Gautam Gambhir to join BJP and contest Delhi general elections in 2019?
Even in the past, many cricketers have switched to politics after hanging up their boots.
New Delhi: With politics not a new avenue for cricketers to venture into after retirement, Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir could contest in the next Delhi general elections from a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), if reports are anything to go by.
With Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ruling the state, BJP is keen to restore their image and power in the capital city and the veteran cricketer would be the ideal candidate to help them achieve their goals according to a report by Dainik Jagran. Even in the past, many cricketers have switched to politics after hanging up their boots.
The likes of Mohammad Azharuddin, Navjot Singh Sidhu, Mohammad Kaif, Praveen Kumar, Vinod Kambli and Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi are few popular names who have made the transition.
Gambhir last made his appearance for the national team in 2016, when India hosted England in a Test series. His last appearance in limited-overs cricket dates back to 2012 and since then many new faces have taken over his place. However, the southpaw still remains one of the most reputable batsmen having scored 4,154 in 58 Tests and 5,238 runs in 147 ODIs.
Gambhir also played a key role in India’s ICC T20 World Cup 2007 and ICC World Cup 2011 triumphs. The two-time Indian Premier League (IPL) winning captain had earlier stepped down as captain of the Delhi Daredevils in the latest edition.