Cricket is a passion for many Indians, who follow the game with enthusiasm and admiration. Cricket is also a lucrative career for many players, who earn millions through their contracts and endorsements. However, some cricketers have also chosen to serve the nation in another way, by taking up government jobs. These cricketers have balanced their cricketing and official duties with dedication and pride. Here are some of the cricketers who have government jobs as well:
MS Dhoni: Lieutenant Colonel (Indian Army)
MS Dhoni is one of the most successful captains in the history of Indian cricket, having won all the major ICC trophies and several IPL titles. He is also a patriot at heart, who has a deep respect for the armed forces. In 2011, he was awarded the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel by the Indian Army, becoming the second Indian cricketer after Kapil Dev to receive this honour. Dhoni has also undergone training with the Parachute Regiment and has participated in various army activities. He has also donned the army uniform on several occasions, such as during the World Cup 2019 and his farewell match in 2020.
Sachin Tendulkar: Group Captain (Indian Air Force)
Sachin Tendulkar is widely regarded as the greatest batsman of all time, who holds numerous records and achievements in international cricket. He is also a role model for millions of Indians, who admire his humility and integrity. In 2010, he was conferred the honorary rank of Group Captain by the Indian Air Force, becoming the first sportsperson and the first person without an aviation background to receive this honour. Tendulkar has also expressed his gratitude and admiration for the air force personnel and has visited various air bases and aircrafts.
Kapil Dev: Lieutenant Colonel (Indian Territorial Army)
Kapil Dev is a legendary all-rounder, who led India to its first World Cup victory in 1983. He is also one of the finest fast bowlers and hard-hitting batsmen in the history of cricket. In 2008, he became the first Indian cricketer to be conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in Indian Army. He joined the Territorial Army, which is a part of the regular army and comprises volunteers who receive military training for a few days in a year. Kapil Dev has also attended various army events and functions.
KL Rahul: Assistant Manager (Reserve Bank of India)
KL Rahul is one of the best and most reliable batsmen for the current Indian cricket team and a top-rated wicket-keeper since MS Dhoni. He has established his spot in India’s Playing XI in recent years, across all formats of the game. However, before becoming a cricketer, he had an interest in banking and finance. In 2018, he was recruited as an Assistant Manager by the Reserve Bank of India, under the sports quota. He completed the official formalities just days ahead of India’s tour of Sri Lanka.
Yuzvendra Chahal: Income Tax Officer
Yuzvendra Chahal is a spin sensation, who has been a key member of the Indian cricket team and Royal Challengers Bangalore in T20 cricket. He has also been one of the leading wicket-takers in IPL and international matches. Apart from cricket, he also has a knack for chess, having represented India at junior levels. In 2018, he was appointed as an Income Tax Officer by the Income Tax Department, under the sports quota. He received his posting in Bengaluru, where he plays his domestic cricket.
These are some of the cricketers who have government jobs too, along with their cricketing careers. They have shown their commitment and loyalty to both their professions and have made India proud with their achievements.
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