known universally as "Ranji", who first brought international recognition to Indian cricket, inspiring cricketers for generations and leaving a legacy honoured by the Ranji Trophy played since 1934.

Born in 1872 in Sadodar near Jamnagar, Ranjitsinhji grew up amid the privileges of royal life under British rule. Ranji’s contributions to Indian cricket were ground-breaking. A natural batsman, he possessed a unique style with shots that captivated spectators, like his trademark late cut and glance. Making his debut for England in 1896, Ranji scored 62 and 154 in his first match, winning the admiration of English fans. 

He was the first Indian to achieve such acclaim abroad, and his prowess later earned him a celebrated place in cricket history. In 1899, he scored an incredible 300 runs against Middlesex in a record-breaking innings, cementing his reputation.

Ranjitsinhji’s nephew, Duleepsinhji, would also leave his mark on cricket. Like Ranji Trophy, the prestigious Duleep Trophy celebrates the latter's remarkable legacy. 

In 1907, Ranji became the ruler of Nawanagar, expanding his influence beyond the cricket field by inviting international players to Jamnagar, showcasing his deep commitment to the game.

After Ranjitsinhji passed away in 1933, his successor Jam Digvijaysinhji inherited both the throne and the family’s cricketing spirit. As the third president of the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI), Digvijaysinhji was known for his humanitarian values, famously offering refuge to Polish children during WWII — a gesture that earned him enduring respect in Poland, where a statue commemorates his kindness. His legacy further includes pivotal support to Sardar Patel’s unification efforts and vital contributions to the restoration of Somnath Temple.

Continuing this lineage, his son Shatrusalyasinhji, the current head of the Jamnagar royal family, became a cricketer too, and played in the Ranji Trophy. Shatrusalyasinhji, who had married a princess from the Nepal royal family, does not have any children of his own. He has now named Ajay Jadeja as the heir to the throne.

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Ajay Jadeja's Connection to Jamnagar Royal Family

Ajay Jadeja is the son of Daulatsinh Jadeja, who has been a Member of Parliament from the Jamnagar Lok Sabha thrice and also that of the Gujarat Assembly for three years, representing the royal family’s influence in politics. Daulatsinh, who passed away in 2015, was a cousin to current Jam Saheb Shatrusalyasinhji.

Ajay's mother is from Kerala.

Upholding his family's cricket legacy, Ajay started playing First Class cricket in 1988. Making his international debut in 1992, he became one of India’s beloved all-rounders. Known for his finishing prowess, he played many memorable innings, notably during the 1996 India-Pakistan match. 

He faced a career setback in 2000 due to match-fixing allegations, but returned in 2003 after being cleared. Ajay can be often seen in and heard from the commentary box during cricket matches.

In 2023, Jadeja was appointed the mentor for the Afghanistan cricket team, which registered victories against the mighty England and Pakistan during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 under his guidance.

Jadeja also acted in a couple of films, and was a contestant on the celebrity dance show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa in its first season. He is married to Aditi Jaitly, daughter of politician Jaya Jaitly, and they have two children.