No, Jersey is not based on a real story. Jersey is a 2019 Indian Telugu-language fictional sports drama film written and directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri. Produced by Suryadevara Naga Vamsi under the banner of Sithara Entertainments, the movie stars Nani and Shraddha Shrinath alongside Sathyaraj, Ronit Kamra, Harish Kalyan and Sanusha.
Jersey was rumoured to a biography of the late Indian cricketer Raman Lamba. However, the director has repeatedly clarified that the movie is entirely fictional and not connected to Lamba or any other specific individual. Be that as may be, Jersey draws inspiration from real-life instances experienced by other cricketers. The movie also touches upon real-life challenges in Indian cricket like selection politics, financial struggles and late-career efforts.
Plot Summary
Arjun, a highly talented cricketer in the 1980s, quit the sport at the age of 26 due to selection politics and personal frustrations. A decade later, in his mid-30s, he is unemployed and facing financial hardships. He lives a quiet life with his wife Sarah and young son Nani. When his son expresses his wish for an official Indian cricket team jersey, Arjun tries hard but fails to fulfil his son’s wish. Finally, he decides to make a dramatic comeback to professional cricket.
Arjun trains relentlessly to play in the Ranji Trophy and eventually land a spot in the Indian cricket team. He is selected to play for Hyderabad in the Ranji Trophy. Arjun suffers from severe chest pain during the semifinals but plays magnificently to lead his team into the final. Despite warnings by doctors to quit and get himself examined, Arjun perseveres. In the final match, Hyderabad team runs into rough weather but Arjun rises to the occasion and secures a stunning victory before collapsing.
Inspirations From Real Incidents
The character of Arjun draws from Delhi batsman Raman Lamba. Lamba was aged 36 when he became the highest scorer in the 1996-97 Ranji Trophy season, with 1034 runs. While the movie shows Hyderabad as the table toppers in both the zonal and super league stages, the same was true for Delhi in 1996-97 Ranji Trophy season. Raman Lamba’s professional career lasted till 1997-98 when he was tragically killed due to a hit on the head during a club match in Bangladesh.
In the movie, Arjun suffers from a heart disease called arrhythmia. In reality, a similar heart condition ended the career of an English cricketer named James Taylor.