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Ajit Chandila, born on 5 December 1983 in Faridabad, India, is a name that might not be as familiar to the casual cricket fan but holds significance in the annals of Indian cricket. A right-handed all-rounder, Chandila's cricketing journey was marked by both notable achievements and controversies that garnered significant media attention.
Hailing from Faridabad, a city with a growing cricketing culture, Ajit Chandila's inclination towards the sport was evident from his younger days. As he honed his skills, Chandila emerged as a promising all-rounder, showcasing his prowess as a right-arm offbreak bowler and a right-handed batsman.
His dedication to the sport led him to represent Haryana in the domestic circuit from 2010 to 2013. During this period, Chandila's performances were consistent, and he became a vital part of the Haryana squad. His capability in contributing both with the bat and ball made him a sought-after player in the team.
In addition to his domestic cricket journey, Chandila also made a mark in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He was initially selected by the Delhi Daredevils in 2011 as a probable team member. However, it was in 2012, while playing for the Rajasthan Royals, that he truly showcased his talent. Chandila's IPL journey was highlighted by a significant achievement when he became the first bowler in the IPL 5 to take a hat-trick, making him the seventh bowler overall to achieve this feat in the history of the IPL.
However, as promising as his cricketing journey seemed, Chandila's career took a turn due to events off the field, which would later overshadow his on-field achievements.
Ajit Chandila's foray into domestic cricket began with his representation of Haryana. As a bowling all-rounder, Chandila showcased his skills as a right-arm offbreak bowler, proving to be a valuable asset for his team. His ability to break partnerships and provide crucial breakthroughs made him a go-to bowler in pressure situations. In addition to his bowling, Chandila's right-handed batting style added depth to the Haryana batting lineup, allowing them to capitalize in crunch situations.
Throughout his domestic career, Chandila's performances were marked by consistency. His knack for picking up wickets and contributing with the bat ensured that he remained a key figure in the Haryana squad. His efforts in the domestic circuit did not go unnoticed, and soon, opportunities in the more glamorous Indian Premier League (IPL) came knocking.
Ajit Chandila's IPL journey began when he was picked by the Delhi Capitals in 2011 as a probable team member. However, it was with the Rajasthan Royals in 2012 that he truly made his mark. Chandila's performances for the Royals were noteworthy, and he quickly became a vital cog in their bowling machinery.
One of the standout moments of his IPL career came when he achieved the remarkable feat of taking a hat-trick. This achievement came during the IPL's fifth season, making Chandila the seventh bowler in IPL history to claim a hat-trick. Such performances solidified his reputation as a reliable and impactful bowler in the T20 format.
His last appearance in the IPL was for the Rajasthan Royals against the Punjab Kings at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium on May 09, 2013. Despite the highs in his IPL career, Chandila's journey was marred by controversies that would later overshadow his on-field achievements.
Ajit Chandila's cricketing journey, which began with promise and potential, was unfortunately marred by controversies that would overshadow his on-field achievements. One of the most significant setbacks in his career was his involvement in the 2013 Indian Premier League spot-fixing scandal.
In May 2013, Chandila, along with fellow Rajasthan Royals players Sreesanth and Ankeet Chavan, was arrested on charges of spot-fixing during IPL season 6 by the Delhi police. Investigations revealed that Chandila had allegedly received ₹4.9 million (US$61,000) from bookies during the 2013 IPL season. Of this amount, ₹1.5 million (US$19,000) was reportedly paid to him to spot-fix in a match against Mumbai Indians on 17th May 2013, just before his arrest. This incident not only tarnished his reputation but also brought the integrity of the sport into question.
Following his arrest, Chandila faced immediate repercussions. He was suspended by his employer, Air India. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took stringent action against him. In January 2016, Chandila was handed a life ban from all forms of cricket by BCCI. However, this ban was later reduced to a 7-year period by the BCCI ombudsman, officially ending on 18th January 2023.
Post-Cricket Life and Current Endeavors
After the controversies and the subsequent ban, Ajit Chandila's life took a turn away from the cricketing limelight. The details of his current endeavors and post-cricket life are not extensively documented in the public domain. However, like many athletes who face setbacks, it's hoped that Chandila has found a path to redemption and a new purpose beyond the cricket field.
The story of Ajit Chandila serves as a reminder of the highs and lows that sports personalities can experience. While his cricketing achievements were commendable, the controversies serve as an exemplary tale about the importance of integrity and ethics in sports.
FAQs
When did Ajit Chandila make his IPL debut?
Ajit Chandila made his IPL debut on 23 April 2012 for the Rajasthan Royals.
What significant achievement did Chandila accomplish in the IPL?
Ajit Chandila became the first bowler in the IPL's fifth season to take a hat-trick, making him the seventh bowler overall to achieve this feat in the history of the IPL.
Why was Ajit Chandila arrested in 2013?
Chandila was arrested in May 2013 on charges of spot-fixing during IPL 6, along with fellow players Sreesanth and Ankeet Chavan.
What was the outcome of the spot-fixing allegations against Chandila?
Following the allegations, Chandila was handed a life ban from all forms of cricket by the BCCI in January 2016. However, this ban was later reduced to a 7-year period, officially ending on 18th January 2023.
Which IPL team did Ajit Chandila represent?
Ajit Chandila played for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League.
