Samarjitsingh Ranjitsinh Gaekwad – The Richest Cricketer in World: Cricket is a hugely popular sport worldwide. Many Indian cricketers earn massive amounts of money every year through the game and brand endorsements.
Famous names like Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Rahul Dravid, and Sourav Ganguly are considered among the wealthiest cricketers, not just in India but globally.
However, there is one former cricketer whose combined net worth surpasses all of these legendary players. We are talking about Samarjitsingh Ranjitsinh Gaekwad.
Who is Samarjitsingh Ranjitsinh Gaekwad?
Born in April 1967, Samarjitsingh was the only son of Ranjitsinh Pratapsinh Gaekwad and Shubhanginiraje. He studied at The Doon School and developed an interest in sports from a young age, captaining his school’s football, tennis, and cricket teams.
Ranjitsinh was a top-order batsman who played for Baroda in the Ranji Trophy during the 1987/88 and 1988/89 seasons. After retiring from cricket, he became the president of the Baroda Cricket Association.
Surprisingly, Ranjitsinh is reportedly India’s wealthiest cricketer, with a staggering net worth exceeding Rs 20,000 crores (around $2.5 billion). He inherited much of this fortune after reaching a settlement agreement with his uncle.
Following his father’s passing, Ranjitsinh was crowned the Maharaja of Baroda at the Laxmi Vilas Palace in June 2012. The Laxmi Vilas Palace is India’s largest private residence. Additionally, he controls the trusts of 17 major temples in Gujarat and Varanasi.
This prestigious royal family owns the magnificent Laxmi Vilas Palace, recognized as the largest privately-owned residence in the world. Apart from his royal duties, Samarjitsingh Gaekwad pursues his passion for golf on a personal 10-hole course beautifully situated within the vast grounds of the Laxmi Vilas Palace.
Ranjitsinh’s cricketing skills are also noteworthy, as he represented his state Baroda in the prestigious Ranji Trophy tournament. Although he briefly ventured into politics, Samarjitsingh has maintained a low profile in that area since 2017.
Treasures and Wealth Owned by Samarjitsingh
Beyond the architectural marvel of the Laxmi Vilas Palace, Ranjitsinh has inherited an incredible collection of priceless treasures. These include masterpieces by the renowned artist Raja Ravi Varma, as well as precious gold and silver jewelry, according to GQ India.
Furthermore, Ranjitsinh holds the responsibility of overseeing the trusts of an impressive 17 temples, spread across the states of Gujarat and Varanasi.
This incredible wealth and heritage make Samarjitsingh Gaekwad one of the wealthiest individuals in India, with a net worth surpassing many famous cricketers. His lavish lifestyle and vast possessions are a testament to the opulence of the royal lineage he belongs to.
Ranjitsinh is married to Radhikaraje Gaekwad, who belongs to the Wankaner state of Gujarat.
