NEW DELHI: Cricketers in India are often seen as more than just athletes—they’re icons who hold a significant influence over the public. After their cricketing days, some of these players have transitioned into politics, aiming to serve the country in a new capacity.
Here are five famous Indian cricketers who joined politics after hanging up their boots.
1. Navjot Singh Sidhu
Navjot Singh Sidhu, known for his explosive batting style and witty commentary, made a notable shift into politics. After retiring from cricket in 1999, Sidhu joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2004.
He was elected to the Lok Sabha from Amritsar and served multiple terms. Sidhu’s political career took a significant turn when he switched to the Indian National Congress (INC) in 2017.
He held key positions, including Minister of Local Government, Tourism, and Cultural Affairs in Punjab. His journey from the cricket field to political rallies has been as dynamic as his flamboyant persona.
2. Mohammad Azharuddin
Mohammad Azharuddin, a former captain of the Indian cricket team, was known for his graceful wristy strokes on the field. After being embroiled in controversy with a lifetime ban due to match-fixing allegations (later lifted by the court), Azharuddin ventured into politics.
He joined the Indian National Congress (INC) and contested the 2009 general elections, winning the Moradabad constituency seat in Uttar Pradesh.
His entry into politics marked a new chapter for the man once known for leading India to several cricketing triumphs.
3. Kirti Azad
Kirti Azad, part of the 1983 World Cup-winning Indian team and son of former Bihar Chief Minister Bhagwat Jha Azad, began his political journey by winning a seat in Parliament on a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket from Darbhanga, Bihar. Prior to this, Azad served as an MLA from Delhi’s Gole Market constituency, establishing a strong political presence.
However, his time with the BJP was not without controversy. On December 23, 2015, Azad was suspended from the party after he publicly criticized Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley regarding alleged irregularities and corruption within the Delhi and District Cricket Association. This pivotal moment led him to switch allegiances, and on February 18, 2019, he joined the Indian National Congress. Azad then contested the general election from Dhanbad, but faced defeat against BJP candidate Pashupati Nath Singh, losing by a margin of 4.8 lakh votes.
In a further twist to his political saga, Azad transitioned to the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) in November 2021, ahead of the 2022 Goa Legislative Assembly elections. He expressed his commitment to work under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee until his retirement from politics.
By March 5, 2022, Azad had also taken on the role of State In-charge for AITC in Goa. His political journey culminated in a significant victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, where he successfully contested from the Bardhaman-Durgapur constituency in West Bengal
4. Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian opener and World Cup hero, transitioned from the cricket field to the political arena with notable success. After retiring from international cricket in 2018, Gambhir joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from East Delhi. having defeated Congress’s Arvind Singh Lovely and AAP’s Atishi in the 2019 elections.
His campaign focused on issues like sports development, education, and women’s safety, resonating well with the local populace. Gambhir won the seat convincingly, showcasing his popularity beyond cricket.
Gautam Gambhir announced his resignation from active politics to focus on his cricket commitments in 2024, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for the opportunity to serve the public.
5. Chetan Chauhan
Chetan Chauhan, a stalwart of Indian cricket in the 1970s, became a trusted lieutenant of Sunil Gavaskar in the opening pair. After his cricketing career, Chauhan shifted gears to politics.
He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and was elected twice to the Lok Sabha from Uttar Pradesh. Over the years, Chauhan held significant roles, including being the Minister of Youth and Sports in Uttar Pradesh.
His transition from an opening batsman to an influential political figure showcased his ability to adapt to new challenges.
These cricketers found a new innings in politics after contributing to India’s cricketing success. Their journeys are a testament to their adaptability and desire to serve the nation in more ways than one, making them enduring figures in both sports and political history.