PHOTOS

From cricket to Bollywood to politics, Dinesh Mongia's life - IN PICS

Former Indian cricketer Dinesh Mongia joined BJP ahead of the elections in the state of Punjab.

The 44-year-old cricketer, who played for Punjab in domestic cricket, had a short stay in Indian cricket team thanks to fellow Punjab player Yuvraj Singh whose performances ousted Mongia. With Mohammad Kaif also cementing his place after the Natwest Trophy Final win in 2002 in England, it became difficult for Mongia to survive in the XI, even if he featured in ODI squad.

He became a talking point when Sourav Ganguly picked him and dropped VVS Laxman for the ODI World cup in 2003 as the former captain wanted a bowling option. Mongia bowled decent left-arm slowers.

After the 2007 World Cup, Mongia came back into Indian side for a while but failed to impress and that was his last outing in Indian colours.

Here's a look at his life.

Zee Media Bureau|

Updated:Dec 29, 2021, 10:24 AM IST

1/5

Bollywood debut

Seven years after playing his last match in an Indian jersey, Dinesh Mongia made his Bollywood debut in a film titled Kabab Mein Haddi. He aped legendary Amitabh Bachchan in one of the scenes but his stint ended then and there as the film did not do well. (Source: Twitter)

2/5

Married to Aarti Chandak

After featuring for India in the 2003 World Cup in South Africa, Dinesh got married to Aarti Chandak in a private resort neat Chandigarh. (Source: Twitter)

3/5

Played in overseas leagues

After his Indian career was over, Mongia began plying his trade overseas and played in some tournaments in Canada and Holland. (Source: Twitter)

4/5

Coach for DAV College

After his stint in Bollywood was over rather quickly, Mongia turned to cricket again and this time as a coach. He became coach of the famous DAV college where he once studied and played under Yograj Singh, who was the coach then. He also ran his academy The Dinesh Mongia Cricket School of Excellence from the college premises. (Source: Twitter)

5/5

And then politics happened

Mongia, for a brief period, turned to business as well, running his own cricket kit brand called 'DM', inspired by the initials of his name and surname. And today, it is the business of politics which has his attention.