Former India cricketer Laxman Sivaramakrishnan joins BJP in Tamil Nadu

Former Indian leg-spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan, who is one of the youngest cricketers to make Test debut for India at the age of 17 years and 118 days, has decided to embrace the second innings of his life by starting his political career. The renowned commentator joined Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) ahead of the Tamil Nadu state elections.

One of the biggest achievements for Laxman in his cricket career was to be a part of the 1985 Championship of Cricket-winning team. He was the star performer in the marquee event as he had 10 wickets under his belt, the most by any bowler in the tournament.

The 55-year-old featured in 9 Test matches and 16 One Day Internationals for the Men in Blue in his short career from 1983 to 1986 and managed to scalp 26 and 15 wickets respectively. However, Laxman Sivaramakrishnan gained more popularity with mic in his hand as he donned the commentator hat from 2000.

It’s been 40 years with the game I love, says Laxman Sivaramakrishnan

Speaking about his decision of joining politics, Laxman Sivaramakrishnan said that he couldn’t live up to the expectations of the fans and management as a cricketer while representing the nation but he will try his best to do something useful for his state, party, country and people while being in the government.

The veteran leg-spinner also asserted that he has given the precious 40 years of his life to the game he loves, 20 years in playing and 20 years in commentary and coaching and it is finally the time for him to look beyond his passion and take a different challenge.

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“I have played cricket for 20 years and done commentary/coaching for another 20 years. It’s been 40 years with the game I love. Now I am looking at different challenges in life. Chennai, my city, and Tamil Nadu, my state are my top priorities and I want to work for the development of my city and the state,” Sivaramakrishnan told Mumbai Mirror.

“I know I could not do justice to my talent and expectations of my fans as a cricketer. I will fulfill that commitment in politics. I want to work for the best of my ability for the party, state, country and people. I will not disappoint them in my second innings.” he concluded.