New Innings! Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir joins BJP, likely to contest LS polls

New Delhi, March 22: Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir started new innings in his life on Friday when the Delhi cricketer joined the BJP ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

The Delhi-based cricketer is expected to be fielded in the Lok Sabha polls from one of the seven seats in the national capital.

The 37-year-old Gambhir joined the ruling party in the presence of Union ministers Arun Jaitley and Ravi Shankar Prasad. Earlier in the day, Gambhir was welcomed into the party fold by BJP's national president Amit Shah.

Deferred LIVE : Shri @GautamGambhir joins BJP in the presence of Shri @arunjaitley and Shri @rsprasad. https://t.co/uD8xAj0bBt

— BJP (@BJP4India) March 22, 2019

The former opening batsman played a key role in India's triumph in the 2011 World Cup and the 2007 T20 World Cup. He was recently conferred upon the Padma Shri award.

Gambhir said he was impressed by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and will work for the country's welfare as a member of the party.

Jaitley, who described Gambhir's joining as an "important induction" into the BJP, said the party will take a call at an appropriate time whether to field him in the Lok Sabha polls.

Former Cricketer @GautamGambhir joins BJP in the presence of Union Ministers Shri @arunjaitley and Shri @rsprasad. pic.twitter.com/sDJOnSOLza

— BJP (@BJP4India) March 22, 2019

BJP sources, however, said Gambhir may be fielded from the New Delhi constituency, currently represented by the party's Meenakshi Lekhi.

Jaitley noted that Gambhir grew up and studied in Delhi, highlighting his link with the city, and said the party will utilise his talent in a maximum way. Gambhir also met party chief Amit Shah here.

(With inputs from PTI)