By Sanjeev Kumar Patro
Bhubaneswar: Former cricketer Ajay Jadeja, described by commentators as an exuberant batsman and known most of his heroic knock against Pakistan in World Cup, has been in news for being declared as the heir to Maharaja Shatrusalyasinhji Digvijaysinhji Jadeja, the current Jam Saheb of Nawanagar.
This was announced by Maharaja SD Jadeja on the Dusshra day. The Maharaja confirmed this news in a letter, stating that his nephew and former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja will be the next heir to the Jamnagar royal throne. This has changed the fortune of the flamboyant cricketer.
As per the data available, India’s master blaster Sachin Tendulkar’s net worth has been Rs 1300cr. The net worth of Ajay Jadeja now stands at Rs 1450cr. Ajay Jadeja is now the second richest Indian cricketer. Former Indian skippers MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli stand at third and fourth with net worth of Rs 1000cr and Rs 800 cr, respectively.
Reports suggest Samajitsinh Gaekwad from the royal family of Baroda is the richest cricketer in India. He owns one of the biggest private mansions in the world – Laxmi Vilas Palace. He was a former first-class cricketer from Baroda and cricket administrator as well.
Samarjitsinh had resolved a bitter inheritance dispute with his uncle Sangramsinh Gaekwad in 2013. And the ex-cricketer took ownership of Laxmi Vilas Palace. The ex-cricketer received inheritance money which tallied more than Rs 20,000 crores.
ABOUT SAMARJITSINH GAEKWAD
A right hand batsman,1967 born Gaekwad played only six first class matches like Ranji and Duleep trophy in 1987-89. Later he became cricket administrator. He played 6 first class matches and scored 119 runs with a batting average of 17.
ABOUT AJAY JADEJA
A right hand batsman and a protégé of India’s greatest all rounder Kapil Dev, Ajay Jadeja’s natural athleticism, energetic running between the wickets, bold big hitting were brought him to limelight. His explosive batting in the middle and closing over swung many one-dayers to India’s way. The most memorable one such match was 1996 world cup quarter final in 1996, when his 45 off 25 balls made it India’s day. He played 15 test matches and 196 one-dayers aggregating 576 and 5359 runs, respectively.
The daring batsman had to live in ignominy following revelation about match fixing and betting. An eerie trail of bookmaker connections and unanswered questions marked end of his career
