Ajit Bhalchandra Agarkar is a professional Indian international cricketer who plays for the Indian National cricket team. He is a right-handed fast bowling all-rounder and generally bats after the wicket keeper at 8th position. He is often the opening bowler for the Indian team. Presently, he has been retained by the team of Delhi Daredevils team to play at the IPL 5 season 2012.
On 1 April 1998 Agarkar made his debut in Kochi against the Australian team. He was also successful in taking a important wicket of Adam Gilchrist. He has been advertized to be one of the best Indian fast bowling all-rounder, like Kapil Dev. However he hasn’t performed consistently enough in the recent years. One of Agarkar’s best performances was against Australia where he took 6 wickets for 41 runs and this resulted in India winning their first Test in Australia in two decades.
In One day International cricket Agarkar has taken wickets more consistently but his economy rate is high. Batting at number eight, he scored an unbeaten Test century at Lord’s stadium in England in 2002. When he was recalled to the One day International team he put up a more consistent performance than he could perform previously. In 2006 during the Indian tour of the West Indies he was the pick of the Indian bowlers. Currently he is a regular member in the team.
Career Highlights
The fastest 50 wickets in One day International matches was a world record set by Ajit Agarkar. Agarkar also holds a record for the fastest to complete 1000 runs and take 200 wickets in 133 matches.