Recently, Indian cricketer Sajeevan Sajana talked about how Tamil star Sivakarthikeyan stepped up to support her following the terrible 2018 Wayanad floods. When Sajana’s family had lost everything, Sivakarthikeyan personally reached out to her, she revealed.
The state of Kerala was devastated by the 2018 floods, with Wayanad suffering the most damage. Sajana’s family was left in financial hardship after their entire home was wiped away. The majority of her possessions were lost, including cricket trophies and equipment. Raised in poverty, Sajana had always had to take care of her family financially, setting aside little sums from her district-level cricket earnings. It was a major blow to lose her house and equipment.
Financially, we had nothing. In the past, I was paid Rs 150 to play for the district. In the past, I would save that 150, increase it to 300, 600, etc., and then give it to my parents. I was so content once,
Everyone was helpful, though, asking questions and attempting to assist: Sajeevan Sajana
Sajana received a call from Sivakarthikeyan, with whom she had collaborated on the Tamil sports drama Kanaa, at that time. The well-known philanthropist, the actor, personally called Sajana to ask how she was doing.
When I contacted, Sivakarthikeyan Sir enquired whether I needed assistance. I said to him, “Anna [brother], I have completely lost my cricket kit.” All I need is fresh spikes. I received fresh spikes in less than a week. I used to become anxious when people there asked how my family was doing, and I also had to go for the Challenger Trophy at the time. But everybody was asking questions, trying to help, and offering support,” the all-rounder continued.
Sanjana was relieved to be able to play without worrying about her misplaced equipment because she was getting ready for the Challenger Trophy at the year. Above all, the assistance served as a reminder that she was not facing her challenges alone. Sajana persisted in her hard work in spite of the obstacles she encountered.
She went on to win two consecutive Player of the Year awards from the Kerala State Association (KCA). She achieved widespread acclaim in 2024 when she scored a last-ball six on her debut for the Mumbai Indians, securing an unforgettable victory in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
“To be honest, it’s unsettling for a rookie to be in that kind of circumstance.[MI] coach Charlotte [Edwards], however, would constantly remind me of my responsibilities. “SS, you are supposed to be a finisher,” she told me. The greatest number of balls you can bat in an innings is six, seven, or even just two or three. In certain situations, you must hit and crush the ball. That’s how I continued to practise even at the nets’, the 30-year-old said.
Because of her WPL exploits, she was called up by India and added to the 2024 T20 World Cup roster. Once again demonstrating her ability to perform under duress, she blasted a boundary off her first ball to help India win a group-stage encounter against Pakistan.
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