Many cricketers who have represented India at the national level have served in the police and armed forces. Recently, Indian cricketer Mohammed Siraj took on a new role as Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Telangana, following his crucial contributions to India’s victory in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup.
In the past, legendary names such as MS Dhoni, Kapil Dev, and Sachin Tendulkar have joined the Indian security agencies. But how many other cricketers have served in the Indian police? Let’s explore the details below:
1. Mohammad Siraj:
After India’s victory in the T20 World Cup 2024, the Telangana government conferred the post of DSP (Deputy Superintendent of Police) to Siraj and gifted him a 600-yard plot. He was appointed to the post in October 2024.
2. MS Dhoni:
Dhoni was appointed the post of Lieutenant Colonel in 2011. In 2019, he took part in tasks such as post duty, guard, and patrolling with soldiers in Kashmir for around two weeks.
3. Joginder Sharma:
Known for his crucial role in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup victory, Joginder Sharma holds the post of DSP in Haryana Police. He was appointed to this position while still playing professional cricket.
2007: #T20WorldCup hero 🏆
2020: Real world hero 💪In his post-cricket career as a policeman, India’s Joginder Sharma is among those doing their bit amid a global health crisis.
[📷 Joginder Sharma] pic.twitter.com/2IAAyjX3Se
— ICC (@ICC) March 28, 2020
4. Sachin Tendulkar:
On September 3, 2010, Tendulkar was honoured with the post of Group Captain in the Indian Air Force. This rank is equivalent to a Colonel in the Indian Army and a Captain in the Navy.
5. Kapil Dev:
The captain of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team, Kapil Dev, was appointed Lieutenant Colonel during the 59th Territorial Army Celebration in 2008.
Notable Mentions
Harbhajan Singh: Recently, rumours circulated that Harbhajan Singh had been appointed as a Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Punjab. However, the cricketer clarified that the reports were false and the images were from a movie role he was preparing for. Singh also denied joining the Punjab Police, emphasizing that he turned down a DSP position offered by the Punjab government in 2002 to focus on his cricket career.