Imran Khan, a former Pakistan skipper, has been sworn in as the 22nd Prime Minister of the country. As the news emerges from the neighboring country, another cricketer has decided to start the journey of his political career. He is none other than India’s out-of-favor opener, Gautam Gambhir.

Gambhir is reportedly all set to commence his new innings outside the cricket field by joining the nation’s currently ruling political party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Dainik Jagaran, which is one of India’s most leading daily newspapers, reported that the BJP is eagerly to give Gautam Gambhir the green signal to contest as their representative in the upcoming Delhi general elections.

Despite the fact that BJP is governing the nation, their image in the capital city has gone down the drains, especially among the native businessmen and the commoners. The party is now a desperate need of improving their relations with the Delhi people. Peoples like Gambhir are a perfect match for their quest.

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Gambhir joins a long list of Indian cricketers who have previously left the sport in favor of politics, representation and legislation duties. Kirti Azad, Mohammad Azharuddin, Navjot Singh Sidhu, Mohammad Kaif, Praveen Kumar, Vinod Kambli and Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi are the Indian cricket stars to have previously done the same.

Across the various parts of the world, Arjuna Ranatunga, Sanath Jayasuriya, and Imran Khan have also made their mark in politics in their respective nations – Imran now going on to become the Pak Prime Minister as well.

Gautam last represented India in a Test match in 2016 against England. He has not featured in a limited overs encounter since 2012. He was instrumental in helping India win the T20I World Cup 2007 and World Cup 2011. He played solid knocks in both the finals.