In India, it is a well-known proverb that individuals should first consider engineering before deciding on their future careers. Pursuing your dreams is a very challenging challenge in a country like India where theoretical knowledge appears to be the biggest expertise. People attempt to first become something, such as engineers, before figuring out how to pursue their aspirations. We bring the list of the top five Indian cricketers who are also engineers.
However, a lot of cricket players have left school and college to follow their dreams. They frequently receive compliments from others for their perseverance in pursuing their goals. But did you know that India boasts a large number of athletes with highly esteemed engineering degrees? Therefore, we will talk about the top 5 Indian cricketers who also have engineering degrees in this article.
Indian cricketers with engineering degrees:
5. Krishnamachari Srikkanth, 1983 World Cup winner:
One of India’s best openers, Srikkanth initially chose to work in the field of electrical engineering. He received his degree from Chennai’s Guindy College of Engineering. But fate intervened, and he rose to fame as a cricketer. Srikkanth played for India in 145 ODIs during the course of his stellar cricketing career, opening the batting every time. In ODIs, he scored more than 4,000 runs while maintaining a 29.01 average.
His stellar record, which includes four centuries and 27 fifty-plus scores, demonstrated his skill as a top-order batsman. Throughout his 11-year career, Srikkanth participated in 43 Test matches. He ran for 2,062 runs, including two centuries. His crucial contribution as the leading scorer in India’s historic World Cup final victory over the West Indies in 1983, however, remains his most enduring accomplishment. Srikkanth, who batted first alongside Sunil Gavaskar, contributed 38 runs off 57 deliveries, helping India score a total of 183 runs.
4. S. Venkataraghavan, Another Guindy Allumini:
Former cricketer and engineer Venkataraghavan has left a lasting legacy in the sport. Before becoming famous as a cricket player, Venkataraghavan demonstrated his intelligence by earning an engineering degree from Chennai’s College of Engineering, Guindy.
The now 75-year-old cricketer represented India in 72 international games during his playing days, showcasing his prowess as a talented off-spin bowler who amassed an astounding total of 161 wickets. His analytical and strategic approach to the game was probably influenced by his expertise in engineering.
Venkataraghavan continued to make substantial contributions to cricket long after his playing days were over. He became a member of the top-tier umpire panel for the Apex Cricket Council, showcasing his mastery of the sport and his prowess as an official.
3. Javagal Srinath, star of the Indian pace attack:
In the 1990s, Srinath, a key member of India’s fast bowling unit, made the amazing transformation from an engineer to a cricketing hero. Srinath might have taken a different route after earning a BE in Instrumentation Technology from Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering in Mysuru.
His choice to focus on cricket ended up changing the game. Srinath rose to the top of Indian cricket because of his lightning-quick pace and unwavering commitment. He made an enormous impression on the cricketing world with his outstanding achievements, taking 315 wickets in 229 ODI games.
Young fast bowlers were inspired by Srinath’s transition from the engineering world to cricket, which also demonstrated his unrelenting dedication to the game. His reputation as an engineer-turned-cricketer reverberates today as a reminder to follow one’s passion and never stop striving for excellence.
2. Ravichandran Ashwin, a street-smart cricketer:
R. Ashwin, a pivotal player in the 2011 World Cup-winning Indian cricket team’s run. He has had a special path that started in the engineering field. Ashwin, a native of Tamil Nadu, first sought an information technology career after earning his B.Tech. at SSN College of Engineering in Chennai.
However, when he decided to pursue his love of cricket, his life took an extraordinary turn. He became one of the best off-spinners in the sport’s history as a result of this choice. Ashwin has established himself as a legend thanks to his fast thinking and outstanding exploits in cricket matches, making him a valuable member of the Indian team. His transformation from an accomplished cricketer to a well-known engineer serves as a testament to his commitment and skill in the game.
1. Anil Kumble, India’s highest wicket-taker:
Kumble, who has a BE in mechanical engineering, is one of the most skilled spin bowlers in the annals of international cricket. In 1991–1992, he earned his degree from Bangalore’s Rashtriya Vidyalaya College of Engineering. Surprisingly, Kumble made his Test and ODI debuts in 1990.
Kumble initially wanted to be an engineer but instead decided to pursue a career in cricket, which he eventually did with great success. He made cricket history by becoming the second bowler in the world and the first Indian to take all ten wickets in an innings during a Test match.
With 619 Test wickets, Kumble has become the third-highest wicket-taker in cricket history, with only Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne taking more. He also served as the Test captain for the Indian cricket team. Kumble’s switch from engineering to cricket exemplifies his unrelenting passion and dedication to the game, establishing a lasting legacy in the cricketing community.
So, this was all about the Indian cricketers who also hold an engineering degree. Also read, Cricketer MS Dhoni gives a lift to a young cricketer!