Kedar Jadhav Joins BJP in Mumbai: MS Dhoni’s Former Teammate Begins Political Career
April 9, 2025 Mumbai — Former Indian cricketer and Chennai Super Kings mainstay Kedar Jadhav has officially entered politics by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The ex-India middle-order batter was welcomed into the saffron fold at a formal ceremony in Mumbai, in the presence of Maharashtra BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule.
Jadhav donned the traditional BJP saffron turban as he stepped into his new role, signaling a new innings off the field. National news agency ANI captured the moment on video, which quickly went viral on social media.
A Shift from the Pitch to Politics
Kedar Jadhav, who retired from international cricket on June 3, 2023, was recently seen in cricket commentary roles, but his political entry now marks a significant shift in career.
Speaking at the induction, BJP leaders praised Jadhav’s commitment to the nation through sports and expressed confidence in his potential to connect with youth and sports communities in Maharashtra and beyond.
Jadhav’s Cricketing Highlights
International Career:
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ODIs: 73 matches, 1,389 runs, 2 centuries, 6 half-centuries
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T20Is: 9 matches, 122 runs
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ODI Bowling: 27 wickets
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Debut: ODI against Sri Lanka in 2014
Domestic Cricket:
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First-Class Matches: 87
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Runs Scored: 6,100
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Centuries: 17
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Half-Centuries: 23
IPL Journey & Bond with MS Dhoni
A player closely associated with MS Dhoni, Jadhav played a substantial part of his career under the former Indian skipper, both in Team India and at Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Known for his finishing capabilities and part-time off-spin, Jadhav featured in 93 IPL matches and scored 1,196 runs with four half-centuries.
IPL Teams:
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Chennai Super Kings
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Royal Challengers Bangalore
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Sunrisers Hyderabad
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Delhi Daredevils
His IPL debut came in 2010, and he remained an active player in the league until 2021.
What’s Next for Jadhav?
While Jadhav has not yet announced whether he will contest elections or take on a campaign role, his entry into BJP adds to the growing list of cricketers-turned-politicians in India, including Gautam Gambhir, Mohammad Kaif, and Navjot Singh Sidhu.
His popularity in Maharashtra’s youth and cricket circles may prove to be a valuable asset for BJP as the party ramps up for future assembly and Lok Sabha elections.