India cricketers who have contested in Lok Sabha Elections - Yusuf Pathan adds to Elite List

The world of cricket and politics is quite closely knitted in India. Over the years, the country has witnessed their favourite cricket stars taking a step into the new dimensional career.

Various players have taken their chance in politics, a few have succeeded while others have decided to call quits abruptly. In the latest addition, it is former India player Yusuf Pathan, who won the Lok Sabha 2024 election from West Bengal's Baharampur on the ticket of Trinamool Congress.

India cricketers who have contested in Lok Sabha Elections

In this article, we shall take a look at the Indian players over the years who have taken part in the General Election of India.

Yusuf Pathan

Yusuf Pathan, known for his powerful batting, won the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Bahrampur, West Bengal. Representing the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), Pathan defeated five-time Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chaudhary. His popularity, partly due to his time with the Kolkata Knight Riders, was vital in his victory.

Pathan's triumph marked him as a significant figure in Indian politics. The former all-rounder's success highlights his seamless transition from cricket to public service. This victory adds him to the list of cricketers who have made their mark in politics.

Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir, a key player in India's 2007 and 2011 World Cup victories, joined the BJP in 2019. He contested and won from the East Delhi constituency. Gambhir has focused on civic amenities, pollution, and social welfare in his constituency.

Gambhir has been a close ally of BJP but decided to quit from contesting in the 2024 election. He mentored Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL triumph for the first time in ten years and is now in the mix of becoming the head coach of the Indian cricket team.

Mohammad Azharuddin

Mohammad Azharuddin, a former Indian captain, entered politics with the Indian National Congress (INC). He contested and won the 2009 Lok Sabha elections from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. Azharuddin's cricketing fame and public appeal were key factors in his electoral success.

Chetan Chauhan

Chetan Chauhan, an opening batsman for India, joined the BJP and was elected from the Amroha constituency in Uttar Pradesh in 1991 and 1998. Chauhan contributed significantly to sports administration and served as a minister in the Uttar Pradesh government.

Navjot Singh Sidhu

Navjot Singh Sidhu, known for his batting and TV presence, started his political journey with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He won the Amritsar Lok Sabha seat in 2004, 2009, and 2014. In 2017, he joined the Indian National Congress. Sidhu has been vocal on various issues, influencing Punjab politics.

Kirti Azad

Kirti Azad, a member of India's 1983 World Cup-winning team, began his political career with the BJP. He represented the Darbhanga constituency in Bihar, winning the Lok Sabha elections in 1999, 2009, and 2014. Azad later joined the Indian National Congress, continuing his active political role.

In the 2024 election, Kirti Azad contested in Trinamool Congress' ticket from Bengal's Bardhaman-Durgapur constituency.

Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi

Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi entered politics by contesting the 1971 Lok Sabha elections from Gurgaon, Haryana. He represented the Vishal Haryana Party. Although he did not win, his entry was noteworthy due to his cricketing legacy and royal heritage.

Mohammad Kaif

Mohammad Kaif, known for his fielding and batting, joined Congress before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. He contested from the Phulpur constituency in Allahabad but came fourth, polling 58,000 votes. Kaif had a memorable cricket career, including a notable performance in the 2002 Natwest Final, where he and Yuvraj Singh took India to a victory against England.