Indian cricketers have not only brought glory to the country with their performances on the field but have also been honoured with prestigious positions in the armed forces and police services. Their contributions have inspired millions, proving that serving the nation goes beyond cricket. Here are some Indian stars who proudly wear both the colours of Team India and the honour of uniformed service.
- 1. Sachin Tendulkar – Group Captain, Indian Air Force
- 2. Kapil Dev – Lieutenant Colonel, Indian Army
- 3. MS Dhoni – Lieutenant Colonel, Indian Territorial Army
- 4. Harbhajan Singh – Deputy Superintendent of Police, Punjab Police
- 5. Harmanpreet Kaur – Deputy Superintendent of Police, Punjab Police
- 6. Joginder Sharma – Deputy Superintendent of Police, Haryana Police
- 7. Mohammed Siraj – Deputy Superintendent of Police, Telangana Police
1. Sachin Tendulkar – Group Captain, Indian Air Force
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar was conferred the honorary rank of Group Captain by the Indian Air Force in 2010. He became the first sportsperson and the first person without an aviation background to receive the honour. Widely regarded as one of the greatest batters in history, Sachin’s contribution to Indian cricket earned him immense respect both on and off the field.
2. Kapil Dev – Lieutenant Colonel, Indian Army
India’s 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev was awarded the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army in 2008. His leadership transformed Indian cricket and inspired generations of cricketers. The honour recognized his contribution to the nation through sports.
3. MS Dhoni – Lieutenant Colonel, Indian Territorial Army
Former India captain MS Dhoni holds the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army. A passionate supporter of the armed forces, Dhoni received the honour in 2011. He has often spent time with military personnel and even underwent training with the Parachute Regiment in 2019. His love and respect for the armed forces have earned admiration from fans across the country.
4. Harbhajan Singh – Deputy Superintendent of Police, Punjab Police
Former spinner Harbhajan Singh serves as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Punjab Police. Apart from being one of India’s most successful bowlers, Harbhajan has been associated with public service through his role in the state police department.
5. Harmanpreet Kaur – Deputy Superintendent of Police, Punjab Police
Indian women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur also serves as a DSP in Punjab Police. One of the biggest stars of women’s cricket, Harmanpreet has led India to several memorable victories and continues to inspire young girls with her achievements both on and off the field.
6. Joginder Sharma – Deputy Superintendent of Police, Haryana Police
Joginder Sharma, remembered for bowling the final over in India’s victorious 2007 T20 World Cup campaign, joined Haryana Police and currently serves as a DSP. He has balanced his cricketing legacy with his duties as a police officer.
7. Mohammed Siraj – Deputy Superintendent of Police, Telangana Police
Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj was appointed as a Deputy Superintendent of Police in Telangana in recognition of his achievements in international cricket. Rising from humble beginnings in Hyderabad to becoming one of India’s premier fast bowlers, Siraj’s journey is a story of determination and dedication.
These cricketers have shown that representing India is not limited to scoring runs or taking wickets. Through their honorary military positions and police responsibilities, they continue to serve the nation with pride, embodying the spirit of dedication and patriotism.
