From Mohammed Siraj to Yuzvendra Chahal: How Indian Cricketers Are Securing Secondary Employment Roles

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It’s funny how life sometimes draws parallels between the most unlikely things. Take the game of cricket, for instance. In the 80s, cricket in India was a far cry from the mega-dollar spectacle it has become today. Back then, cricket wasn’t the moneymaker it is now.

Players like Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, and MS Dhoni were icons, but they still needed to secure their future outside the cricket field. Cricket’s got the crowds, the fame, and the fortune. Yet, some cricketers are still choosing to don a government uniform, walking a line between sportsmanship and duty.

Mohammed Siraj

Take Mohammed Siraj, for instance. The man who has been setting the cricket field on fire with his fiery pace bowling officially assumed the role of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Telangana in 2024, after a landmark victory in the T20 World Cup.

The Telangana Chief Minister even went as far as gifting him a residential plot and a government job to honor his cricketing feats. This wasn't just a good gesture—it was a pat on the back from a nation that saw Siraj as more than just a cricketer.

KL Rahul

But Siraj isn’t alone in this. KL Rahul, the rock-solid batsman and wicket-keeper, is a crucial part of India’s playing XI. Yet, the Reserve Bank of India thought it wise to tap into his skills by hiring him as an Assistant Manager in 2018. Why? Because the RBI wanted to bring in a younger crowd, and who better than Rahul to pull them in?

Joginder Sharma

Then there’s Joginder Sharma, who made his mark on the world stage in the 2007 World T20 final by bowling the decisive over against Pakistan. After that, Haryana gifted him a job as a Deputy Superintendent of Police in Pehowa. From cricketing stardom to serving the people, Sharma walked a line of heroism and service.

Kapil Dev

Now, let’s not forget the legendary Kapil Dev. After leading India to its historic World Cup win in 1983, he was conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army. This wasn’t just recognition for his cricketing achievements but a salute to his contribution to the country. A true hero, both on and off the field.

Umesh Yadav

Umesh Yadav, the pace bowler who once dreamt of being a police constable, ended up as an Assistant Manager at the Reserve Bank of India in 2017. The RBI, recognizing his contributions to Indian cricket, hired him under the sports quota—a little twist of fate for the pacer.

MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni, the man who led India to World Cup glory in 2011, is also an honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army. But Dhoni doesn’t just wear this title for show. After India’s exit from the 2019 World Cup, he took a two-month break to serve his regiment—because being a soldier is as real to him as being a cricketer.

Yuzvendra Chahal

Then we have Yuzvendra Chahal, the spin maestro who doesn’t just baffle batsmen but also taxes them—in the most literal sense. Chahal serves as an Inspector with the Income Tax Department. In 2018, this unconventional move took everyone by surprise, but it’s one that many admired.

Sachin Tendulkar

And who could forget the “Master Blaster” himself, Sachin Tendulkar? Not only did he dominate world cricket for over two decades, but he was also appointed Group Captain in the Indian Air Force in 2010. His career wasn’t just about cricket—it was about building bridges with every step he took, even as an air force officer.

Virat Kohli

Then there’s Virat Kohli, a name synonymous with modern-day cricket. Known for his aggressive batting and leadership, Virat is now making waves off the field too. Beyond his cricketing career, Kohli has turned into a sharp businessman with investments in a range of startups, fashion brands, and wellness companies. From owning a stake in the FC Goa football team to investing in plant-based meats with Blue Tribe, Kohli is cementing his place as an entrepreneur and a sports icon.

It's fascinating to see how these cricketers are reshaping their careers in ways we could never have imagined. Whether it’s a government role or a business venture, they’re showing the world that there's life beyond the boundary lines.