Ajit Agarkar, the dynamic cricketer from Mumbai, carved a niche for himself in Indian cricket with his explosive batting, effective bowling, and athleticism on the field. Despite highs and lows in his career, Agarkar’s journey is a testament to perseverance and versatility in the sport.
Born on December 4, 1977, in Mumbai, Agarkar’s cricketing journey began in the competitive cricketing landscape of India’s financial capital. His talent quickly caught the eye of selectors, leading to his international debut in 1998 against Australia.
He is the current chairman of the BCCI selection committee since July 4, 2023. He has represented India in more than 200 international matches across all three formats of the game.
Ajit Agarkar, known for his dynamic all-round abilities, achieved several notable milestones and accolades during his cricketing career. Here are some of his key achievements:
International Career Achievements:
1.Fastest to 50 ODI wickets: Agarkar held the record for being the fastest Indian bowler to reach 50 wickets in One Day Internationals (ODIs), achieving this milestone in just 23 matches.
2.Best ODI Bowling Figures: Agarkar’s best bowling figures in ODIs came against Australia in 2004 in Adelaide, where he took 6 wickets for 42 runs. This remains the best bowling performance by an Indian bowler in ODIs outside India.
3.Century at Lord’s: He scored a century (109 runs) against England at Lord’s in 2002, showcasing his ability as a lower-order batsman capable of contributing significantly with the bat.
4.ODI Performances: Agarkar played 191 ODIs for India, taking 288 wickets at an average of 27.85, which included two 5-wicket hauls and eleven 4-wicket hauls. He also scored 1269 runs at an average of 14.58, often making crucial contributions down the order.
5.Test Cricket Contributions: In Test cricket, Agarkar played 26 matches, scoring 571 runs at an average of 16.79 and taking 58 wickets at an average of 47.32. He also played valuable roles in various Test matches with both bat and ball.
Domestic and IPL Achievements:
1.Domestic Cricket: Agarkar represented Mumbai in domestic cricket and played a key role in Mumbai’s success in Ranji Trophy and other domestic tournaments.
2.IPL Career: In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Agarkar played for multiple teams including Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), contributing with his all-round skills and experience.
Ajit Agarkar’s career is marked by his versatility as an all-rounder, his ability to perform under pressure, and his significant contributions to Indian cricket across formats. His achievements continue to inspire and resonate with cricket enthusiasts, showcasing his impact on the sport both on and off the field.
