Jersey is a 2022 Indian Hindi-language sports drama film. It is a remake of the 2019 Telugu film of the same name. Jersey is directed and written by Gowtam Tinnanuri in his Hindi directorial debut. The film stars Shahid Kapoor, Mrunal Thakur, and Pankaj Kapoor, with cricket action choreographed by Rob Miller of ReelSports. It was produced by Geetha Arts, Dil Raju Production, Sithara Entertainments, and Brat Films.
Why did Arjun quit cricket?
The story of Jersey revolves around Arjun Talwar, a gifted cricketer from Chandigarh. He boasts an impressive record, including 106 half-centuries, fifty-two centuries, nine double centuries, and two triple centuries. His career downturned after a heart-breaking incident following the 1985-86 Duleep Trophy finals. He learns his selection in the Indian national team was a misprint, leading him to quit cricket in disillusionment.
He then marries his girlfriend, Vidya, with whom he has a son named Ketan, also called Kittu. After quitting cricket, Arjun secured a job in the food sector. However, Arjun’s life takes a turn for the worse in the early 1990s. He is wrongfully suspended from his job on corruption charges.
In 1996, Arjun’s life was in shambles, living in a dilapidated house with Vidya, who struggles to provide for the family as a hotel receptionist. His son Kittu, who shares his passion for cricket, longs for an Indian national team jersey for his birthday. Despite Arjun’s attempts to secure the jersey, he is met with financial constraints and a refusal from Vidya to spend their limited resources on it. His friends’ attempts to pool money also fall short.
Arjun’s former coach, Baali Sir, informs him of a charity cricket match between Punjab and New Zealand, which offers players’ fees. Despite initially hesitating, Arjun agrees to play after a friend falsely claims his participation. Despite a strong performance from the New Zealand team in the match, Arjun, representing Punjab, demonstrates his exceptional batting skills. Although Punjab loses by a narrow margin, Arjun’s performance earns him accolades, especially from Kittu. However, he is disheartened to learn that the players’ fees are donated to charity, leaving him unable to fulfill his son’s wish.
Jersey ending: Did Arjun fulfill Ketan’s dream?
Determined to return to cricket, Arjun faces skepticism due to his age. However, his undeniable skill during practice impresses the officials, and he is selected for the Ranji Trophy. His comeback is marked by remarkable performances and centuries, earning respect from teammates and teaching them valuable techniques. However, the physical toll of the game leads to health concerns, and he is hospitalized for tests. Despite medical advice, Arjun participates in the finals against Karnataka at the Wankhede Stadium.
Facing a formidable opponent in Gowda, a Karnataka bowler, Arjun manages to score a century. In a tense final over, with Arjun’s team needing three runs to win, he heroically scores the required runs, securing victory and the trophy for his team.
In a 2022 event, journalist Jasleen Shergill, who supported Arjun’s comeback, releases a biography titled “Jersey” about him. It is revealed that Arjun was posthumously selected for the Indian national team. At the event, Arjun’s grown-up son Ketan receives a jersey with Arjun’s name, fulfilling his childhood dream. Ketan shares that Arjun passed away from heart failure caused by arrhythmia shortly after the Ranji finals, a condition he kept secret. In a poignant conclusion, Ketan reflects on his father’s life, emphasizing that Arjun never backed down despite hardships, highlighting his resilience and dedication to the sport he loved.
