On January 26, 2024, India marked its 75th Republic Day. This is the day when our constitution was put into action back in 1950.
Being in the military is a role that radiates both honor and duty. Just like being a cricket player that stands for our nation.
This piece will center on five Indian cricket stars with ties to the military:
1. Sachin Tendulkar
You might already know Sachin Tendulkar. Many believe he’s the best cricketer ever. He’s broken lots of batting records in both milestone ODIs and Tests. He also joined India’s Air Force in 2010 as a group captain.
That made him the first person without an aviation past to get this honor. He’s also the first sports player to get this rank. Since then, he’s become a big model for India’s Air Force to the young people.
2. MS Dhoni
In blue uniform, MS Dhoni took the highest honours. He nailed the 2007 T20 World Cup, brought home the 2011 ODI World Cup, and claimed the 2013 Champions Trophy. Also, the Chennai Super Kings rode to five IPL titles under his lead.
2011 saw Dhoni getting an honorary Lieutenant Colonel rank from the Indian Territorial Army. In 2019, his army duties called him. He served actively for a few weeks in Jammu and Kashmir.
3. Kapil Dev
In 1983, Kapil Dev led the Indian cricket team to World Cup victory, making history. This celebrated athlete was the first from India to hoist the world cup. Kapil, Imran Khan, Ian Botham, and Richard Hadlee made up a well-known all-rounder group during the eighties.
At 65 years old, Kapil signed up for the Territorial Army in 2008. He received Lieutenant Colonel ranking from the military later.
4. CK Nayudu
CK Nayudu, our country’s first Test captain, built a robust career in first-class cricket. His career stretched out across an impressive time span of 47 years. Dating from 1916 to 1963, Nayudu amassed an astonishing 11,825 runs. A valuable asset to the nation’s cricket scene, he’s often seen as our first top-notch player.
In 1923, Nayudu acquired the title of Colonel in Holkar’s army. This was nearly ten years prior to his first international match against England in 1932. Hence, his nickname “Colonel” is renowned in the cricket world.
5. Hemu Adhikari
In the late 1940s and 1950s, Hemu Adhikari played for the Men in Blue. He was a spin-bowling all-rounder. He took part in 21 Test matches. Not only a player, Adhikari coached the team. This coaching led to victory. It was the first-ever Test series win in England, in 1971.
Unlike most players on this list, he had a military background before making his international debut in 1947. He served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the army during WWII, which is why his Test debut was postponed until 1947.
