India's Test XI in Sachin Tendulkar's debut match: Where are they now?

#2 Navjot Singh Sidhu

Navjot Sidhu in a comedy show

This soft-spoken attacking batsman walked alongside Srikkanth to the crease, as the duo opened for India. After his forgettable duck in the first innings, Sidhu played an important knock in the 2nd. His innings of 85 runs off 230 deliveries helped India save the Test match.

In 1999 just before the start of the millennium, he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket after amassing over 7000 International runs. Afterward, in 2001 he took to cricket commentary and soon became popular for his clever one-liners, which are called “Sidhuisms.”

However, his career in the commentary box has been laced with controversies – once Sidhu was fired for swearing on air. Sidhu is also banned by the ICC from commentating in Bangladesh’s matches owing to racial comments indirectly thrown to the Bangladeshi team.

In 2004, Sidhu was elected to the Lok Sabha but resigned two years later, after being convicted of homicide in a 1988 road rage incident. Following his conviction, Sidhu, who is also the president of World Jat Aryan Foundation, reappeared in the Lok Sabha and held office until 2014.

Nowadays, he regularly makes appearances on the silver screen as a cricket analyst for various channels. Sidhu is also seen commentating in Hindi in the IPL and international matches.

He has also acted as a judge on reality shows and featured in TV soaps. Sidhu, who now appears in a comedy show, has also participated in reality shows.