In the ever-evolving intersection of sports and politics, the transition from the cricket pitch to the political arena has become a noteworthy trend, not just in India but across the globe.
This intriguing metamorphosis is exemplified by several Indian cricketers who, after successful careers in the field, have chosen to step into the complex realm of politics. In this narrative, we delve into the stories of ten prominent Indian cricketers who seamlessly transitioned from the world of sports to the corridors of political power.
1. Manoj Tiwary: The cricketing maestro, Manoj Tiwary, recently made headlines by aligning himself with the Trinamool Congress during Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s rally in Hooghly district, just ahead of the West Bengal assembly polls. This move echoes a global pattern where sports stars, including Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, have ventured into politics post-retirement. Tiwary joins the ranks of Aamir Sohail, Sarfraz Nawaz, Sanath Jayasuriya, Mashrafe Mortaza, Chetan Chauhan, and Hashan Tillakaratne in this dual-role journey.
2. Gautam Gambhir: March 2019 witnessed the charismatic Gautam Gambhir stepping into the political spectrum, influenced by none other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The former opening batsman, whose on-field prowess played a pivotal role in India’s triumph at the 2011 World Cup, added a new chapter to his illustrious career by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
3. Navjot Singh Sidhu: Transitioning from the cricket field to the political battlefield, former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu assumed the mantle of Minister of Local Government, Tourism & Cultural Affairs in the State of Punjab.
4. Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi: Among the pioneers in this dual journey, the former India skipper contested two Lok Sabha polls but faced defeat. Following these setbacks, Pataudi decided to step away from electoral pursuits.
5. Mohammad Kaif: Renowned for his exceptional fielding skills in Indian cricket, Mohammad Kaif made a political entry by joining the Congress and participating in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Phulpur, Uttar Pradesh.
6. Mohammad Azharuddin: Former India captain and batsman, Mohammad Azharuddin, embarked on his political journey in 2009 by joining the Congress. His electoral success in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, marked a new chapter in a career that saw him lead the Indian team in 47 Tests during the 1990s.
7. Kirti Azad: The former all-rounder, a key member of the 1983 World Cup-winning squad, secured victory thrice from Darbhanga in Bihar on a BJP seat before later affiliating with the Congress.
8. Chetan Chauhan: Sunil Gavaskar’s opening Test partner, Chetan Chauhan, carved his political identity by serving as a Member of Parliament twice from the Amroha constituency in Uttar Pradesh.
9. Vinod Kambli: Former India Test batsman Vinod Kambli, associated with the Lok Bharati Party, faced defeat in the 2009 Vidhan Sabha elections from Vikhroli, Mumbai. Notably, he held the title of being the fastest Indian to reach 1000 Test runs.
10. Manoj Prabhakar: Post-retirement, Manoj Prabhakar seamlessly transitioned into politics by joining the BJP. His cricketing legacy, which included 39 Tests and 130 ODIs with over 3,400 runs and 253 wickets, found a new avenue in the political landscape.
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