When we think of wealth in Indian cricket, names like Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Sachin Tendulkar naturally come to mind. These cricketing icons have amassed massive fortunes through their legendary careers. However, the title of India’s richest cricketer doesn’t belong to any of these modern-day greats. Instead, it belongs to a former first-class cricketer who has an inherited fortune far surpassing all of them—Samarjit Singh Gaekwad of the royal family of Baroda.
Samarjit Singh Gaekwad: The Royal Cricketer with a Fortune of Rs 20,000 Crore
Samarjit Singh Gaekwad isn’t just known for his brief stint in cricket but for being the custodian of immense wealth. His net worth is over Rs 20,000 crore, a staggering 20 times more than the fortunes of India’s top cricket stars. Gaekwad, the owner of the grand Lakshmi Vilas Palace, holds a special place not only in the world of cricket but also in royal history.
Born on April 25, 1967, into the illustrious royal family of Baroda, Samarjit inherited vast wealth, including one of the world’s largest private residences, the Lakshmi Vilas Palace. The palace itself is an architectural marvel, further adding to his royal stature. In addition to this, he also controls temple trusts that manage 17 temples across Gujarat and Varanasi.
His Journey in Cricket
Samarjit Singh Gaekwad’s connection with cricket goes beyond just being a royal. He represented Baroda in first-class cricket during the late 1980s. Gaekwad played six matches in the Ranji Trophy from 1987 to 1989, mainly as a top-order batsman. His short-lived cricket career didn’t garner the same attention as other cricketing legends like Sachin or Dhoni, but it laid the foundation for his later involvement in cricket administration. Gaekwad also served as the President of the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA), contributing to the development of the sport in his state.
Inheritance and Wealth Management
In 2013, Samarjit resolved a long-standing property dispute within his family, securing ownership of the Lakshmi Vilas Palace and other properties. His total wealth, thanks to vast royal assets, is now estimated at over Rs 20,000 crore. Along with this inheritance, Samarjit also oversees the operations of several temple trusts, further solidifying his influence and wealth.
Comparison with Indian Cricket Icons
When compared to Samarjit Singh Gaekwad, even the wealthiest cricketers seem modest. Sachin Tendulkar, widely considered one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history, has a net worth of around Rs 1,300 crore. MS Dhoni, the former Indian captain and beloved figure in both international cricket and the IPL, has an estimated wealth of Rs 1,000 crore. Meanwhile, current cricketing sensation Virat Kohli, known for his brand endorsements and successful cricket career, has a net worth of approximately Rs 800 crores. Even these staggering amounts pale in comparison to Samarjit’s fortune.
Royal Responsibilities and Influence Beyond Cricket
Though Samarjit Singh Gaekwad’s active role in cricket has diminished over the years, his involvement in royal affairs and management of inherited properties continues. Married to Radhikaraje, a member of the royal family of Wankaner, Samarjit also joined politics for a brief period, becoming a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2014. However, since 2017, he has distanced himself from active politics.
India’s richest cricketer isn’t a name most associate with fame on the cricket field, but Samarjit Singh Gaekwad’s legacy in both royal history and cricket administration makes him a fascinating figure. While cricketers like Kohli, Dhoni, and Sachin continue to dominate the sport and brand endorsements, Samarjit’s wealth remains unparalleled in Indian cricketing circles.
