Ajit Agarkar has always been an underrated name in the antiquity of Indian cricket and his contributions to the sport are simply undeniable to the cause of Indian cricket. He has been a part of 26 Test matches, 191 ODIs and four T20Is in his international career that has spanned for almost 9 years.
Agarkar’s inception in the game came against Zimbabwe on October 7th, 1998 at the Harare Sports Club. His glittering career would see him claim 349 international wickets. Like all heroes of the sport, he would eventually kiss fame against the mighty Aussies Down Under.
Here is what Shane Watson had to say about Ajit Agarkar
A young Agarkar would whip out a solid display in Australia where he would claim 11 wickets at an average of 31.91, a surprisingly fine figure of a young Indian that too under the curious eyes of those sturdy-willed Australians.
Shane Watson wasn’t a part of that tour but he would late make a comeback and would eventually discuss Agarkar’s sheer pace and swing. In fact, at times it is even said, Agarkar was blessed with the best inswinging yorkers, one of the lethal weapons for a fast bowler.
Talking on the Delhi Capitals podcast, Watson would say, “Ajit Agarkar is just an awesome guy. I have played a little bit against him, more so towards the back end of his career. Javagal Srinath bowled at a good pace but Ajit. I remember him coming into the Australia summer – I think it was 1999, Brett Lee’s debut year – he (Agarkar) came and bowled at a great pace.”
Watson would also quote, “He stirred up the Aussies a lot in a big way. I remember him trying to bounce out Steve Waugh and Steve Waugh wasn’t that pleased.” Talking about his knowledge, Watto would say, “The knowledge that he has got… he’s a really nice person and knows how to connect with people really well. Obviously, he’s got great respect within the group as well for what he’s achieved as a cricketer.”
He would finally conclude by saying, “But he is just a generally good person who cares for people so his ability to connect and talk about things and help people out is brilliant.”
