7 Indian Cricketers Who Hold High-Ranking Government Jobs

Cricketers are undeniably worshipped like deities in India. While Hockey is the national sport of India, the game of cricket surpassed it long ago as the most-loved in the nation. Cricketers in the country are held in high esteem due to their magical performances on the field and how they make a name for themselves amid all struggles.

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The athletes’ impressive display on the field against top-notch sides also gets rewarded by the Indian government. Many might not know, but several renowned cricketers in India hold top jobs in one of their organizations. It is also a means for the government to earn respect from their citizens and the cricketers’ fans.

We take a look at seven Indian cricketers who hold respectable government rankings:

KL Rahul – Assistant Manager, Reserve Bank of India:

Having made his international debut in 2014, KL Rahul underwent through several struggles early on. It was not before early this year that the keeper-batsman had a stronghold on his position in India’s limited-overs side. Nevertheless, KL Rahul remains out of the Test team due to lean performances.

In 2018, on the recommendation of SS Mundhra, the then Governor of Reserve Bank of India (RBI), they roped him as an Assistant Manager. It was during the time the 28-year old tried to attract younger fans to have an amicable relationship with the apex banking institution of the country.

Joginder Sharma – Deputy Superintendent of Police, Haryana:

Joginder Sharma became the synonym of hero after he held his nerve during the final over of the 2007 ICC World T20 to give his team a nail-biting victory against Pakistan. While defending 12 runs against Misbah-Ul-Haq, the all-rounder didn’t particularly have an impressive start.

However, Misbah’s scoop that landed into Sreesanth’s hands directly was the moment he saved his face along with his team’s. That was also Joginder Sharma’s last international game. The performance earned him INR 21 lakh and even a job with Haryana Police that October. At present, the 36-year old is involved in Pehowa in the Kurukshetra district as a Deputy Superintendent.

Kapil Dev – Lieutenant Colonel, Indian Territorial Army:

Kapil Dev’s name always gets associated for making India fall in love with cricket, having led India to its first World Cup victory in 1983. In the final at Lord’s, India upset two-time champions West Indies in a low-scoring game, comfortably defending 183.

Kapil was also one of the greatest all-rounders during his playing days alongside Sir Richard Hadlee, Sir Ian Botham and Imran Khan. The Haryana Hurricane even coached India for a few years. In 2008, Kapil Dev got recognized by the Indian Army, becoming the first cricketer to achieve the feat. He was honoured with the post of Lieutenant Colonel.

Umesh Yadav – Assistant Manager, Reserve Bank of India:

Umesh Yadav arrived at the international circuit back in 2010 and made his Test debut in 2011. While the Vidharba pacer has had a start-stop career, he has delivered on more occasions than one when selected. Nevertheless, Umesh Yadav remains in the reckoning in India’s Test team.

It is indeed surprising to read that before choosing the path of becoming a cricketer, the right-arm speedster wanted to become a police constable but failed to clear the exam. However, in 2017, the RBI awarded him the position of an Assistant Manager under the sports quota after completing all the formalities.

MS Dhoni – Lieutenant Colonel, Indian Territorial Army:

MS Dhoni needs little introduction. Arguably one of the most influential and decorated cricketers of the modern era, MS Dhoni guided India to unparalleled heights. Under the 38-year old, the men in blue lifted the World Cup in the 50-over and the shortest format while also winning the Champions Trophy.

MS Dhoni has also played a pivotal role in nurturing cricketers like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin. In 2011, similar to Kapil Dev, the Indian Army honoured MS Dhoni as well with the same rank. After the Indian team’s elimination from the 2019 World Cup, the keeper-batsman went on to serve the Army, taking a two-month sabbatical.

Yuzvendra Chahal – Income Tax Officer:

Yuzvendra Chahal burst into the international scene back in 2016 and formed a potent spin-bowling combination with Kuldeep Yadav. Bot the leg-spinners created a web around their opposition, especially in the middle-overs.

The duo formulated a knack to control the run-flow as well as consistently picking up wickets. As revealed by Chahal’s father to Mid-day in 2018, the Income Tax Department appointed the leggie as their Income Tax officer.

Sachin Tendulkar – Group Captain, Indian Air force:

Sachin Tendulkar ruled the cricketing world for more the significant part of his career and played the sport for a mind-numbing 23 years. Tendulkar is the custodian of several records including the highest run-getter in Tests and ODIs, highest century-maker in both the versions, and also being the most-capped player.

While the 47-year old’s tenure as captain was forgettable, he kept producing his magic with the bat. Sachin retired from international cricket in 2013 in front of his home crowd, which was at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. In 2010, he was honoured with the rank of a Group Captain in the Indian Air Force.

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