From stadiums filled with cheering fans to the corridors of power, several Indian cricketers have made a remarkable transition from sports to politics. Their careers, once defined by centuries, wickets, and match-winning performances, have evolved into political innings marked by elections, ministries, and public service. While some of these former sports stars found lasting success in governance, others faced mixed fortunes.

The latest to join the list is Mohammad Azharuddin, who was sworn in as a minister in Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s cabinet. His induction marks him as the second high-profile cricketer to become a minister in a Congress-led government after Navjot Singh Sidhu in Punjab.

Mohammad Azharuddin: From Captaincy to Cabinet

Mohammad Azharuddin’s journey from cricket to politics has been one of persistence and reinvention. Known for his graceful wristwork and calm leadership on the field, Azharuddin entered politics with the Congress Party and was elected to the Lok Sabha from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, in 2009. His victory came as a significant boost to the party’s image, symbolizing a blend of sporting achievement and public appeal.

However, his political career faced early setbacks. In the 2014 general elections, Azharuddin contested from the Tonk–Sawai Madhopur constituency in Rajasthan but lost. He remained active in Congress circles, often taking on organizational responsibilities.

In November 2023, just before the Telangana Assembly elections, Azharuddin was appointed working president of the Telangana Congress, a move aimed at strengthening the party’s urban appeal. Despite his efforts, he was unsuccessful in his bid for the Jubilee Hills Assembly seat in Hyderabad that same year.

Recognizing his continued contributions, the Telangana government in August 2025 nominated him as a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) under the Governor’s quota. Although his appointment awaited approval from Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, his induction into the state cabinet underscores his political resilience and enduring influence within Congress ranks.

Navjot Singh Sidhu: A Fiery Orator and Controversial Politician

Before Azharuddin, Navjot Singh Sidhu had already carved his space as the most visible cricketer-turned-politician in Congress. Sidhu, famous for his explosive batting and outspoken personality, began his political innings with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), contesting and winning the Amritsar Lok Sabha seat in 2004. Known for his wit and flamboyance, Sidhu became one of the most recognizable political figures in North India.

In 2016, Sidhu was nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the BJP, but tensions with party leadership led to his exit. Soon after, he joined the Congress Party and was inducted as a cabinet minister in Punjab when Captain Amarinder Singhbecame Chief Minister in 2017. Sidhu handled the portfolios of Local Government and Tourism and made headlines for his outspoken remarks and strained relationship with his own chief minister.

Despite his charisma, Sidhu’s political journey has been turbulent. He lost the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections and has since distanced himself from active political participation, rarely appearing at Congress events. His political career, though dramatic, reflects both his potential and unpredictability.

Kirti Azad: From BJP Rebel to Trinamool Congressman

Another notable cricketer-turned-politician, Kirti Azad, began his political career with the BJP, representing Darbhanga, Bihar, multiple times in Parliament. Known for his outspoken stance against corruption, Azad eventually fell out with the BJP leadership and was suspended from the party in 2015 after his allegations of irregularities within the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA).

In a significant political shift, Azad later joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and currently represents the Bardhaman–Durgapur Lok Sabha seat in West Bengal. His move to TMC reflects the growing influence of regional parties in attracting prominent national figures, particularly those with a clean image and mass appeal.

Gautam Gambhir: From Cricket Fields to Coaching and Politics

Former Indian opener and World Cup hero Gautam Gambhir took a different route into politics. He joined the BJP in 2019 and successfully contested the East Delhi Lok Sabha seat in the general elections that year. Known for his straightforward views and social work, Gambhir’s political tenure was marked by his vocal stance on civic issues and national security.

However, Gambhir decided not to contest the 2024 parliamentary elections, focusing instead on cricket. In a new chapter of his professional life, he was appointed head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team, a role that brought him back to the sport that first made him a national icon.

Manoj Tiwary: Bengal’s Sporting Voice in Politics

Another cricketer to successfully bridge sports and politics is Manoj Tiwary, a dynamic batsman from Bengal. A member of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Tiwary has established himself as both a politician and administrator. Currently serving as the Minister of State for Youth Services and Sports in Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s cabinet, Tiwary’s role aligns closely with his background in sports, allowing him to contribute to athlete development and youth engagement initiatives in the state.

Chetan Chauhan: The Gentleman Cricketer-Turned-Minister

The late Chetan Chauhan, a two-time BJP Member of Parliament, also served as a minister in the Uttar Pradesh government. A steady opening batsman in the 1970s, Chauhan was known for his partnership with Sunil Gavaskar. In politics, he was regarded as a disciplined and grounded leader. His death during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 was widely mourned across political and cricketing circles.

The Broader Pattern: Cricket and Political Capital

The intersection of cricket and politics in India is not new, but it continues to evolve. Cricketers, as national icons, carry immense public goodwill—something political parties have long sought to channel into electoral gains. Their fame offers instant visibility, while their leadership experience in sports often translates well into governance and public engagement.

However, not every cricketer has found equal success in politics. While figures like Mohammad Azharuddin and Manoj Tiwary continue to rise through political ranks, others like Sidhu and Gambhir have faced challenges balancing fame with political pragmatism. The transition from cricket to politics requires not only popularity but also patience, coalition-building, and administrative acumen—skills that go beyond the boundaries of the pitch.

A New Generation of Cricketer-Politicians

As India continues to produce globally admired sports figures, more athletes are likely to follow the path from stadiums to assemblies. With Azharuddin’s appointment to the Telangana cabinet, the Congress Party seems keen on reviving its tradition of promoting sportspersons within its ranks, much like the BJP and TMC have done in recent years.

From Sidhu’s fiery speeches in Punjab to Azharuddin’s quiet determination in Telangana, and Gambhir’s policy advocacy in Delhi, each cricketer-politician represents a different approach to leadership. Their collective journey underscores a broader truth: in India, the love for cricket and politics often intertwines, shaping new stories of ambition, identity, and public service.

While their paths may differ, one thing is certain—India’s cricketers have long stopped being just heroes of the field; they are now shaping the nation’s political landscape, one inning at a time.