Ex-India Cricketer Kedar Jadhav Joins BJP In Mumbai

Former Indian cricketer Kedar Jadhav on Tuesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Mumbai. Keda Jadhav joined the saffron party in the presence of Maharashtra minister and state BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule.

Kedar Jadhav retired from cricket in June 2024 at the age of 39, having played for India from 2014 to 2020.

Speaking to the media, Kedar Jadhav expressed his admiration for Chhatrapati Shivaji and praised the development-focused politics of the BJP under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. "With this said, I under Bawankule enter and join the BJP," he stated during his induction into the party.

Kedar Jadhav's Cricketing Journey

Jadhav debuted for India in 2014 against Sri Lanka in an ODI match. He played his last international game in 2020 against New Zealand in Auckland. Throughout his career, he scored 1389 runs in 73 ODIs and 122 runs in nine T20Is. His unique bowling style also earned him 27 wickets in ODIs.

The former cricketer was part of India's squad during significant tournaments like the 2018 Asia Cup, the 2019 ODI World Cup, and the 2017 Champions Trophy. In domestic cricket, he played for several IPL teams, including Chennai Super Kings, with whom he won the IPL title in 2018.

Political Aspirations

Chandrashekhar Bawankule expressed joy over Jadhav's decision to join BJP, stating it was a happy occasion for them. "In all spheres of life, he has had an impact," Bawankule remarked while welcoming Jadhav to the party along with others from Hingoli and Nanded.

Jadhav announced his retirement through social media on June 2024, thanking everyone for their support throughout his career. "Thank you all for your love and support throughout my Career from 1500 hrs consider me as retired from all forms of cricket," he wrote.