Gambhir's entry into politics, International cricketers appealing for Kerala and more - Cricket News of today, 18th August 2018

#4. Gambhir forays into national politics

Gambhir when he last played for India

Yet another cricketer has begun his baby-steps towards a possibly full-fledged political career, and it is none other than India's out-of-favour opener, Gautam Gambhir, who is reportedly all set to start his new innings outside the cricket field, by joining the nation's currently ruling political party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Daily Jagaran, which is one of India's leading newspapers, reports that the BJP is eager to give Gautam Gambhir the green signal to contest as their representative, in the upcoming Delhi general elections. The party is looking to improve their relations with the Delhi people, by involving the likes of Gambhir in their setup.

Gambhir, in turn, joins a long list of Indian cricketers who have previously left the sport in favour of politics and legislative duties. Kirti Azad, Mohammad Azharuddin, Navjot Singh Sidhu, Mohammad Kaif, Praveen Kumar, Vinod Kambli and Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi are the Indian cricket stars to have previously done the same.

Across the various parts of the world, Arjuna Ranatunga, Sanath Jayasuriya, and Imran Khan have also made their mark in politics in their respective nations - Imran now going on to become the Pak Prime Minister as well.