"After the World Cup ended, I saw tears in his eyes for our country" - Hashmatullah Shahidi hails Ajay Jadeja's contribution to Afghanistan cricket
Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi has hailed former mentor Ajay Jadeja's contribution to the team. Describing him as the most positive person he has ever met, the left-handed batter added that the former India cricketer had tears in his eyes after the conclusion of Afghanistan's 2023 ODI World Cup campaign.
Jadeja was appointed mentor of the Afghanistan cricket team for the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. The Asian side had a memorable campaign in the ICC event during which they defeated England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Netherlands to finish sixth in the league points table.
During his appearance on Shubhankar Mishra's podcast, Shahidi was effusive in praising the former India cricketer. Hailing the 53-year-old’s contribution to Afghanistan cricket, he said:
"He is a very positive person. I have never seen a more positive person than Jadeja in my life. He kept motivating us in tough times and during pressure situations. He had knowledge of conditions."
"After the World Cup ended, I saw tears in his eyes for our country. I have the video as well. He loved Afghanistan so much. We are still in touch," the 29-year-old went on to add.
Afghanistan have continued their impressive run in international cricket even after the 2023 ODI World Cup. They reached the semifinal of the 2024 T20 World Cup, eventually going down to South Africa. Recently, they registered a historic 2-1 ODI series win over the Proteas in Sharjah.
Ajay Jadeja refused to take any money for his services to Afghanistan cricket
Earlier this year, Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) CEO Naseeb Khan revealed that Jadeja did not take any payment for rendering his services as a mentor during the 2023 ODI World Cup. He added that when the cricket board insisted he take some payment, Jadeja replied that the team playing well was his reward.
"We insisted multiple times but Jadeja refused to take any money from the Afghanistan Cricket Board for his services during the 2023 ODI World Cup. His response was, 'If you play well, that's all the money and reward I need," Khan was quoted as saying by Ariana News.
A flamboyant personality during his playing days, Jadeja represented India in 15 Tests and 196 ODIs from 1992 to 2000, scoring 576 and 5,359 runs, respectively. Apart from his batting skills, he was also known for his brilliant fielding.