Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has announced his decision to step away from his political career to focus on upcoming cricket commitments, particularly the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Gambhir, who entered politics in March 2019 by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), conveyed his gratitude to the BJP leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, for the opportunity to serve the people.
Having officially joined the BJP on March 22, 2019, Gautam Gambhir contested and won the 2019 Indian general election from East Delhi, securing a significant victory. In his recent social media post, Gambhir expressed his intention to be relieved of his political duties by BJP President J.P. Nadda, allowing him to concentrate on his upcoming cricket commitments.
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“I have requested Hon’ble Party President @JPNadda ji to relieve me of my political duties so that I can focus on my upcoming cricket commitments. I sincerely thank Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji and Hon’ble HM @AmitShah ji for giving me the opportunity to serve the people. Jai Hind!” he stated in the post.
I have requested Hon’ble Party President @JPNadda ji to relieve me of my political duties so that I can focus on my upcoming cricket commitments. I sincerely thank Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji and Hon’ble HM @AmitShah ji for giving me the opportunity to serve the people. Jai Hind!
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) March 2, 2024
Before entering politics, Gautam Gambhir had an illustrious cricketing career, representing India across all formats. He played a pivotal role in India’s victories in the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in 2007 and the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011, contributing significant match-winning performances.
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In addition to his political exit, Gambhir has also parted ways with the IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), where he served as a mentor for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He will now join the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a similar capacity, marking his return to the franchise where he had previously played and led the team to IPL titles in 2012 and 2014.
