Sehwag's brutal response to 'you should’ve been MP before Gambhir' has internet stunned

Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has taken a subtle dig at his ex-teammates Harbhajan Singh and Gautam Gambhir when questioned about his potential interest in entering the realm of politics. Sehwag firmly expressed his disinterest in joining mainstream politics despite receiving offers from "both major political parties".

In a candid statement on X (formerly Twitter), Sehwag underscored a common critique often leveled at entertainers and sports personalities who venture into politics, asserting that many of them seem more motivated by personal power ambitions than a genuine desire to serve the people.

3 things you need to know

• Gautam Gambhir joined BJP in 2019 and became a Lok Sabha MP from Delhi the same year
• Harbhajan Singh was nominated to the Rajya Sabha from Punjab by AAP in March 2022
• Both Gambhir and Harbhajan played their last cricket match for the country in 2016

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Sehwag takes a veiled jibe at Harbhajan-Gambhir

Sehwag made it abundantly clear that he harbors no aspirations of becoming a part-time Member of Parliament (MP) at his convenience, distancing himself from the path taken by Harbhajan Singh and Gautam Gambhir, who currently serve as MPs representing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), respectively.

I am not at all interested in politics. Have been approached by both major parties in the last two elections. My view is that most entertainers or sportsman should not enter politics as most are their for their own ego and hunger for power and barely spare genuine time for… https://t.co/wuodkpp6HT

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) September 5, 2023

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Sehwag's remarks reflect a broader debate in India about the role of celebrities and sports stars in politics. While some argue that their popularity can help raise awareness about important issues and bring fresh perspectives to governance, others, like Sehwag, caution against the potentially self-serving motivations that can accompany such transitions.

Gautam Gambhir and Harbhajan Singh are not the only sportspersons at the moment to hold the position of an MP. Former Olympians Mary Kom and Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore are currently serving in the Indian parliament. Interestingly, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar also served in the upper house after being nominated by the then President Pratibha Patil. Sachin was the first active sportsperson to become an MP.

Image: Instagram/Sehwag/SansadTV