5 Indian Cricketers Who Served in Army

The amazing stories of these Indian cricketers who not only contributed in sports by their phenomenal performances but also the cricketers who served in army.

These athletes showed patriotism by serving in important military jobs and getting respect and admiration for both their athletic abilities and their service.

Let’s have a look at the Indian Cricketers who also served in the Army

1. Hemu Adhikari

Hemu Adhikari was a superb spin-bowling all-rounder who played 21 Tests for India between 1947 and 1959. His debut in international cricket was delayed by World War II, when he served as an Indian Army soldier. Adhikari retired from the army with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, demonstrating his commitment to his country.

Adhikari scored 872 runs in Tests, averaging 31.14, and took three wickets. In first-class cricket, he had an even better record, amassing 8,683 runs at an average of 41.74 and capturing 49 wickets at 37.93. He also served as India’s head coach in the early 1970s, helping the team win its maiden Test series in England in 1971.

2. C.K. Nayudu (Colonel)

At the second in the list of cricketers who served we have C.K. Nayudu, who is highly regarded as the first cricket superstar from India and the country’s first Test captain. He led the squad in four of its first seven Test matches, from 1932 to 1936. Nayudu scored 350 runs at an average of 25 throughout his career and grabbed nine wickets with his off-spin bowling.

Nayudu was called to Indore by the monarch of Holkar State before to his international cricket career. He was given the position of ‘Captain’ and later elevated to ‘Colonel’ in the state army, recognising his leadership and cricket abilities.

3. Kapil Dev (Lieutenant Colonel)

Kapil Dev also known as India’s finest all-rounder, and led the Indian cricket team to their maiden World Cup victory in 1983. In recognition of his achievements in sports and patriotism, he joined the Territorial Army in 2008 and was given the honorary title of Lieutenant Colonel.

4. Sachin Tendulkar (Group Captain)

At 4th place of cricketers who served in army is Sachin Tendulkar, largely recognised as “Cricket GOD” has received various awards for his achievements in the sport and his country. In 2010, the Indian Air Force promoted him to Group Captain, making him the first sportsperson without aviation experience to receive this award. This accolade recognised his famous cricket career and impact on the nation.

5. MS Dhoni (Lieutenant Colonel)

MS Dhoni is the only skipper to have won all three ICC limited-overs titles and is well-known for his admiration for the Indian Army. In 2011, the Indian Territorial Army promoted him to Lieutenant Colonel in recognition of his commitment and leadership. Dhoni demonstrated his loyalty to the army by serving briefly in Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 when he was involved in patrolling, guard duty, and other activities.

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