Tag: Ajit Agarkar

India’s Versatile Fast Bowler and Current Selector

Ajit Agarkar is a name every Indian cricket fan remembers. He was not only a fast bowler but also an underrated all-rounder who played key roles in India’s wins from the late 1990s to the early 2010s. With over 200 international matches to his name, Ajit Agarkar became India’s third-highest wicket-taker in ODIs and delivered several match-winning performances with both bat and ball.

Early Life & Personal Background

Ajit Bhalchandra Agarkar was born on 4 December 1977 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, to Meena and Balachandra Agarkar. As a child, he dreamt of being a batsman. His raw talent was refined under the guidance of the legendary coach Ramakant Achrekar, the same man who mentored Sachin Tendulkar.

At just 15, Agarkar made headlines by smashing a triple century in the Giles Shield tournament. However, a key turning point came when he was advised to shift focus to bowling, considering the fierce competition for batting spots in Mumbai’s domestic setup.

He later graduated from Ruparel College and married Fatima Ghadially. The couple has a son named Raj and lives in Worli, South Mumbai.

International Career

ODI Debut and Early Success

Ajit Agarkar made his ODI debut on 1 April 1998 against Australia in Kochi. He made an instant impact by dismissing the dangerous Adam Gilchrist. A few weeks later, he earned his first Man of the Match award against New Zealand with figures of 4 wickets, helping India defend a low total of 220.

Rise as a Fast Bowler

By the end of 1998, Agarkar had already broken Dennis Lillee’s record by becoming the fastest to 50 ODI wickets, achieving it in just 23 matches. He quickly became a dependable pacer in India’s lineup, often supporting the likes of Javagal Srinath and later competing with Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, and Irfan Pathan.

Test Career Highlights

Although Ajit Agarkar was more successful in ODIs, he had a few memorable Test performances as well. His most iconic moment came at the Adelaide Oval in 2003, where he took 6/41 to lead India to a rare Test victory on Australian soil.

He also scored a century at Lord’s in 2002, becoming one of the few Indian cricketers to reach that landmark at the historic venue.

As an All-Rounder

Ajit Agarkar was more than just a bowler. He had several impactful innings with the bat. Notably:

• 67 in 21 balls* vs Zimbabwe in 2000 (India’s fastest ODI fifty)

• 95 vs West Indies in 2002 at number 3

• 109 at Lord’s* during the 2002 Test series in England

These contributions often came when India was under pressure, showing Agarkar’s ability to rescue his team.

Major Tournament Performances

Ajit Agarkar was part of several major ICC tournaments:

• 2002 Champions Trophy – Co-winner with Sri Lanka

• 2003 Cricket World Cup – Finalist (Did not play but was part of the squad)

• 2007 ICC T20 World Cup – Part of the winning squad

• 2024 T20 World Cup – Served as Chairman of Selectors

• 2025 Champions Trophy – Chief Selector for India’s squad

Domestic and IPL Career

Agarkar played a vital role in Mumbai’s domestic dominance. He led Mumbai to their 40th Ranji Trophy title in 2013 as captain. Some standout performances:

• 5-wicket haul vs Karnataka in the 2009–10 Ranji final

• 52 against Baroda* in the 2013 Ranji quarter-final

• 145 vs Services, rescuing Mumbai from a collapse in the semi-final

In the IPL, he represented:

• Kolkata Knight Riders (first three seasons)

• Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) – Bought for USD 210,000 in 2011

Retirement and Post-Cricket Career

Ajit Agarkar retired from all forms of cricket on October 16, 2013. Since then, he transitioned smoothly into the role of a cricket analyst and commentator. His insights are frequently seen on platforms like Star Sports.

Additionally, Agarkar has served on key BCCI committees and became the Chairman of the National Selection Committee in July 2023.

Notable Records

Agarkar has some impressive records to his name:

Bowling Style & Criticism

Ajit Agarkar was a wicket-taking bowler who often swung the ball at a good pace. However, his economy rate (5.07 in ODIs) drew criticism during an era when tight bowling was in demand.

Despite this, his knack for breakthroughs made him a preferred choice in many matches. His ability to deliver in tough conditions, especially abroad, made him valuable.

Off the Field: Life Beyond Cricket

Post-retirement, Ajit Agarkar developed a strong interest in golf. In 2016, he even won the India Finals of the BMR World Corporate Golf Challenge held in Bengaluru.

He lives a relatively private life, occasionally appearing on television or in cricketing panels. He is also actively contributing to the selection and grooming of new Indian cricket talents as part of the BCCI.

Legacy and Impact

Ajit Agarkar may not have received the limelight like some of his contemporaries, but his contribution to Indian cricket is undeniable. He was:

• A genuine pace bowler during a time when India lacked depth in that department.

• A reliable lower-order batsman who could shift momentum.

• A thinker of the game, now helping shape India’s future squads.

He helped pave the way for pace-bowling all-rounders in India, and his record still holds weight.

Conclusion

Ajit Agarkar’s cricket journey is one of grit, resilience, and adaptability. From a triple-century scorer as a teenager to becoming India’s third-highest wicket-taker in ODIs, Agarkar did it all. Today, as a selector, analyst, and mentor, he continues to give back to the game that made him a household name.

If you’re looking for a fast-bowling all-rounder who defined the transition phase of Indian cricket, Ajit Agarkar stands tall as a key figure.