Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja has become India’s richest athlete, surpassing Virat Kohli, after being named the heir to the Jamnagar royal throne. Jadeja’s net worth has surged to an impressive $175 million, eclipsing Kohli’s estimated $120 million.
This significant turn of events in Jadeja’s fortune was announced on Dussehra, October 12, 2024, when Maharaja Shatrusalyasinhji Digvijaysinhji Jadeja, the current Jam Saheb of Nawanagar, designated Ajay as his successor.
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At 53 years old, Ajay hails from the royal Jamnagar family and is now officially recognized as the heir to the Gujarat royal throne. In a letter released by the Maharaja, he expressed his joy at naming Ajay as his successor, stating, “On Dussehra, I am equally happy as I have resolved one of my dilemmas. Ajay Jadeja has agreed to be my heir. His commitment to serving the people of Jamnagar is truly a blessing for them, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to him.”
Ajay Jadeja’s connection to the royal lineage is deeply rooted in cricket history. He is a descendant of the legendary cricketers K.S. Ranjitsinhji and K.S. Duleepsinhji, after whom major domestic cricket tournaments—the Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy—are named. His father, Daulatsinghji Jadeja, had strong ties to the royal family and served three terms as a Member of Parliament for Jamnagar from 1971 to 1984.
The reigning Maharaja, Shatrusalyasinhji, has been the ceremonial head of Nawanagar since 1966. He also captained the Saurashtra cricket team during the Ranji Trophy in the 1966-67 season and later led the Saurashtra Cricket Association.
Ajay Jadeja is celebrated for his fearless batting style and impactful international career, having represented India in 15 Test matches and 196 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) from 1992 to 2000. He accumulated nearly 6,000 runs in ODIs, including six centuries and 30 half-centuries. Following his retirement from cricket, Jadeja transitioned to commentary and served as a mentor for the Afghanistan cricket team.
