He can boast of something even Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar cannot.
Ajit Agarkar, who like the legendary duo mentioned above, plays his first class cricket for Mumbai, has a Test century at Lord's. His unbeaten 109 against England in July 2002 wasn't enough to save the match for India, but, nonetheless, ensured him a lone Test century, at the 'Mecca of Cricket' at that!
However, that achievement notwithstanding, there was an anomaly in his record book that needed urgent rectification. Having made his first class debut for Mumbai in the 1996-97 season, he had never scored a century at the domestic level.
On Thursday, 15 days short of his 32nd birthday, Agarkar ensured himself a perfect gift -- an unbeaten 102 against Himachal Pradesh, in the Group A Ranji Trophy match. It not only ensured his side a defendable total [after an early collapse] but also earned the all-rounder his first hundred in Mumbai colours.
Without doubt, he was relieved after the achievement.
"I know, for sure, that I had never scored a hundred for Mumbai in domestic cricket before," he admitted. "I scored 90-odd a couple of seasons back. And besides my century at Lord's, I also scored a first class hundred during our 'A' team's tour to Pakistan [at Peshawar, in 1998].
"So, yes, this is my maiden first class hundred for Mumbai," he added.
The veteran, who was Mumbai's top scorer (with 45 runs) in the first innings as well, said more than the runs it was the timing of the knock that mattered.
"It's always nice to get a hundred in any form of cricket," he explained. "But it was a tough situation; we had conceded a first innings lead and the wicket was not easy to score. And I was batting at No 6 and needed to contribute.
"So it gives me a nice feeling."
He went on to add that he is feeling confident about his form.
"I am feeling quite good about my game right now," he said.
"The fitness is quite good. The rhythm is there... bowling-wise. It would be nice to get a few more wickets, but, yes, am feeling quite good about my bowling.
"And it matters, since bowling is always my priority. But when you are batting at No 6 it is important that you contribute with the bat as well."
Agarkar may have made a good start to the season, but the same doesn't hold true for his team. Mumbai, the defending champions, drew their first two matches and struggled early on in the ongoing match against Himachal.
"We should have finished the game against Punjab. Losing Ramesh (Powar) on the last day was a big blow, since he is a quality spinner," explained Agarkar.
"Against Orissa, we were a little bit unfortunate to have lost two days due to rain. We thought we could have got those four-five points against [with due respect] a slightly lesser team in our group. And, obviously, we haven't played as well in this match, but still can finish things on a good note."
Agarkar hasn't played Test cricket since January 2006 (against Pakistan) and One-Day Internationals since September 2007 (against England). In his absence Team India has struggled to fill the all-rounder's slot.
Asked if he's eyeing a return to the national team, the player seemed a tad irritated.
"I'll just answer questions about the Ranji Trophy," he said, evading any statement that might cause controversy at this stage of his career.
Another question, regarding his neglect towards his batting eventually costing him a place in the team, aggravated the irritation.
"I have said it a million times before," he shot back, explaining, "but when bowling takes priority, it is not that easy to give time to both [batting and bowling]. Obviously, if you can bat you want to contribute.
"But when I played for India, I played as a bowler, not as a batsman."
The final question was palpably intended to change his mood.
Dav Whatmore, the designate coach of Kolkata Knight Riders -- the Indian Premier League outfit for which Agarkar plays -- was at the MCA ground on Thursday.
Sure, the new coach must be pleased with the innings?
"Yes, he (Whatmore) was here in the morning and I met him," said Agarkar. "Didn't exactly get the time to speak to him, but I don't think he will be happy if I bat the whole day and score a hundred.
"The IPL is, after all, Twenty20 cricket!"
