Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja has experienced a remarkable transformation in his life, as he recently ascended to royalty. On Dussehra (October 12), Jadeja was officially announced as the heir to the Jamnagar throne, a position of great prestige and responsibility. Jamnagar, located in Gujarat, is a city steeped in history, and Jadeja’s appointment marks his transition from cricketing icon to royal successor.
At the age of 53, Ajay Jadeja’s status has skyrocketed, surpassing even the financial clout of India’s cricketing superstar, Virat Kohli. Kohli, whose net worth is estimated to be around INR 1,000 crore, now trails Jadeja, whose net worth has reportedly risen to INR 1,450 crore after taking on the royal mantle.
According to the Freepress Journal, this development makes Jadeja the richest cricketer in India, adding a fascinating layer to his already illustrious life. Jadeja’s connection to royalty is not new, as he is the nephew of Maharaja Shatrusalyasinh Jadeja, the current head of the royal family.
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On Dussehra, the Maharaja officially declared Ajay Jadeja as his legal successor, solidifying his status as the next ruler of Jamnagar. Jadeja’s father, Daulatsinghji, was the cousin of the Maharaja and also served as a Member of Parliament from 1971 to 1984.
Ajay Jadeja’s net worth soars to ₹1,450 crore! Surpasses Virat Kohli after inheriting Jamnagar royal throne 😳🏰 pic.twitter.com/BTFbuEavTG
— Rohit Singh (@RohitSi70785609) October 15, 2024
Interestingly, Jadeja’s personal life includes ties to Nepal’s royal family through marriage, although the union later dissolved. The Jadeja family has a rich cricketing heritage. Maharaja Shatrusalyasinh Jadeja himself captained the Saurashtra cricket team during the 1966-67 Ranji Trophy season and later served as the head of the Saurashtra Cricket Association.
This lineage of cricketing excellence traces back to the legendary Maharaja Ranjitsinh Jadeja, who ruled Nawanagar (Jamnagar) from 1907 to 1933 and left a lasting legacy in both cricket and royalty. As for Ajay Jadeja, his cricketing career remains memorable.
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A fearless and aggressive middle-order batter, he represented India in 196 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 15 Test matches between 1992 and 2000. Known for his ability to perform under pressure, Ajay Jadeja was a key player in many crucial situations for India, amassing 6,000 runs in ODIs, with six centuries and 30 half-centuries. His legacy in Indian cricket, combined with his newfound royal status, cements Jadeja’s place in both cricketing and cultural history.