Tribute - So long, Ajit Agarkar

April 1998. Sharjah. The desert storm. While the birthday boy, the little master, the Indian God – took apart the Australian bowling attack, another Indian was seated in the pavilion, cheering his fellow Mumbaikar on, playing only his second international tournament. It is an odd fact that personally I’ve never been a huge fan of Sachin, but have always adored the other man – the green eyed, unpredictable Ajit Agarkar.

With Agarkar, one could say that he actually ‘burst onto the scene’. Fastest to take fifty wickets in ODIs. Touted as Kapil Dev’s successor. A bowling all rounder who could swing the ball, bowl good yorkers and also prove useful with the bat. The fact that he never lived upto his expectations never brought down the excitement I felt whenever he did play.

There were moments in his career which I will never forget. That spectacular innings against Zimbabwe – breaking Kapil’s 17 year record for fastest fifty – was amazing. His score read 67* off 25 balls – even Gayle would have been proud of that. Next was a 95 off 102 balls when he was brought to bat as a pinch hitter against West Indies at Jamshedpur. It seemed to work perfectly, and somehow the selectors gave just one more shot at this strategy before Agarkar was dropped – something I haven’t understood till date! And what about scoring a century at Lord’s – I’m proud to say that Agarkar has achieved something that Sachin hasn’t in the field of batting!

Yes, Agarkar was an all-rounder, and I do have moments to remember about his bowling. Of course, I’ve been disappointed that Ajantha Mendis overtook him, but still the 2^nd fastest to reach 50 wickets in ODIs is not a bad stat at all! And to realise that he has six wicket hauls in both One days and tests – and both against the mighty Australians (who were really mighty back then) at their own den! Nice figures to have, ain’t it?

Yet, he never managed to be a regular consistently – it was the sporadic feats that I had to be content with. I have followed his career perhaps like no other. I supported Kolkata Knight Riders for him and watched him play, I watched and supported Delhi Daredevils for him, I even watched some Ranji Trophy matches and felt elated when he lead Mumbai to the trophy. Although I hardly got to watch him in action the last few years, the retirement announcement still gave me a heavy heart.

His bowling action, his outstanding outfield fielding and throwing and his typical style of ill-at-ease batting will always mean something special to me. I have never been able to explain my love for him – but I will always say that he is a favourite of mine.