T20 Mumbai League: Who is Atharva Ankolekar? 24-year-old goes Most Expensive in Auction, Fetches more than KKR, CSK Star

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Atharva Ankolekar has emerged as the most expensive buy in the T20 Mumbai League auction on Wednesday (May 7).

The youngster was bought by Eagle Thane Strikers for Rs 16.25 lakh in the auction, thus eclipsing the amount of players such as Musheer Khan, Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Ayush Mhatre.

Ayush Mhatre, who currently plays for CSK in the IPL 2025, was sold to Triumph Knights Mumbai North East for Rs 14.75 lakh. Raghuvanshi, the KKR youngster, was sold to SoBo Mumbai Falcons for Rs 14 lakh.

Who is Atharva Ankolekar?

Atharva Ankolekar, born on September 26, 2000, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, is an emerging Indian cricketer known for his left-handed batting and slow left-arm orthodox bowling.

He rose to national prominence during the 2019 ACC Under-19 Asia Cup, where he was the tournament's highest wicket-taker. His standout performance came in the final against Bangladesh, where he picked up 5/28 and was named Player of the Match.

His journey to the professional level is a story of resilience and determination. Atharva lost his father, a Kanga League cricketer, at a young age. His mother, Vaidehi Ankolekar, supported the family by working as a bus conductor, while Atharva trained diligently at the MIG Cricket Club in Mumbai. His passion for cricket never wavered despite financial struggles, and he quickly rose through the ranks in Mumbai's domestic structure.

Ankolekar made his senior debut for Mumbai in January 2021. In List A cricket, he has played 15 matches, scoring 161 runs with a top score of 66 and claiming 16 wickets, with best figures of 4/55. In T20s, across 15 appearances, he has scored 92 runs and picked up 10 wickets, showing promise as a bowling all-rounder.

His qualities go beyond statistics. Atharva is known for his calm temperament under pressure, disciplined line and length as a bowler, and ability to contribute with the bat in crunch situations. He thrives in defensive bowling roles, often breaking crucial partnerships with his accuracy and flight. His lower-order batting has also proved handy, especially in closely contested matches.

T20 Mumbai League Auction Most Expensive Buys

Atharva Ankolekar (₹16.25 lakh) - Eagle Thane Strikers
Musheer Khan (₹15 lakh) - ARCS Andheri
Sairaj Patil (₹15 lakh) - Eagle Thane Strikers
Ayush Mhatre (₹14.75 lakh) - Triumph Knights Mumbai North East
Angkrish Raghuvanshi (₹14 lakh) - SoBo Mumbai Falcons
Shams Mulani (₹14 lakh) - Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs