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Former India cricketer Kedar Jadhav has transitioned into the political arena as he has officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The announcement was made in Mumbai on Tuesday, April 8, in the presence of Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Maharashtra minister and state BJP chief. This marks a big shift in Kedar Jadhav's career, moving from the cricket field to the realm of politics.
Kedar Jadhav joins BJP
Jadhav's decision to enter politics follows his retirement from all forms of cricket, which he declared in June 2024 at the age of 39. His cricketing career spanned from 2014 to 2020, during which he represented India in both One Day International (ODI) and T20I matches.
In Indian Premier League (IPL), Kedar Jadhav played an instrumental role for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise, contributing to their title triumph in the 2018 edition of the tournament.
Across his IPL career, Kedar Jadhav participated in 95 matches spanning 12 seasons. During this time, he represented five different franchises. Kedar played for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Chennai Super Kings, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Adding to his IPL experience, Kedar Jadhav was also part of the Kochi Tuskers Kerala team during the 2010 season. Although the Kochi Tuskers Kerala are no longer an active franchise in the IPL, his time with the team marked an early chapter in his league career.
Kedar Jadhav's cricketing career
Kedar Jadhav's journey in international cricket began with his One Day International (ODI) debut against Sri Lanka in 2014, followed by his Twenty20 International (T20I) debut in 2015. His final appearance for the Indian national team was in an ODI against New Zealand in Auckland in 2020. Following his retirement from all forms of cricket, Jadhav has now stepped into the realm of Indian politics.
Born on March 26, 1985, in Pune, Maharashtra, Kedar Jadhav established himself as a key middle-order batsman for India. He represented India in 73 ODIs, amassing 1,389 runs at an impressive average of 42.09. Beyond his batting prowess, Jadhav also proved to be a useful part-time off-spinner, taking 27 wickets with an economy rate of 5.15.
While Jadhav contributed several important innings for India, his most memorable performance remains his spectacular 120-run knock off just 76 balls against England in the Pune ODI in 2017. In that match, he played a pivotal role in rescuing India from a precarious 63 for four in the 12th over, forging an extraordinary 200-run partnership with the then Indian captain Virat Kohli. Their combined effort enabled India to successfully chase down a target of 351, securing a thrilling victory.
Prior to his international career, Jadhav was a consistent and a key player for the Maharashtra state side. His standout performance came during the 2013-14 Ranji Trophy season, where he amassed an impressive 1223 runs, including six centuries. This remarkable domestic form played a crucial role in earning him a place in the Indian national team.
On June 3, 2024, Kedar Jadhav officially announced his retirement from all formats of cricket, bringing an end to a career that spanned nearly 17 years, from the 2007-08 season to 2024.
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