VADODARA, January 27, 2026 – Former India middle-order batsman Jacob Martin has found himself on a very “sticky wicket” after a late-night outing ended in a major collision and a trip to the pavilion—this time, the Akota police station.
In a scene that looked more like a batting collapse than a drive home, Martin was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday after his luxury MG Hector SUV “slogged” into three parked vehicles. The incident occurred around 2:30 AM on OP Road. Local police reported that the 53-year-old former Ranji winner appeared “retired hurt” by his own choices—staggering, bloodshot, and visibly intoxicated.
The Scorecard: Damages and Charges
While no one was out “caught or bowled” (no casualties), the collateral damage was high. Martin’s SUV rampaged through a Kia Seltos, a Hyundai Venue, and a Maruti Celerio, leaving the street littered with debris.
The police have hit Martin with a heavy “penalty over” under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Motor Vehicles Act:
- Rash and Negligent Driving: Sections 281 and 324(5).
- Duck on the Field: Provisions for driving under the influence in a dry state (Gujarat Prohibition Act).
Royal Satyamev Jayate Group: Caught in the Slips
The timing of this “unforced error” is a massive blow to the Royal Satyamev Jayate Group. The alliance, led by Samarjitsinh Gaekwad and Dr. Darshan Banker, is currently in the middle of a high-stakes “test match” for the BCA Elections scheduled for February 15.
Martin has been a “star player” in their campaign, publicly endorsing the group’s focus on transparency and ethics. Now, the group—named after the motto “Truth Alone Triumphs”—is facing a serious credibility crisis. Critics are asking if the alliance’s defense is strong enough to handle a key supporter repeatedly “flouting the rules of the game.”
A Career of No-Balls
This isn’t the first time Martin has been “red-carded.” His legal history includes:
- Illegal Immigration Racket (2011): A “wrong-un” involving a bogus cricket team that led to his arrest by Delhi Police.
- Prohibition Violations: Multiple previous “short balls” with Vadodara’s alcohol laws.
- 2018 Road Accident: A life-threatening crash that required the cricketing community to “pitch in” for his medical bills.
As the BCA polls approach, the Royal Satyamev Jayate Group is under pressure to “declare” their stance. Will they bench their controversial supporter, or will this “over-the-limit” incident lead to a total defeat at the polls?
For a man who once led Baroda to glory, this latest “hit-and-run” looks like a permanent stain on his career scorecard.