With movie star and world record-holding pedigree to a new life in Adelaide, Jerrssis Wadia’s story is unlike any other in Australian cricket
Most Australian cricketers’ pathways to higher honours are straightforward. Play underage representative cricket, get recognised and perform. and then get selected. For Cricket Australia XI member Jerrssis Wadia, that pathway has been anything but.
The Indian-born 24-year-old burst onto the scene last season for Adelaide Strikers, where, in just his second BBL match, he hit his first three balls for six against Brisbane Heat. It catapulted him from relative obscurity into a recognisable name.
“The media stuff just went through the roof,” Wadia recalled of the days following his breakout innings. “It was kind of tough at the start, but I feel like it’s my story that brings some attention, coming from an Indian background.”
Wadia’s story is more than just where he grew up. His father, Dillzan, is an actor in Bollywood, while his grandfather, Neville, holds a Guinness World Record as the oldest man to score a century in minor cricket.
For Wadia, it was his grandfather who first instilled that love of the game.
“(My grandfather) was really keen on me to become a cricketer,” he told cricket.com.au.
“I travelled 400km from Mumbai to live with my grandparents, since both my parents worked and they couldn’t take me to trainings as I was still very young. He helped me out through my younger and junior years as a cricketer.”
While living with his grandparents, Wadia was also introduced to Hardik and Krunal Pandya and a bond was formed with the future Indian stars.
“My family helped out Hardik and Krunal with their education when they were kids, and our relationship kind of went from there,” he said. “My dad, Hardik and Krunal all played cricket together and the bond got really strong.
“When Hardik came onto the scene in the IPL, he stayed with my parents for a bit because he played for Mumbai Indians and he didn’t have a place in Mumbai.
“I got a text from Hardik and Krunal after (I was selected in) the CA XI, as well as after my Big Bash debut. It’s amazing to have support like that and to have someone who’s already dominated at the top level but is still humble enough to talk and guide me whenever he can.
“Not everyone would have the privilege to talk to players who are at that level, especially Indian cricketers. They’re like rock stars.”