Fortunately or unfortunately for him, the image that comes to mind when mentioning Ajit Agarkar isn’t just of him charging in as a fast bowler, rather it is of him holding his bat up high and celebrating a century at Lord’s. Ajit Agarkar was a silent hero of Indian cricket, letting his ball and occasionally his bat do the talking. As a skiddy fast bowler, Ajit holds a special place in the hearts of all the 90’s kids. His ability to swing the ball both ways, coupled with his unexpected prowess with the bat lower down the order, allowed Agarkar to carve out a unique niche for himself in the cricketing world. His swift rise to prominence, highlighted by record-breaking performances, stands as a testament to his immense talent and unwavering dedication.
Ajit Agarkar, born on December 4, 1977, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, began his journey in cricket from the bustling streets of Shivaji Park, a cradle for many Indian cricket legends. Growing up in a cricket-loving family, with his father’s unwavering support and his uncle, a former club cricketer, nurturing his talent, Agarkar’s passion for the game was evident from an early age.
He attended the prestigious Shardashram Vidyamandir, known for producing cricketing greats like Sachin Tendulkar. Agarkar’s talent quickly shone through in Mumbai’s competitive cricket circuits. Under the guidance of renowned coach Ramakant Achrekar, he honed his skills as a fast bowler. His hard work paid off when he made his debut for Mumbai in the domestic circuit, showcasing his ability to swing the ball both ways with precision. His impressive performances earned him a spot in the Indian national team in 1998.
AJIT AGARKAR FACTFILE:Full Name Ajit Bhalchandra Agarkar Nickname Aggy Birthplace Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Residence Mumbai, Mahrashtra Date of Birth December 4, 1977 Height 5’ 7” (170 cm) Weight 70kgs Teams Represented India, Mumbai, Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Daredevils
Net Worth ₹41 crore ($5 million) Spouse Fatima Ghadially (m. 2002) Children Raj
AJIT AGARKAR: CAREER IN NUMBERS
Ajit Agarkar was a bowler known for his ability to swing the ball with skiddy pace. His overall career includes 288 ODI wickets and 58 Test wickets, showcasing his effectiveness across formats. His knack for crucial breakthroughs and his lower-order batting contributions made him a valuable asset to the Indian cricket team. Format Matches Innings Balls Wickets Average Eco 5w Test 26 46 4,857 58 47.33 3.39 1 ODI 191 188 9,484 288 27.85 5.07 2 T20I 4 3 63 3 28.33 8.1 0 IPL 42 42 782 29 39.69 8.83 0
Ajit Agarkar was a bowler known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and his skiddy pace. His overall career includes 288 ODI wickets and 58 Test wickets, showcasing his effectiveness across formats. His knack for crucial breakthroughs and his lower-order batting contributions made him a valuable asset to the Indian cricket team.
AGARKAR’S TOP CRICKETING HIGHLIGHTS:
- Century at Lord’s in 2002
Ajit Agarkar etched his name into the history books by scoring an unbeaten century at Lord’s, a feat not many bowlers achieve. His 109* against England remains one of his most memorable innings, showcasing his capability with the bat. This innings was instrumental in establishing Agarkar as a significant player in the Indian team.
- 6/42 Against Australia
In the 2003 Adelaide Test, Agarkar produced a match-winning spell of 6/42, helping India secure a historic victory against Australia. His exceptional performance with the ball was crucial in dismantling the Australian batting lineup and securing a memorable win for India.
- 4 Wickets in 4 Balls
During a 2006 ODI against Australia, Agarkar took four wickets in four balls, a rare and extraordinary feat in cricket. This performance, which came against a formidable Australian side, highlighted his capability as a game-changer and delivered a significant blow to Australia’s batting lineup.
- Fastest Fifty in ODIs
Agarkar holds the record for the fastest fifty by an Indian in ODIs, achieved in just 21 balls against Zimbabwe in 2000. This record-breaking performance demonstrated his explosive batting lower down the order and showcased his ability to accelerate the scoring rate when needed.
- Part of the 2007 T20 Winning Squad
As part of the squad that won the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, Agarkar’s contributions were vital. His experience and skills added depth to the team, and while his role was not as prominent as others, his presence was invaluable in clinching the title and setting the tone for India’s future success in T20 cricket.
Ajit Agarkar was known for his calm demeanor both on and off the field. He stayed away from controversies and let his performance speak for itself, offering a valuable lesson to aspiring cricketers and athletes about maintaining focus and humility. A memorable incident involving Agarkar took place in Australia, where he endured five consecutive ducks. His reaction upon finally scoring at the Gabba in the 2003/04 series was remarkable; he raised his bat in celebration as if he had scored a century. The crowd’s laughter at this moment has since become a cherished memory for Indian cricket fans.
HONORS AND ACCOLADES:
Ajit Agarkar’s excellence in cricket has been recognized with a couple of prestigious awards and honors.
- Arjuna Award (2007): For his outstanding achievements in cricket.
- Madhavrao Scindia Award (2000): For being the highest wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy.
Agarkar’s Records:
- Fastest 50 Wickets in ODIs: Agarkar held the record for being the fastest to 50 wickets in ODIs.
- Century at Lord’s: One of the few Indians to score a Test century at Lord’s.
- Highest Wicket-Taker in 2000 Ranji Trophy: Agarkar was the leading wicket-taker in the 2000 Ranji Trophy season.
- Fastest Fifty in ODIs by an Indian: Achieved in just 21 balls against Zimbabwe in 2000.
- Most Runs in an ODI Inning by a Number 8 Batsman: Scored 95 runs against Zimbabwe in 2000.
WHAT IS AJIT AGARKAR’S NET WORTH IN 2024?
The often underrated cricketer has found his redemption with the recent appointment of Ajit Agarkar as the Chairman of the Senior Men’s Selection Committee by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Heading the five-man committee, Agarkar will work alongside Shiv Sundar Das, Subroto Banerjee, Sridharan Sharath, and Salil Ankola. Agarkar has been in the spotlight lately, notably as a selector for the 2024 T20 World Cup-winning team.
His bold decisions have drawn both heavy criticism and praise. It will be intriguing to see his collaboration with former teammate Gautam Gambhir, who has taken on the role of head coach of the Indian team. The BCCI, the richest cricket board globally, plays a crucial role in cricket’s growing popularity and its financial success, earning significantly more than all other cricket boards combined. Ajit Agarkar’s senior position is likely to be highly lucrative and will be a key element in evaluating his earnings and net worth
As of 2024, Ajit Agarkar’s net worth is estimated to be around ₹41 crore, or approximately $5 million, although he has not officially confirmed this figure. His wealth stems from a successful cricket career, sponsorship deals, and his post-playing activities.
AGARKAR’S EARNINGS
Salaries have played a significant role in Agarkar’s revenue throughout his career. During his career, Agarkar earned through IPL contracts with the Delhi Daredevils and Kolkata Knight Riders, as well as brand endorsements and BCCI match fees.
POST-RETIREMENT EARNINGS:
Since retiring, Agarkar has built a strong reputation as a cricket analyst and commentator. His work with Star Sports and other broadcasters likely contributes to his current financial status. Additionally, any unreported business ventures or investments could also influence his overall net worth.
The former Indian pacer had previously served as an Assistant Coach with the Delhi Capitals, where he would have earned a substantial salary. However, the Delhi Capitals decided to part ways with both him and Shane Watson ahead of the 2022 IPL season due to a disappointing performance. This move marked the end of their coaching stint with the team.
He has also demonstrated a keen business acumen by diversifying his investments. Notably, Agarkar’s wife is a businesswoman who co-founded the Agarkar Centre of Excellence (ACE). This venture not only expands the family’s portfolio but also highlights their dedication to advancing cricket’s development and excellence.
AGARKAR AS CHAIRMAN OF SELECTION COMMITTEE:
As of now, specific details about Ajit Agarkar’s salary as the Chairman of the Senior Men’s Selection Committee are not officially disclosed by the BCCI. However, various reports suggest that the salary for this role is around ₹3 crore per year, which aligns with the 200% increase mentioned compared to the previous chairman.
AGARKAR’S ENDORSEMENTS
Ajit Agarkar’s public persona has made him a sought-after figure for brand endorsements. His earnings from endorsements form a substantial part of his total income, reflecting his market appeal.
- Nike: Agarkar’s association with the sportswear giant Nike has been long-standing, promoting their cricket gear and apparel.
- Boost: Agarkar’s partnership with Boost, a popular energy drink, aligns with his image as a fit and active athlete.
REAL ESTATE OWNED BY AJIT AGARKAR
Ajit Agarkar owns a three-bedroom, 1,500-sq ft apartment in Ashok Tower, Mumbai. Designed by Sandesh Prabhu, the home offers a 360-degree view of Mumbai’s skyline and is filled with natural light, creating an airy atmosphere. The building provides extensive amenities, including open spaces, walkways, a clubhouse, garden, gym, and sports facilities. The spacious environment was a key factor in choosing this property, aiming to provide a holistic living experience for Agarkar’s family, especially for their son, Raj.
Multiple properties in Mumbai: Agarkar has invested significantly in Mumbai, owning several properties including apartments and houses.
Alibaug farmhouse: The cricketer and his family own a luxurious farmhouse in Alibaug, a popular getaway near Mumbai.
Ajit Agarkar is widely recognized for his reserved nature. He maintains a high level of privacy, particularly on social media, where he keeps his profiles private and rarely shares personal details. This discretion extends to his public life, as he generally avoids drawing attention to his private affairs, preferring to keep his personal life away from the limelight.
In a cricketing era dominated by louder personalities, Agarkar’s quiet heroism and consistent excellence made him a beloved figure. He may not have always been in the limelight, but for those who grew up watching him, Ajit Agarkar remains a true icon of Indian cricket.
