Ravindra Jadeja Recalls Shane Warne In Emotional Tribute: He Gave Me A Huge Platform At The First IPL

Sport

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja said he couldn’t believe it on Saturday when he learned of the shocking death of Australian spin legend Shane Warne. Jadeja said it was Warne who gave him a huge platform in 2008.

Shane Warne gave me a huge platform at the first IPL: Ravindra Jadeja (AP Photo)

Shane Warne gave me a huge platform at the first IPL: Ravindra Jadeja (AP Photo)

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Shane Warne gave me a huge platform at the first IPL: Ravindra Jadeja
  • Warne’s death shows that there are no certainties in life: Jadeja
  • When I first met Warne in 2008, he was already a legend: Jadeja

Indian star Ravindra Jadeja expressed his sadness at the sudden and untimely death of Australian spin legend Shane Warne. Jadeja reminisced about his time with Shane Warne during the 2008 IPL.

Jadeja was already the U-19 world champion when he joined the Rajasthan Royals in the first edition of the IPL in 2008, but it was Shane Warne’s belief in the youngster’s abilities that made him an instant hit with fans.

Royals won the first IPL and Jadeja played his role, albeit as a finisher, making his way into Warne’s good books and being dubbed “The Rockstar”.

As the world mourned the shocking death of 52-year-old Warne in Koh Samui, Thailand, Jadeja seems still trying to fathom the reality of the tragedy that has hit millions of cricket fans hard.

“That was shocking news. The moment I heard it I was so sad and not well. I found it hard to believe that could be true,” Jadeja said when asked about his time with Warne.

When he first met Warne, it was more like a kid in a candy store and meeting a childhood hero.

“When I first met him in 2008, he was already a legend and I couldn’t believe that I would play alongside a player of Shane Warnes’ caliber,” said Jadeja after the second day of the first friendly against Sri Lanka.

“We just came out of our U-19s and sharing the dressing room with Warne was a big deal for young players like us. He gave me a huge platform and after the U-19 it was a direct entry into the IPL.” Jadeja said, expressing his gratitude.

Warne’s death shows the fickle nature of life.

“His death shows that there are no certainties in life. Anything can happen at any time and this type of news suddenly shocks you with the question: “What the hell happened?” I want to pray to Almighty that his soul rest in peace,” said Jadeja.

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