Former cricketer Kedar Jadhav starts political career with BJP

According to the latest development, Maharashtra-based cricketer Kedar Jadhav has joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to mark the commencement of his political career on April 08. The cricketer officially took over the party membership on Tuesday in Mumbai office, in the presence of party president Chandrashekhar Bawankule. Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadanvis was also reported to be available, however, he seemed to be absent as per the visuals.

The former India all-rounder has joined the forces with the ruling party in a bid to foray into politics after bidding goodbye to a successful cricketing career. He took the oath in the afternoon around 3.00 PM as Bawankule felicitated to welcome the star cricketer, who represented the country at the highest level.

For the unversed, the Pune-born had retired from all forms of cricket in June 2024 after a decent international career with the Indian team. He made his debut in November 2014 during an ODI against Sri Lanka in Ranchi, and has played 73 matches in the format, scoring 1389 runs at an average of 42.09. He also proved to be an effective part-time bowler, taking 27 wickets at an economy of 5.15 in the One-Dayers.

The 40-year-old has also been a stalwart in the Indian Premier League, representing successful franchises like Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Delhi Capitals over a career that spanned between 2009 and 2023. Jadhav also played for the now-defunct Kochi Tuskers Kerala in 2010.

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Jadhav is best remembered for his knock against England during an ODI at his home ground in Pune. During the first ODI of the series in 2017, The Three Lions set India a target of 351 after 50 overs. Batting second, the hosts were in a spot of bother with half the side back for just 63 runs aggregated. Then, Jadhav took the onus in his own hands and bossed the English bowlers with an emphatic 120 of just 76 balls. He was also involved in a 200-run partnership with Virat Kohli (122 off 105) and made sure the Indian team won the match with 11 balls to spare.