Ajit Bhalchandra Agarkar is a former cricketer and commentator from India. Since July 4, 2023, he has served as chairman of the BCCI selection committee. He has played for India in over 200 international matches across all three formats.
He is widely regarded as one of India’s finest fast bowlers. He is the third-highest wicket-taker for India in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and has represented India in the 1999 Cricket World Cup, the 2003 Cricket World Cup, and the 2007 World Cup. He was also a member of the squad that won the inaugural 2007 ICC World Twenty20 and a co-winner of the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy, which was shared with Sri Lanka.
Early Years and Childhood
Ajit Agarkar was born on 4 December 1976 in Mumbai, to Meena and Balachandra Agarkar. He has one sister, Manik Agarkar. Agarkar began his career as a batsman before his father entrusted him to cricket coach Ramakant Achrekar. Agarkar changed his sixth-grade school from IES to Shardashram Vidyamandir at Achrekar’s urging.
During this period, he honed his skills as a batsman and bowler while practicing at Shivaji Park. He continued to perform well as a batsman, scoring significantly in the inter-school Giles Shield tournament for the Under-16s and achieving a triple century at age 15.
He carried his form into the Harris Shield under-19 tournament, where he scored consistently, “displaying signs of becoming the next Tendulkar.” During this time, he shifted his attention to his bowling after being told that it would be difficult to reach the Mumbai team as a pure bowler and that he would have a better chance as an all-rounder.
As a youth, Agarkar admired pacers Kapil Dev, Michael Holding, and Ian Botham, and he later developed a fondness for Allan Donald.
Net Worth of Ajit Agarkar
As of 2023, Ajit Agarkar’s estimated net worth is approximately $4 million. The majority of his net worth comes from his earnings as a former Indian cricketer, such as his salary from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and his earnings from the Indian Premier League (IPL). In addition to endorsements and other commercial ventures, he has made money.
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Professional Career of Ajit Agarkar
Former Indian cricketer Ajit Agarkar made his One Day International (ODI) debut against Australia on April 1, 1998, in Kochi. In that match, he got off to an auspicious start by dismissing Adam Gilchrist. In a crucial Coca-Cola Champions Trophy match against New Zealand, Agarkar received his first Man of the Match award shortly after making his debut.
On 17 April 1998, despite defending a modest total of 220, he played a crucial role by taking four wickets, including those of Stephen Fleming and Craig McMillan. Early in Agarkar’s career, Indian fans hoped he would establish a formidable bowling partnership with Javagal Srinath.
However, Srinath’s injuries, as well as the emergence of Ashish Nehra and Zaheer Khan, lead to fierce competition for pace bowling positions. Agarkar remained on the Indian team despite his ailments and the increased competition. He contributed substantially to the team’s 2002 and 2003 success, including their World Cup runner-up finish in 2003.
Agarkar’s performances in Test matches against Australia in 1999 and 2003 were particularly noteworthy. In the 2003 Adelaide Oval Test, he was instrumental in securing India’s first Test victory in Australia in over two decades by taking 6/41.
Despite Agarkar’s more consistent performance in ODIs, his economic rate was frequently high. In 2002, he scored a Test century at Lord’s against England, and he holds the record for the fastest fifty in One-Day Internationals for India, striking 67 not out in 25 balls against Zimbabwe.
Agarkar is the third-highest wicket-taker for India in ODIs, with 288 wickets, behind Javagal Srinath (315) and Anil Kumble (337). In the 2009-10 Ranji Trophy finals against Karnataka, he secured a narrow victory for Mumbai by taking five wickets in the second innings.
On October 16, 2013, just prior to the beginning of the 2013-14 Ranji season, Ajit Agarkar proclaimed his retirement from all forms of cricket, bringing an end to his illustrious career.
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Personal Life of Ajit Agarkar
Former Indian cricketer Ajit Agarkar has been married to Fatima Ghadially since 2002. Together, they have one son, Raj.
In 1998, Agarkar and Ghadially met through a mutual acquaintance. They began dating in 2000 and were wed in 2002. Their nuptials in Mumbai was a private affair.
Raj has represented Mumbai at the Under-14 and Under-16 levels in cricket. Agarkar and Ghadially are a contently wedded couple who frequently attend cricket games together. Additionally, they are involved in numerous charitable organizations.