Vadodara’s cricket community is reeling from the arrest of Jacob Martin, a domestic powerhouse and ex-India player, caught driving drunk and smashing into vehicles on Akota Dandia Bazar Bridge. The mishap unfolded when the 53-year-old’s MG Hector swerved uncontrollably, hitting multiple cars and causing mayhem on a busy stretch.
Akota police responded swiftly, confirming alcohol impairment through tests and taking Martin into custody. Once a beacon for aspiring cricketers in Baroda, his detention has ignited widespread discussion on celebrity accountability.
Diving into his career, Martin featured in 10 ODIs for India from 1999-2001, notching 158 runs in eight innings. Domestically, he was unstoppable: 138 first-class outings yielded 9,192 runs with 23 hundreds and 47 fifties, his best 271. In 101 List A matches, 2,948 runs came via three centuries and 20 half-tons.
Post-retirement in 2007, he mentored young talents, including as Baroda U-19 coach. This scandal threatens to overshadow those achievements, prompting scrutiny of his post-career path.
The incident underscores India’s crackdown on road safety violations. With Martin awaiting charges, fans ponder if this is a one-off lapse or a deeper issue. Police urge vigilance, emphasizing zero tolerance for DUI among all, especially influencers like former athletes.
