5 Indian Cricketers who have served in the Indian Army and Police
Cricketers in Indian Army: Cricket is much more than just a sport in India. The gentlemen’s game is treated as a religion in the country with the fans treating the cricketers as Demi-gods. Thus, it is one of the biggest honors for any cricket player to don the blue jersey on the international stage. Apart from being a cricketer, another honor that a person can receive in India is serving the Indian Army.
Some cricketers have been lucky enough to receive appreciation and rewards from the government in the form of an esteemed position in the army. As India celebrates 75 years of Independence Day on August 15, 2022, let’s look at five cricketers who received an opportunity to serve the Indian army and police.
Check out the 5 Indian Cricketers who have served in the Indian Army and Police
MS Dhoni
Former skipper MS Dhoni is the most successful Indian captain of all time. He is the only leader to have won all three ICC trophies, namely the 2011 World Cup, the 2007 T20 World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy. Dhoni’s love for the Army is not hidden from any cricket fan.
Read More about MS Dhoni Leadership Quote
Following India’s historic win in the ODI World Cup in 2011, the Ranchi-born was bestowed with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army. In 2019, the legendary cricketer also completed a two-week stint with the Territorial Army in Jammu and Kashmir.
Kapil Dev
Another Indian captain to be awarded the position of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army is Kapil Dev. Notably, Dev was the first Indian skipper to lift the ODI Cup. Under his leadership, India defeated West Indies in the final of the ICC tournament in 1983.
Apart from being a phenomenal skipper, Dev also registered himself as a fine all-rounder in the history books. The Chandigarh-born ended his glorious cricket career with over 9000 international runs and over 650 wickets.
Sachin Tendulkar
The ‘God of Cricket’ Sachin Tendulkar holds the most honorary post among his contemporaries. Master Blaster served cricket for over two decades and has recorded his name in the history books with the golden letters. Apart from being a member of Rajya Sabha and having Bharat Ratna, Tendulkar has a government job as well.
In 2010, the government conferred him the post of Group captain in the Air Force. Interestingly, the veteran is the first Indian to hold the prestigious post without an aviation background.
C. K. Nayudu
The first player to lead India in the purest format of the game, C. K. Nayudu, is also regarded as the father of Indian cricket. Nayudu created history by playing first-class cricket until the age of 61. He played an instrumental role in helping India get the Test status.
The celebrated cricket career of Nayudu prompted the rules of Holkar to make him a captain in his Army. It was in 1923 that the true legend was given the prestigious honor.
Joginder Sharma
Cricketers in Indian Police: No cricket fan can ever forget the name of Joginder Sharma. The 38-year-old is etched in the memory of the cricket fans owing to his brilliant last over against Pakistan in the final of the 2007 T20 World Cup. The seamer had defended 13 runs in the final over to take India to glory.
Read: Ind vs Pakistan Poll | Asia Cup 2022
To celebrate the remarkable performance by Joginder, the Haryana government presented him a cash prize of INR 21 lakh along with the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police in the Haryana Police department. Sharma is an active member of the Haryana Police and is delivering his duties with full honesty.
