MS Dhoni, Kapil Dev lead top 7 Indian cricketers' list with top government jobs and ranks

‘Cricket is a popular sport in India’ is quite an understatement. Top cricket players in the country are often looked upon by youngsters as role models and their significance among the public is as similar to that of movie stars and politicians. Often considered as sporting icons of the country, former and active cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli among numerous others have a massive fan-following not just in India but from across the seas the well.

Top-performing Indian cricketers are also rewarded with significant jobs by the Indian government. Time and again, the government has honoured several players with jobs through any of their subsidiaries. Here is a list of seven Indian cricketers, including the likes of Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni, who are rewarded with top jobs by the Indian government.

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MS Dhoni, Kapil Dev among Indian cricketers with high-ranking government jobs

MS Dhoni – Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army

Former Indian captain MS Dhoni was conferred by the Indian Territorial Army to the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel on November 1, 2011. He was recognised by the Indian Army for the rank for his vast contribution towards Indian cricket. In August 2019, MS Dhoni even completed a 2-week stint with the Territorial Army in Jammu and Kashmir.

MS Dhoni Lieutenant Colonel

Kapil Dev – Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army

Much like MS Dhoni, Kapil Dev was also conferred by the Indian Territorial Army to the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel. However, the 1983 World Cup-winning captain was conferred to the honour in 2008, i.e. three years before the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman was recognised for it in 2011. In doing so, Kapil Dev became the first Indian cricketer to join the Indian Army as an honorary officer.

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Sachin Tendulkar – Group Captain in the Indian Air Force

In 2010, former Indian cricket captain and batting icon Sachin Tendulkar was made an honorary Group Captain by the Indian Air Force. In doing so, he became the first sportsperson as well as first Indian without an aviation background to be awarded the honorary rank.

KL Rahul – Assistant Manager at the Reserve Bank of India

Dynamic Indian batsman KL Rahul has made some huge strides in international cricket ever since he made his debut in 2014. For his many match-winning efforts, the stylish right-handed batsman was offered to become the Assistant Manager by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in 2018. KL Rahul accepted the role and he continues his good association with the apex bank of the country.  

Umesh Yadav – Assistant Manager at the Reserve Bank of India

Indian fast bowler Umesh Yadav was also awarded the job of an Assistant Manager for the Reserve Bank of India branch in Nagpur in 2017. Umesh Yadav along with his teammate KL Rahul also make appearances for Reserve Bank of India in several television commercials.

Umesh Yadav and KL Rahul in a Reserve Bank of India commercial, watch video

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Joginder Sharma – Deputy Superintendent of Police in Haryana

Former Indian bowler Joginder Sharma is widely remembered for bowling the famous final over in the title clash of the 2007 T20 World Cup against Pakistan. His performance throughout the tournament earned him a job with Haryana Police later that same year. Joginder Sharma continues to maintain his association with Haryana Police and is now a Deputy Superintendent in Pehowa, Haryana, helping many people day and night without going back home during the coronavirus pandemic.

Yuzvendra Chahal – Inspector at the Income Tax Department

Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is also an Income Tax Officer after the department roped in the cricketer in 2018. His father confirmed the same during an interview with Mid-Day.

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Image credits: Official Twitter accounts of BCCI and ICC