In a stunning display of power-hitting, Indian-origin cricketer Jerrssis Wadia has taken the Big Bash League (BBL) by storm, becoming an overnight social media sensation. Playing only his second match for the Adelaide Strikers against the Brisbane Heat, the 24-year-old smashed an incredible 22 runs off the first three balls he faced, launching three consecutive sixes into the stands.
The Viral Innings That Changed Everything
The video clip of Wadia's explosive entry quickly went viral, capturing the attention of cricket fans worldwide. The blitz even drew praise from renowned six-hitters like India's Hardik Pandya and West Indies star Nicholas Pooran, who sent him personal messages. "I wanted to hit a six literally every ball that I faced, to be honest," Wadia laughed in reflection. "It was just about being really clear, backing my skills and trying to be as aggressive as I possibly could. Luckily, I could hit three, so that was nice."
He described the aftermath as surreal. "The first couple of days, my Instagram just started blowing up. There were texts from so many Indians and Australians. I also got a couple of texts from top cricketers like Hardik Pandya and Nicholas Pooran. It still hasn't sunk in yet," Wadia added, amazed by how a single performance could shift his entire world.
A Deep-Rooted Connection with Indian Cricket
The connection with Hardik Pandya is more than just a congratulatory text. It is a bond forged through family ties that go back years. Growing up in Mumbai, Hardik used to take tuition from Wadia's mother and even stayed at their house during his early days with the Indian national team. The late Himanshu Pandya, Hardik's father, was a significant source of motivation for the Wadia family.
"They’re close family friends -- Krunal and Hardik. I’ve learned a lot from them," Wadia revealed. "When Hardik was bursting onto the scene, I saw how tirelessly he worked. They used to practise at our ground back home. Seeing how their lives changed gave me hope that I could achieve it too." Wadia himself played age-group cricket for Baroda before his move to Australia.
From Mumbai to Adelaide: A Journey of Belief
Cricket runs deep in Wadia's blood. His grandfather, Neville Wadia, holds a Guinness World Record for being the oldest player to score a century in minor cricket. "My grandpa threw a ball at me when I was four, and I hit it back. That was the first time I connected the ball and I was really happy," he shared. Despite his father, Dilzan Wadia, being a Bollywood actor, it was his cricket-mad grandfather who nurtured his talent in Baroda.
The pivotal decision came after the COVID-19 pandemic halted cricket in India, causing him to miss his crucial U-19 years. "I missed U-19s because of COVID... I knew it would be really tough to get through the system because of how good young cricketers are in India," he said. Against his parents' wishes and without initial financial support, Wadia moved to Australia in 2022 with one clear goal: to become a professional cricketer.
His breakthrough moment arrived eight months ago at a T10 tournament in Melbourne. Former Australian captain Tim Paine, watching from the sidelines, was astonished by an Indian-origin player hitting sixes effortlessly. "Tim Paine thought, hang on, who is this kid who came in? I haven’t seen him anywhere. And from nowhere, he’s hitting the first ball for six," Wadia recalled. That recognition from Paine, who now coaches Australia A and the Adelaide Strikers, became a turning point, giving Wadia the belief he belonged at that level.
Eyes on the Future: A Dream in Green and Gold
Now, with his foot in the door of professional cricket, Wadia has set his sights high. "The goal is to play for Australia, not just one game, but a long and sustainable career in all three formats," he stated emphatically. "I love Test cricket. I love first-class cricket and red-ball cricket. I want to play all three formats. That’s the goal."
He also harbours specific dreams of scoring centuries at two iconic grounds: the Adelaide Oval for his BBL team and Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, the home of his favourite IPL team, the Mumbai Indians. Inspired by the Hindi film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Wadia sees his move to Australia as an adventure—a necessary punt to chase his sporting dreams.
Wadia acknowledges the hard road ahead. "This is just the start of my journey," he says, aware that consistency is key after a scintillating start. His quest for redemption and a lasting career has begun, fueled by the chaos of competition he has always dreamed of: dust, runs, centuries, and victories.
