Gautam Gambhir Steps Away from Active Politics to Focus on Cricket

In an unexpected development, Gautam Gambhir, Member of Parliament representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from East Delhi, has announced his decision to withdraw from active political engagements.

The former cricketer communicated his resolution via Twitter, expressing his intention to prioritize his cricketing commitments, a domain he passionately pursued before venturing into politics.

Gambhir’s tweet read, “I have requested Hon’ble Party President JP Nadda ji to relieve me of my political duties so that I can focus on my upcoming cricket commitments. I sincerely thank Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi for giving me the opportunity to serve the people. Jai Hind.”

READ MORE: Gautam Gambhir To Quit Politics & Focus on Cricket Fulltime

Speculations regarding Gambhir’s potential exclusion from the ticket allocation for the forthcoming 2024 elections appear to have contributed to his decision to step back from the political arena.

Also, he was seen criticising Amit Shah’s Jay Shah for being the secretary of BCCI due to nepotism. Gambhir was recorded saying, “a man who has never picked a cricket bat is making deviously about hard-working cricketers who give their best.”

The BJP is anticipated to unveil its initial list of candidates, encompassing over a hundred names, including prominent figures such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The party recently convened extensive overnight deliberations in Delhi, notably presided over by Prime Minister Modi at his residence, commencing at 11 pm on Thursday and concluding at 4 am on Friday.

Having joined the BJP in March 2019, Gambhir swiftly emerged as a prominent figure within the party’s ranks in Delhi. His electoral triumph in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections for the East Delhi constituency, clinched by a significant margin of 6,95,109 votes, underscored his political ascendency.

However, Gambhir’s immediate future is poised to be occupied by his commitments in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he serves as the mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), a franchise he captained to two IPL titles.

Gambhir’s illustrious cricketing career boasts of significant milestones, including contributions to India’s triumphs in the ICC T20 World Cup 2007 and ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. Across 242 international matches for India, he amassed 10,324 runs at an average of 38.95, embellished with 20 centuries and 63 half-centuries.

Gautam Gambhir has decided to choose sports above politics. For last few years, he has been involved in all aspects of the game, thorough commentry and coaching.