‘Others may have vices, but not Jadeja’: Rivaba’s comment ignites debate

Gujarat's Education Minister Rivaba Jadeja has stirred a fresh controversy after claiming that while "other cricketers may indulge in vices," her husband, India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, does not. The remarks, made during a recent public address, have triggered widespread debate among fans and on social media.

Speaking at a public gathering, Rivaba praised Jadeja's discipline and sense of responsibility, noting that his long international career has taken him across countries such as London, Dubai and Australia, yet she had "never seen him engage in any form of intoxication."

"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 travels to places like London, Dubai and Australia. He has never taken any kind of substance. I have never seen him indulge in any vice," she said. "Other members of the team may have habits of their own, and that's up to them. Jadeja could easily have picked up such habits too. No one at home would stop him, he left home at 12, he has had every opportunity. But he never did, because he understands his social responsibilities."

Her comments -- seemingly drawing a comparison between Jadeja and unnamed India teammates -- sparked immediate speculation online. Rivaba did not name any cricketers or provide evidence of misconduct, but her remarks raised questions about whom she was referring to.

This is not the first time Jadeja has found himself at the centre of discussions about off-field habits. Years ago, he was criticised for posting a photo while consuming tobacco, accompanied by a caption roughly translating to: "My childhood passed under dark nights, my youth in mischief." Fans had slammed him for setting a poor example and warned it could affect his future in the national team.

In 2022, Jadeja again created controversy when he posted an AI-generated image of himself holding a bidi, mimicking a scene from Allu Arjun's blockbuster film Pushpa. To avoid backlash, he added a disclaimer: "Tobacco consumption is harmful to health. I do not promote any tobacco products. This picture has been created using graphics."

This time, however, the criticism is directed at Rivaba, not Jadeja. Social media remains abuzz with questions about whether she was hinting at a broader issue within the Indian team, or simply praising her husband in an ill-judged manner.