From Richa Ghosh to Mohammed Siraj: List of Indian cricketers with government jobs

Cricket is more than just a sport in India. Many cricketers are admired for their achievements on the field, and some have also taken up important government jobs. These roles recognise their contribution to Indian cricket while giving them a secure career alongside or after their playing days.

Several Indian cricketers have been appointed to government departments and public sector organisations. From Richa Ghosh and VVS Laxman to Mohammed Siraj, these players have earned government positions in recognition of their performances and service to the country.

The Indian government often honours outstanding cricketers with such appointments. These jobs not only reward their achievements but also provide financial security and career opportunities after retirement. 

Here is a list of Indian cricketers who hold government jobs.

14. Harbhajan Singh (DSP, Punjab Police)

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh holds the post of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in the Punjab Police. The Punjab government honoured him with the position in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Indian cricket. He later accepted the role and has remained associated with the force while continuing his public life.

Harbhajan represented India from 1998 to 2016 and played a key role in the team's victories at the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy. He also enjoyed a successful domestic and IPL career, playing for Punjab, Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders.

Harbhajan finished his international career with an impressive bowling record. He took 417 wickets in 103 Test matches, 269 wickets in 236 ODIs and 25 wickets in 28 T20Is. His best bowling figures were 8/84 in Tests, 5/31 in ODIs and 4/12 in T20Is, making him one of India's greatest spin bowlers.

13. Joginder Sharma (DSP, Haryana Police)

Former India fast bowler Joginder Sharma serves as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in the Haryana Police. He was appointed to the post after playing a key role in India's historic victory at the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup. His contribution to Indian cricket earned him this government honour.

Joginder is best remembered for bowling the final over against Pakistan in the 2007 T20 World Cup final. He dismissed Misbah-ul-Haq at a crucial moment and helped India win the match by five runs. The victory made India the first-ever ICC T20 World Cup champions.

Joginder played four ODIs and four T20Is for India during his international career. He scored 35 runs in ODIs and took one wicket, while he picked up four wickets in T20Is. Although his international career was short, his performance in the 2007 T20 World Cup final remains one of the most memorable moments in Indian cricket history.

12. Kapil Dev (Lieutenant Colonel, Indian Territorial Army)

Former India captain Kapil Dev was honoured with the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army in 2008. The honour was awarded in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Indian cricket and his leadership in guiding India to its first-ever ODI World Cup title in 1983.

Kapil Dev is regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of cricket. He captained India to the historic 1983 World Cup triumph and enjoyed a remarkable international career. He remains the only player in cricket history to score more than 5,000 Test runs and take more than 400 Test wickets, highlighting his exceptional all-round ability.

Kapil Dev finished his international career with outstanding bowling figures. He claimed 434 wickets in 131 Test matches and 253 wickets in 225 ODIs. His best bowling figures were 9/83 in Tests and 5/43 in ODIs, making him one of the greatest fast-bowling all-rounders the game has ever produced.

11. Umesh Yadav (Assistant Manager, Reserve Bank of India)

Former India fast bowler Umesh Yadav serves as an Assistant Manager at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in Nagpur. He was appointed to the role under the sports quota while continuing his cricket career. The position recognises his contribution to Indian cricket and his achievements at the international level.

Umesh represented India in all three formats and was known for his pace and ability to generate bounce. He played a key role in India's Test bowling attack for several years and was an important member of the team in home and overseas conditions. His consistent performances made him one of India's most successful fast bowlers of his generation.

Umesh Yadav finished his international career with an impressive bowling record. He took 170 wickets in 57 Test matches, 106 wickets in 75 ODIs and 12 wickets in 9 T20Is. His best bowling figures were 6/88 in Tests, 4/31 in ODIs and 2/19 in T20Is, highlighting his impact across all formats of the game.

10. Deepti Sharma (DSP, Uttar Pradesh Police)

India women's all-rounder Deepti Sharma serves as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in the Uttar Pradesh Police. She received the appointment from the Uttar Pradesh government in recognition of her outstanding performances for India. Deepti has said that becoming a police officer was her childhood dream, making the honour even more special.

Deepti has been one of India's most dependable all-rounders across all formats. She played a key role in India's triumph at the 2025 Women's Cricket World Cup, the 2022 Women's Asia Cup and the 2022 Asian Games, where the team won the gold medal. Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball has made her one of the most valuable players in Indian women's cricket.

Deepti has enjoyed an outstanding international career with both bat and ball. She has scored 402 runs in 7 Women's Tests, 2,771 runs in 124 Women's ODIs, and 1,270 runs in 149 Women's T20Is. With the ball, she has taken 25 wickets in Women's Tests, 166 wickets in Women's ODIs, and 168 wickets in Women's T20Is. Her best bowling figures are 5/7 in Women's Tests, 6/20 in Women's ODIs, and 5/10 in Women's T20Is, underlining her status as one of the world's finest all-rounders.

9. Richa Ghosh (DSP, West Bengal Police)

India wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh serves as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in the West Bengal Police. Following India's historic triumph at the 2025 Women's Cricket World Cup, the West Bengal government honoured her with the appointment. She was also posted as an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in the Siliguri Police Commissionerate in recognition of her contribution to Indian cricket.

Richa has established herself as one of India's most exciting wicketkeeper-batters. She played a key role in India's victories at the 2025 Women's Cricket World Cup, the 2022 Women's Asia Cup and the 2022 Asian Games, where the team won the gold medal. Known for her fearless batting and sharp wicketkeeping skills, she has become an important member of the Indian women's team.

Richa has produced impressive performances across all three international formats. She has scored 225 runs in 4 Women's Tests, 1,208 runs in 54 Women's ODIs, and 1,333 runs in 88 Women's T20Is. Behind the stumps, she has taken 4 catches in Women's Tests, 36 catches and 9 stumpings in Women's ODIs, and 41 catches and 37 stumpings in Women's T20Is, highlighting her value as one of India's finest wicketkeeper-batters.

8. Harmanpreet Kaur (Former DSP, Punjab Police)

India women's captain Harmanpreet Kaur was appointed as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in the Punjab Police under the sports quota in 2018. However, the appointment was later withdrawn after issues were found with the graduation certificate submitted during the verification process. She was subsequently demoted to the rank of constable. 

Harmanpreet is one of the greatest cricketers in the history of Indian women's cricket. She has led India across formats and played a key role in several memorable victories. Known for her aggressive batting and useful off-spin bowling, she has been one of the team's most consistent performers for over a decade.

Harmanpreet has enjoyed a remarkable international career as an all-rounder. She has scored 304 runs in 8 Women's Tests, 4,541 runs in 164 Women's ODIs, and 4,216 runs in 202 Women's T20Is. With the ball, she has taken 12 wickets in Women's Tests, 31 wickets in Women's ODIs, and 32 wickets in Women's T20Is. Her best bowling figures are 5/44 in Women's Tests, 2/16 in Women's ODIs, and 4/23 in Women's T20Is, highlighting her value as one of India's finest all-rounders.

7. Yuzvendra Chahal (Income Tax Inspector)

India leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal serves as an Income Tax Inspector in the Income Tax Department. He was appointed to the post in 2018 under the sports quota after impressing with his performances for Team India and in the Indian Premier League. The appointment recognised his outstanding contribution to Indian cricket.

Chahal made his international debut in 2016 and quickly became one of India's most successful white-ball bowlers. Known for his clever leg-spin, googlies and match-winning performances, he has played a key role in several memorable victories for India. He has also been one of the most successful bowlers in IPL history.

Chahal has enjoyed an impressive international career in limited-overs cricket. He has taken 121 wickets in 72 ODIs and 96 wickets in 80 T20Is. His best bowling figures are 6/42 in ODIs and 6/25 in T20Is, making him one of India's finest white-ball spinners.

6. Mithali Raj (Officer on Special Duty, Indian Railways)

Former India women's captain Mithali Raj serves as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) – Sports with Indian Railways. She joined the South Central Railway in 2001 as a Chief Office Superintendent and was promoted to the Group 'B' gazetted post of OSD (Sports) in 2017 following India's impressive run to the ICC Women's World Cup final. Her appointment reflects her immense contribution to Indian women's cricket.

Mithali is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers in the history of the women's game. She captained India from 2004 to 2022 and remains the highest run-scorer in women's international cricket. During her illustrious career, she received several prestigious honours, including the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, and the Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in the World award.

Mithali enjoyed a remarkable international career with the bat. She scored 699 runs in 12 Women's Tests, 7,805 runs in 232 Women's ODIs, and 2,364 runs in 89 Women's T20Is. She also registered 8 international centuries and 85 half-centuries, making her one of the most successful and consistent batters in the history of women's cricket.

5. Mohammed Siraj (DSP, Telangana Police)

India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj serves as an honorary Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in the Telangana Police. The Telangana government appointed him to the post after India's triumph at the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup. Along with the honorary position, Siraj was also awarded a house plot in Hyderabad in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Indian cricket.

Siraj has become one of India's leading fast bowlers across all formats. Known for his pace, aggression and ability to swing the ball, he has played a crucial role in several memorable victories for Team India. Despite receiving the honorary government post, he continues to represent India at the highest level of international cricket.

Siraj has built an impressive international career with the ball. He has taken 126 wickets in 43 Test matches, 84 wickets in 52 ODIs, and 22 wickets in 23 T20Is. His best bowling figures are 6/15 in Tests, 6/21 in ODIs, and 4/17 in T20Is, making him one of India's finest fast bowlers in modern-day cricket.

4. Rinku Singh (Regional Sports Officer, Uttar Pradesh Government)

India batter Rinku Singh serves as a Regional Sports Officer under the Uttar Pradesh Government. He was appointed to the post after playing a key role in India's 2026 ICC T20 World Cup triumph. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath handed him the appointment letter in recognition of his achievements in cricket. Around the same time, Rinku was also named vice-captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the IPL 2026 season.

Rinku has established himself as one of India's most exciting middle-order batters. Known for his explosive finishing ability and brilliant fielding, he has become a key player for both Team India and Kolkata Knight Riders. His performances in international cricket and the IPL have earned him widespread praise and recognition.

Rinku has made a strong start to his international career. He has scored 55 runs in 2 ODIs and 702 runs in 48 T20Is, averaging 36.94 in the shortest format with a strike rate of 156.34. He has also contributed with the ball, taking 1 wicket in ODIs and 3 wickets in T20Is, making him a valuable all-round option for the Indian team.

3. Sachin Tendulkar (Honorary Group Captain, Indian Air Force)

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar was conferred the honorary rank of Group Captain in the Indian Air Force (IAF) on September 3, 2010. He became the first sportsperson and the first person without an aviation background to receive this prestigious honour. The award recognised his extraordinary contribution to Indian cricket and his role in inspiring the youth of the country.

Sachin is widely regarded as one of the greatest batters in the history of cricket. During his remarkable international career, he became the highest run-scorer in both Tests and ODIs and was the first player to score 100 international centuries. He also played a key role in India's 2011 ODI World Cup-winning campaign and inspired generations of cricketers around the world.

Sachin enjoyed one of the greatest careers in cricket history. He scored 15,921 runs in 200 Tests, 18,426 runs in 463 ODIs, and 10 runs in his only T20I. He also contributed with the ball, taking 46 wickets in Tests and 154 wickets in ODIs. His incredible achievements and consistency have made him one of the greatest cricketers of all time.

2. MS Dhoni (Honorary Lieutenant Colonel, Indian Territorial Army)

Former India captain MS Dhoni was conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army (Parachute Regiment) on November 1, 2011. He became only the second Indian cricketer after Kapil Dev to receive this prestigious military honour. Dhoni has also completed training with the Indian Army's Parachute Regiment, reflecting his deep respect and commitment towards the armed forces.

Dhoni is one of India's most successful captains and led the team to three ICC titles—the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy. He retired from international cricket on August 15, 2020, but continues to play for the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. Known for his calm leadership and exceptional wicketkeeping, Dhoni remains one of the greatest captains in cricket history.

Dhoni enjoyed a legendary international career with the bat and behind the stumps. He scored 4,876 runs in 90 Tests, 10,773 runs in 350 ODIs, and 1,617 runs in 98 T20Is. As a wicketkeeper, he recorded 256 catches and 38 stumpings in Tests, 321 catches and 123 stumpings in ODIs, and 57 catches and 34 stumpings in T20Is, making him one of the most successful wicketkeeper-batters the game has ever seen.

1. KL Rahul (Assistant Manager, Reserve Bank of India)

India batter KL Rahul also serves as an Assistant Manager with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). He holds the position under the sports quota while continuing his international cricket career. Rahul has also featured in RBI awareness campaigns to educate the public about banking frauds and online financial scams.

KL Rahul is one of India's most dependable batters across all three formats. Known for his elegant stroke play and versatility, he has opened the innings as well as batted in the middle order for Team India. Apart from his batting, Rahul has also impressed as a wicketkeeper whenever the team has required him to take on the role.

Rahul has enjoyed an impressive international career with the bat. He has scored 4,153 runs in 68 Tests, 3,412 runs in 98 ODIs, and 2,265 runs in 72 T20Is. He has registered 22 international centuries and 62 half-centuries across formats. As a wicketkeeper, Rahul has also taken 85 catches in Tests, 84 catches and 9 stumpings in ODIs, and 23 catches and 1 stumping in T20Is, highlighting his value as a complete cricketer.