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Ajit Agarkar

Ajit Agarkar Photo Copyright AFP

Ajit Agarkar burst into prominence as an allrounder in the Indian 'A' team's tour of Pakistan. The young lad from Mumbai was picked to play for India in One-Day internationals and came good from his very first match. It is to Agarkar's credit that he made the transition to the big league in such quick time.

Agarkar bowls nippy medium pacers and has the ability to produce the odd genuinely quick ball. Agarkar does not possess the brawny physique that people have come to expect of fast bowlers, but makes up for that in sheer enthusiasm. His run up to the crease is an even paced, smooth run. Agarkar's greatest plus is the fact that he can get his outswinger to consistently leave the right handed batsmen. Add to this a lethal inswinging yorker and you have a world beater in the limited over games. Agarkar has developed a well disguised slower ball, which always comes in handy, and never more so than with the older ball at the end of an innings. Agarkar, with his ability to swing the ball both ways is the most complete medium pacer to play for India in recent times.

It is hardly surprising that Agarkar broke Lillee's record and took the fastest 50 wickets in the history of One-Day cricket.

Added to this is the fact that Agarkar is a more than useful bat lower down in the order. Agarkar has played some crucial knocks in One-Dayers, using the long-handle to great effect. Agarkar is an aggressive batsman and a clean striker of the ball. Agarkar keeps his batting technique simple, usually picking a spot and hitting through the line.

Ajit Agarkar is already a very useful One-Day cricketer, and as time passes, he should grow into a genuine all-rounder.