Virat Kohli's net worth surpassed for the 1st time by an Indian cricketer

Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja has become a millionaire overnight and even surpassed India’s richest cricketer Virat Kohli after inheriting the Jamnagar Royal throne. Jadeja's net worth soared to a jaw-dropping INR 1,450 crore to become India’s wealthiest athlete.

The former Indian cricketer has overtaken Virat Kohli after being declared the heir to the Jamnagar Royal Throne in Gujarat. If this figure is accurate, Ajay Jadeja has now surpassed Virat Kohli, whose net worth is over INR 1,000 crore, making him the richest sportsperson in India.

Virat Kohli's net worth is expected to hover around INR 1,000 crores and Ajay Jadeja is now sitting at INR 1400 Crores.

Ajay Jadeja surpasses Virat Kohli in wealth after being declared heir to Jamnagar Throne

On the auspicious occasion of Dussehra on October 12, Maharaja Shatrusalyasinhji Digvijaysinhji Jadeja, the reigning Jam Saheb of Nawanagar, made an important announcement regarding his successor.

Maharaja Shatrusalyasinhji Digvijaysinhji Jadeja revealed that Ajay Jadeja, a well-known person within the royal family and a former Indian cricketer, will be his heir. The 53-year-old former cricketer is a descendant of the Jamnagar royal family.

Ajay Jadeja's net worth soars to ₹1,450 crore! Surpasses Virat Kohli after inheriting Jamnagar royal throne 😳🏰💸 pic.twitter.com/imGBxpkdpn

— CricketGully (@thecricketgully) October 14, 2024

The Maharaja officially conveyed this decision in a letter, designating his nephew, Ajay Jadeja, as his successor for the Jamnagar royal throne. According to ANI, Maharaja Shatrusalyasinhji Digvijaysinhji Jadeja wrote in his letter: “The festival of Dussehra is believed to mark the day the Pandavas emerged victorious from exile.

Today, on Dussehra, I am equally happy, as I have found a resolution to one of my dilemmas thanks to Ajay Jadeja, who has accepted to be my heir. Ajay Jadeja taking up the responsibility of serving the people of Jamnagar is truly a boon for its people. I express my sincere gratitude to him.”

Ajay Jadeja's Connection with the Royal Family

Notably, Ajay Jadeja, who represented India in 15 Test matches and 196 ODIs between 1992 and 2000, hails from a cricketing ancestry rooted in the Nawanagar royal family.

He is connected to legendary cricketers K. S. Ranjitsinhji and K. S. Duleepsinhji, whose legacies are celebrated through two major cricket tournaments in India—the Ranji Trophy and the Duleep Trophy.

These tournaments were named in their honor. Jadeja’s family ties extend to the current Maharaja of Jamnagar, Shatrusalyasinhji Jadeja, who is the cousin of Ajay's father, Daulatsinghji Jadeja. Daulatsinghji himself was a political and cricketing figure, having served as a Member of Parliament from Jamnagar for three terms between 1971 and 1984.

Maharaja Shatrusalyasinhji also captained the Saurashtra team in the Ranji Trophy during the 1966-67 season and later led the Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA). He became the ceremonial head of Nawanagar in 1966, following his father’s death. The family are descendants of legendary cricketer Ranjitsinh Jadeja, who ruled over Nawanagar between 1907 and 1933.

Ajay Jadeja's international career in brief

Notably, Jadeja was known for his bold and attacking style at the crease, and he had an impressive career, representing India in 15 Test matches and 196 ODIs between 1992 and 2000. He has amassed around 6,000 runs in international cricket with the help of six centuries and 30 half-centuries in ODIs.

Jadeja also worked as the commentator after retirement from the game and served as the mentor of the Afghanistan team. And now, Jadeja's legacy extends beyond his cricketing achievements, thanks to his royal heritage.