This CSK Batsman Turns Into Politician, Joins BJP Amidst IPL 2025

April 8, 2025: Former Indian cricketer Kedar Jadhav has officially entered the political arena by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The announcement was made on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Mumbai, where Jadhav was inducted into the party in the presence of Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who is also the state BJP chief. This marks a significant career shift for Jadhav, who is transitioning from cricket to politics after retiring from all forms of cricket in June 2024 at the age of 39.

Kedar Jadhav’s decision to join politics comes after a fruitful and memorable cricketing career. From 2014 to 2020, Jadhav represented India in both One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20Is, cementing his place as a valuable middle-order batsman. His stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL) was equally successful, where he played a key role in Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) title victory in 2018. Throughout his IPL career, Jadhav represented five franchises, including Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Royal Challengers Bangalore, Chennai Super Kings, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. He also had a brief stint with the now-defunct Kochi Tuskers Kerala in 2010.

Jadhav’s cricketing journey saw him make an impact both with the bat and ball. His ODI debut came in 2014 against Sri Lanka, followed by his T20I debut in 2015. Over his international career, Jadhav played 73 ODIs, scoring 1,389 runs at an impressive average of 42.09. In addition to his batting, he was also a handy part-time off-spinner, taking 27 wickets in his ODI career. One of his most iconic performances came in 2017, when he scored a stunning 120 off 76 balls against England in Pune, helping India successfully chase down 351 runs in a memorable ODI victory.

Before his international career, Jadhav had been a prolific performer for Maharashtra in domestic cricket. His standout season came during the 2013-14 Ranji Trophy, where he scored a remarkable 1,223 runs, including six centuries, which played a crucial role in earning him a place in the Indian national team.

However, in June 2024, Jadhav announced his retirement from all forms of cricket after nearly 17 years in the sport. His transition into politics marks the next chapter of his career. Joining the BJP, he is now set to venture into public service, where his popularity and recognition from his cricketing career may help him connect with the people.

Kedar Jadhav’s shift to politics is a notable one, as he steps away from a distinguished cricketing career to embrace a new role in the political sphere. His journey from cricket to politics mirrors a growing trend where sports figures are venturing into public service, bringing their popularity and experience to the political stage.