IPL 2024: Navjot Singh Sidhu Returns As Commentator After Decade-Long Break | Buraahh!!

Cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu announced on Tuesday that he will be joining the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 as a commentator. This decision is likely to pose a dilemma for the Congress party, which was reportedly considering fielding him in Patiala against MP Preneet Kaur, who recently defected to the BJP.

Sidhu's choice to join the IPL commentary team eliminates his chances of contesting in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Before venturing into politics twenty years ago, the 60-year-old, who boasts a million followers on X, was renowned for his witty remarks and one-liners as a cricket commentator.

His return to the IPL commentary box was announced through a retweet of a post from Star Sports, where they welcomed him back to the team. The IPL season, spanning from March 22 to May 29, will keep Sidhu occupied with commentary for 74 matches involving the 10 IPL teams.

With the Lok Sabha election process in Punjab commencing from May 7 and polling scheduled for the last phase on June 1, the possibility of Sidhu contesting against Kaur is ruled out.

Sidhu's Political Journey and Turmoil in Punjab Congress

Sidhu has been engaged in a power struggle within the Punjab Congress since his removal as state unit president following the party's defeat in the 2022 assembly elections. Instead of participating in party events, he organized rallies to demonstrate his influence, proposing a collaboration with the Aam Aadmi Party, which faced opposition from his party colleagues, as reported By Hindustan Times.

In addition to his cricket career, Sidhu was involved in a television comedy show, which he had to quit upon assuming ministerial duties in Captain Amarinder Singh's government in 2017.

Having initially joined the BJP in 2004, Sidhu served as a Member of Parliament for Amritsar and also held a term as a Rajya Sabha member. However, his dissatisfaction arose when the BJP nominated Arun Jaitley for the Amritsar seat in the 2014 parliamentary elections, leading Sidhu to refrain from campaigning for the party.

Subsequently, Sidhu joined the Congress in 2016 and became a minister in Singh's cabinet the following year. He played a pivotal role in leading the Congress in the 2022 assembly elections, resulting in Singh's ousting from the party. However, Sidhu was disappointed by the party's decision not to appoint him as Chief Minister after Singh's removal or as the CM candidate for the 2022 elections, reported HT.

Following his defeat in the Amritsar East constituency and a one-year jail term for culpable homicide in a 1988 road rage incident, Sidhu clashed with Congress state leaders Raja Warring and Partap Singh Bajwa. He distanced himself from party functions and organized parallel events, targeting the Aam Aadmi Party government led by Bhagwant Mann. Consequently, the Congress suspended some of Sidhu's supporters for their involvement in these rallies.

Potential overlooked?

While Sidhu remained unavailable for comment, a supporter, speaking on condition of anonymity, asserted, "The Congress failed to utilize his potential and acknowledge his contributions. Moreover, he needs to support himself financially. Unlike other politicians, he is not involved in corruption and must work for his livelihood."

Conversely, his critics within the Congress accused him of betraying the party. "Once again, when his support was crucial, he prioritized personal gains over party interests. His behaviour is unpredictable, making him unreliable; our concerns expressed to the high command have been vindicated," stated a Congress leader, opting to remain anonymous, reported HT.

On X, formerly known as Twitter, some individuals took the opportunity to mock Sidhu. Meanwhile, Pritpal Singh Baliwal, a BJP leader and supporter of former chief minister Singh, posted on X, "Just heard about Navjot Sidhu rejoining IPL. Retirement from politics! Best of luck @sherryontop. We'll be watching your shows amidst the election hustle."