Ajay Jadeja overtakes Virat Kohli to become India’s richest cricketer in 2024

Former India batting stalwart Ajay Jadeja has been experiencing a royal turnaround in his life. Recently, on the occasion of Dussehra (October 12), he got upgraded from being a cricket personality to taking on a royal throne.

For the unversed, Jadeja was announced as the heir to the Jamnagar throne by the royal family. Notably, the renowned city is situated in the state of Gujarat and has a rich history. Consequently, at the age of 53, it was claimed that the Indian cricketer surpassed the star batter and icon, Virat Kohli.

Notably, Kohli's total net worth is estimated to be around INR 1,000 crore approximately. While after accepting the royal duties, Jadeja's net worth has now soared to INR 1,450 crore. Hence, as per Freepress Journal, after taking the throne, the former legend can be deemed as the richest cricketer in India currently.

Jadeja's connection with the Royal Family

Ajay Jadeja is the nephew of Maharaja Shatrusalyasinh Jadeja, who also happens to be his uncle. He officially declared the former as his legal successor by issuing a press statement on the auspicious occasion of the Dussehra festival. Ajay's father Daulatsinghji is the cousin brother of the Maharaja. Moreover, he also served as an honorary Member of Parliament between the years 1971 and 1984, respectively. Speaking of his marriage association, it is said that he got married into the royal family of Nepal however got split from the family in the later stages of his life.

Interestingly, Shatrusalyasinhji also has a rich cricketing connection. He was the Captain of the Saurashtra team and led the side during the 1966-67 season of the Ranji Trophy. Furthermore, he also managed the Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) as its head as well. In the same year (1966) he also became the Head of Nawanagar (Jamnagar) on February 3 after the demise of his father. Incredibly, the cricket connection runs deep in the family and was not just limited to the current Maharaja.

Also Read: Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja declared heir to Jamnagar Royal family

Royal legacy of cricket in Jamnagar family

The royal family has a rich cricketing culture and history. It is worth mentioning that the Maharaja's family are the descendants of the legendary cricket figure Maharaja Ranjitsinh Jadeja. Ranjitsinh ruled Nawanagar between 1907 and 1933, respectively. Hence it is a culmination of royalty and precious cricket heritage.

Meanwhile, speaking of Team India's renowned former middle order batter, Ajay Jadeja was known for his fearless and aggressive brand of cricket. Jadeja represented the Men in Blue in 196 ODIs and 15 Tests, in a career which spanned between 1992 and 2000. He was considered a clutch player majorly because he saved India in many crunch situations along with being a finisher for the team. During his fine international career, he scored 6,000 runs with six centuries and 30 half-centuries to his name in the 50-over format.