Former Cricketer Kedar Jadhav Joins BJP, Cites Inspiration from PM Modi and CM Fadnavis
From dazzling switch-hits on the cricket field to a new innings in politics, Kedar Jadhav has turned the page to a fresh chapter in his life. The former Indian cricketer, who announced his retirement from all forms of the game in June 2024, officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday at an event held in Mumbai.
The 39-year-old was welcomed into the party by Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule. During the induction ceremony, Jadhav expressed deep admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, attributing his political shift to their leadership and development-oriented governance.
“First, I bow to the great Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. I have been inspired by the vision and achievements of Modi ji and Fadnavis ji. Under their leadership, the BJP has focused on development. I am proud to join the party under the guidance of Bawankule ji,” Jadhav said at the event.
Sharing his motivation, Jadhav stated that the work of the BJP leadership since 2014 had greatly inspired him. “The immense support and success the BJP has seen since 2014 is remarkable. I aim to follow in their footsteps. Whatever responsibility I am given, I promise to serve with full honesty and dedication,” he told ANI.
Welcoming Jadhav, Bawankule called it a moment of joy. “Kedar has made an impact in every field he has entered. It’s a happy day for us. We welcome him home,” he said, noting that many others from Hingoli and Nanded districts also joined the BJP alongside Jadhav.
Jadhav enjoyed a successful cricketing career as a dependable middle-order batsman known for his unconventional off-spin and finishing abilities. He made his One Day International (ODI) debut for India in 2014 against Sri Lanka and played 73 ODIs, amassing 1,389 runs. He was also featured in nine T20 Internationals and represented India in major tournaments, including the 2017 Champions Trophy, the 2018 Asia Cup (which India won), and the 2019 World Cup.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Jadhav played for multiple franchises, including Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Sunrisers Hyderabad. His most notable stint came with CSK, where he was part of the title-winning squad in 2018.
Jadhav announced his retirement through a heartfelt social media post in June 2024, writing, “Thank you all for your love and support throughout my career. From 1500 hrs, consider me retired from all forms of cricket.”
With his political journey now underway, Jadhav joins a growing list of Indian athletes transitioning into public life, including names like Gautam Gambhir, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Vijender Singh, and Saina Nehwal—many of whom have also aligned with the BJP.
