The realm of sports often witnesses the rise of extraordinary individuals who not only dominate their respective fields but also leave a lasting impact on society. In India, cricket has always held a special place in the hearts of millions, with its players achieving great heights and becoming national icons. However, for some of these cricketers, their journey didn't end on the pitch. They ventured into the dynamic world of politics, leveraging their fame and influence to make a difference in the realm of governance. This article explores ten Indian cricketers who seamlessly transitioned from the cricket field to the political arena, leaving their indelible mark on both domains.
Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary recently joined the Trinamool Congress in preparation for the upcoming assembly polls in West Bengal. Tiwary officially became a member of the TMC during Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's rally in the Hooghly district.
Gautam Gambhir, a former Indian opening batsman, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in March 2019, stating that he was "influenced" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Gambhir played a crucial role in India's victory in the 2011 World Cup.
Former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu assumed the position of Minister of Local Government, Tourism & Cultural Affairs in the state of Punjab.
Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, was one of the earliest cricketers to enter politics. He contested in two Lok Sabha elections but faced defeat on both occasions. Following his unsuccessful attempts, Pataudi chose to distance himself from politics.
Mohammad Kaif, renowned for his exceptional fielding skills in Indian cricket, joined the Indian National Congress and contested the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Phulpur, Uttar Pradesh. Kaif represented India in 125 ODIs and 13 Tests between 2000 and 2006.
Mohammad Azharuddin, a former captain and batsman of the Indian cricket team, embarked on his political journey by joining the Indian National Congress in 2009. Azharuddin emerged victorious in the general elections of 2009 from the Moradabad constituency in Uttar Pradesh, securing a seat in Parliament. He captained the Indian team in 47 Test matches during the 1990s.
Kirti Azad, a former all-rounder, won three times as a BJP candidate from the Darbhanga constituency in Bihar. However, he later switched his allegiance and joined the Indian National Congress. Azad was a member of the squad that clinched the 1983 World Cup.
Chetan Chauhan, Sunil Gavaskar's opening Test partner, served as a Member of Parliament twice, representing the Amroha constituency in Uttar Pradesh.
Vinod Kambli, a former Test batsman for India, joined the Lok Bharati Party but faced defeat in the Vidhan Sabha elections of 2009 from Vikhroli, Mumbai. Kambli held the record for being the fastest Indian to reach 1000 Test runs.
After retiring from cricket, Manoj Prabhakar joined the BJP. He had an impressive career, featuring in 39 Tests and 130 ODIs, where he scored over 3,400 runs and took 253 wickets.