In the verdant hills of Wayanad, Kerala, where tradition meets passion, one young cricketer is rewriting the narrative of women’s cricket. Sajeevan Sajana—also known as Sajana Johnson—is rapidly emerging as a formidable all-rounder for the India women’s national cricket team. Born on January 4, 1995, in Mananthavady, Wayanad, Sajeevan’s journey from humble beginnings to international acclaim is as inspiring as it is transformative. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence both on and off the field.
Early Life and Family Background
Sajeevan Sajana’s roots are deeply embedded in the small town of Mananthavady in Wayanad, Kerala. Growing up in a tight-knit Kurichya family, she was instilled with values of hard work and perseverance from a young age. Her father, Sajeevan, worked as an autorickshaw driver, while her mother, Sarada, served as a panchayat ward councillor. Despite financial constraints, her parents always supported her cricketing ambitions. One of the most heartwarming anecdotes from her childhood involves her father’s dedication—carving a cricket bat out of wood to encourage her passion for the sport.
Her early education was at Government Vocational Higher Secondary School in Mananthavady and a Government residential school in Pookode, where she attended from Class 6 to 10. Later, Sajeevan pursued higher studies at Sree Kerala Varma College in Thrissur, earning a degree in Political Science. These formative years in Kerala not only laid the academic foundation for her but also cultivated a deep love for cricket that would define her future.
Rising Through the Ranks: Domestic Career
Sajeevan Sajana’s talent was apparent from her early days in domestic cricket. Representing Kerala in the Senior Women’s One Day League, she made her List A debut on November 9, 2012, against Andhra. Shortly thereafter, she made her Twenty20 debut for Kerala on December 18, 2011, also against Andhra. Her consistent performances in domestic tournaments quickly caught the eye of selectors, and she soon became a vital cog in the Kerala women’s cricket team.
Her leadership abilities were first tested when she captained the Chandigarh team in the Under 23 T20 Trophy in 2020. In that tournament, Sajeevan’s all-round prowess shone through as she scored an impressive 184* runs and claimed 10 wickets, leading her team to a memorable victory. This performance not only underscored her skill set but also established her as a natural leader on the field.
| Domestic Milestone | Achievement |
|---|---|
| List A Debut (2012–13 Senior Women’s One Day League) | Debuted for Kerala against Andhra |
| T20 Debut (2011–12 Senior Women’s T20 League) | Made her debut against Andhra |
| U-23 T20 Trophy (2020) | Captained Chandigarh; scored 184* runs and took 10 wickets |
Her consistent domestic performances eventually earned her a place in the South Zone team and set the stage for her international breakthrough.
International Breakthrough and Career Highlights
Sajeevan Sajana made her international debut for the India women’s national cricket team on April 28, 2024, in a T20 match against Bangladesh at Sylhet. Donning jersey number 44 for India, she quickly made an impression with her dynamic play. Although her international career is still in its early stages, her debut performance demonstrated the potential that has long been anticipated by fans and selectors alike.
Her breakthrough moment came during a T20I against South Africa in January 2023, when she smashed an explosive 41 runs off just 30 deliveries, helping India secure a crucial 27-run victory. This performance earned her the coveted Player of the Match title and cemented her status as one of the promising young talents in Indian cricket.
| International Debut & Milestones | Details |
|---|---|
| T20I Debut | April 28, 2024 vs. Bangladesh at Sylhet |
| Breakthrough Performance | 41* off 30 balls vs. South Africa, January 2023 |
| Jersey Number (India) | #44 |
Her selection in the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup squad further solidified her position, and her continued progress in international cricket is a testament to her hard work and natural talent.
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) and Franchise Cricket
Franchise cricket has revolutionized the sport, providing young players with a platform to showcase their skills on a global stage. In December 2023, Sajeevan Sajana was signed by the Mumbai Indians Women’s Team in the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction for a handsome price of INR 15 lakhs. Her debut season in the WPL quickly became a talking point when she played a match-winning knock against the Delhi Capitals. In the final moments of the game, with just one ball left and 5 runs needed, Sajeevan delivered a match-clinching six that sealed the victory for her team. This performance not only highlighted her knack for handling pressure but also marked her as a rising star in the world of women’s franchise cricket.
| WPL Milestones | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Signed by Mumbai Indians (2023 auction) | Contract valued at INR 15 lakhs |
| Match-Winning Innings | Hit a last-ball six against Delhi Capitals in 2024 season |
| WPL Awards | Received “Catch of the Season” award in WPL 2024 |
Looking ahead, as the Women’s Premier League expands and evolves—potentially mirroring the excitement of the IPL—there is anticipation that her market value may further increase, setting the stage for even more lucrative contracts in future seasons.
Career Statistics: On-Field Performance
Sajeevan Sajana’s statistics are a clear indicator of her versatility and potential. As an all-rounder, she contributes significantly both with the bat and the ball. Her career statistics, compiled from various domestic and international formats, illustrate her steady progress and ability to perform under pressure.
| Competition | Matches | Runs Scored | Batting Average | Wickets Taken | Best Bowling | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WT20I | 5 | 20 | 10.00 | – | – | Debut performance; consistent in limited opportunities |
| WLA | 78 | 1,306 | 23.32 | 89 | 4/11 | Key contributions in domestic one-day matches |
| WT20 | 94 | 1,194 | 20.58 | 60 | 4/10 | Significant impact in T20 leagues |
| WPL | 9 | 87 | 29.00 | 2 | 1/11 | Star performance in crucial match-winning moments |
These figures reflect not only her ability to contribute across multiple formats but also her potential for further growth as she gains more experience on the international stage.
Personal Life and Lifestyle
Despite her meteoric rise in the cricketing world, Sajeevan Sajana remains deeply connected to her roots. Born in the quaint town of Mananthavady, Wayanad, she still resides with her family—a source of constant support throughout her journey. Her father, Sajeevan, an autorickshaw driver, and her mother, Sarada, a dedicated panchayat ward councillor, have been instrumental in nurturing her dreams. The values instilled in her during her formative years continue to guide her both on and off the field.
Sajeevan is known for her grounded personality and disciplined lifestyle. When not on the field, she enjoys simple pleasures like listening to music, reading, and traveling. These hobbies provide a welcome respite from the pressures of international cricket and allow her to maintain a balanced life.
| Personal Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 4, 1995 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 30 Years |
| Hometown | Mananthavady, Wayanad, Kerala |
| Family | Father: Sajeevan (autorickshaw driver), Mother: Sarada (panchayat ward councillor); Siblings: Gurukripal Singh, Kamaljot Kaur |
| Hobbies | Listening to music, reading, traveling |
Her connection to her cultural heritage and her community has also made her a role model, particularly for young girls in Kerala who aspire to break barriers in sports.
Endorsements and Brand Collaborations
With her rising profile and impressive on-field performances, Sajeevan Sajana is increasingly becoming a sought-after face for brand endorsements. Although there is limited public information about her current deals, reports suggest that she charges between INR 50,000 and INR 80,000 per promotional shoot. In 2024, both she and fellow cricketer Asha Sobhana signed contracts with Puma as brand collaborators, further boosting her visibility and market value.
| Endorsement Details | Estimated Fee | Brands Associated |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Promotion Shoots | INR 50,000 – INR 80,000 per event | Puma (current collaboration) |
As her career progresses, her endorsement portfolio is expected to expand, providing her with additional income streams and enhancing her overall net worth.
Looking Ahead: Future Prospects and IPL 2025
While Sajeevan Sajana has already made a significant impact in domestic and international cricket, the future looks even brighter. With the Women’s Premier League (WPL) becoming a key platform for female cricketers, her performances in the 2023 season have set the stage for even more lucrative opportunities.
There is growing speculation that as the franchise model matures—potentially extending to cross-league opportunities akin to the IPL in men’s cricket—Sajeevan’s market value will rise further. With every match, her experience and reputation grow, positioning her as one of the most promising talents in the Indian women’s cricket circuit.
Conclusion: A Beacon of Hope and Inspiration
Sajeevan Sajana’s journey from the humble streets of Mananthavady, Wayanad, to the international cricket arena is a testament to her hard work, determination, and unwavering passion for the game. As she continues to break new ground with her dynamic all-round performances, she serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring cricketers across India. With a net worth estimated at nearly INR 1.5 Crores, impressive career statistics, and a promising future in both domestic and international cricket, Sajeevan is not only transforming the landscape of women’s cricket but also embodying the spirit of perseverance and excellence.
Her story is far from over. As the Women’s Premier League evolves and as new opportunities like potential cross-league events emerge, Sajeevan Sajana is set to become an even more influential figure in the cricketing world. For now, her journey stands as a powerful reminder that with the right support, determination, and talent, dreams can indeed be transformed into reality.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or career advice. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult professional advisors before making any decisions.
