VADODARA, January 27, 2026 – Former Indian middle-order batsman Jacob Martin has found himself on a very "sticky wicket" after a late-night outing ended in a high-speed collision and a trip to the Akota police station.
In a scene that local witnesses described as more of 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 near Punit Nagar Society. Officers arriving at the scene described the 53-year-old former Baroda captain as "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 or injuries), 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 a trail of twisted metal and glass.
The Akota police have hit Martin with a heavy "penalty over" under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Motor Vehicles Act. The legal scoreboard currently reads:
- Rash and Negligent Driving: Sections 281 and 324(5) (BNS).
- Driving Under the Influence: Sections 177, 184, and 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act.
- Prohibition Offense: Section 66(1)B of the Gujarat Prohibition Act for consuming alcohol in a dry state.
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 campaign for the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) elections scheduled for February 15.
Martin has been a "star player" for the group, publicly endorsing their platform of transparency and integrity just days ago at a joint press conference. Now, the group—named after the national motto Satyamev Jayate (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
Critics point out that this is far from Martin's first time being sent to the pavilion by law enforcement. His "disciplinary record" is marred by several controversial "deliveries":
- 2011: Arrested by Delhi Police for an alleged illegal immigration racket involving a "bogus" cricket team.
- 2018: A life-threatening road accident that saw current India stars like KL Rahul and the BCCI "pitch in" for his medical recovery.
- Prohibition Violations: Multiple previous "short balls" involving alcohol offenses in Vadodara.
Final Verdict
As the BCA polls approach, the Royal Satyamev Jayate Group is on a very sticky wicket. With local residents in Akota calling for accountability, the group must decide: do they "drop" their star supporter to save their reputation, or allow this scandal to result in a "clean sweep" for their rivals?
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