MS Dhoni made a few jokes against his India and CSK colleague Ravindra Jadeja on X (previously Twitter) in April 2013. It’s interesting to note that Jadeja’s name went viral and was followed by the nickname “Sir.” Jadeja has spoken about how the “title” came to be and how great captain Dhoni helped make it famous, over a decade after being bestowed with it.
In an interview with the renowned Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, Jadeja reveals why he despises the label.
Recalling an instance from the 2013 Delhi Test match against Australia, in which he “innocently” followed the rising practice of addressing Jadeja as “sir,” it’s interesting to note that Ashwin was the one who encouraged his former colleague to open up.
It was your first complete series in 2013, and we were facing Australia in Delhi. I was fielding at covers when you were bowling. When I responded, “Come on, Sir!” you reprimanded me and used a profanity. Who gave you this nickname, Sir Jadeja, and why did you get upset, please”? Ashwin said. ”
Then, before the two-time world cup winning captain’s tweets, Jadeja recounted an instance in which Dhoni responded to his question with a caustic tone.
“Mahi bhai gave me this name (Sir),” Jadeja said. “Back then, he had tweeted at them three or four times. It got well-known after going viral. It was in Chandigarh, most likely for an IPL or Test match, and I believe it was pouring at one point. I asked Mahi bhai whether we still needed to go for practice. “No, we’ll call the ground to you,” he said in a humorous manner.
Then, Ashwin questioned him about why he was using profanity at his command. However, why did you mistreat me for addressing you as Sir? The audience and the rest of the world were calling you by this name. I am your colleague, and I called you “sir” without meaning to.
With a sheepish grin, Jadeja went on to say that he feels like he’s being teased anytime he’s called “sir.”
“I feel like he’s pulling my leg if he calls me Sir. I’m thinking about it now.” It’s good that you can tell people through this podcast, but the name has stuck,” he remarked.
