Indian Cricketers Honored with Military and Police Ranks

Cricketers ranked in the Indian Armed Force and Air Force

Out of so many cricketers in India only a countable number of cricketers have managed to get this prestigious honours. Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and CK Nayudu  were honored with the Lieutenant Colonel position for their outstanding contribution to Indian cricket with great discipline, leadership qualities.

1. Kapil Dev

 The legendary all-rounder from Haryana won the first ever World Cup for India as the captain, beating the mighty West Indies in the final in 1983. Also known as the Haryana Hurricane for his timely saviour for India both as a batter and as a bowler, Kapil Dev has inspired generations to come with his fearless batting approach and impeccable bowling skills. Kapil Dev along with Imran Khan (former Pakistan captain) were known as the best all rounders of their generation. In the year 2008, Kapil Dev was honored by the Indian Armed Force as Lieutenant Colonel and joined the territorial army. He was formally assigned to the Punjab Regiment. After this honour Kapil Dev said “ I am today proud to wear an Army uniform and at this age to serve the country in this uniform is a proud moment for me.”

2. Sachin Tendulkar

Known as the god of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar has inspired different generations not only in India but all over the world. In the times when I have grown, the name Tendulkar was synonymous with cricket. From scoring hundred centuries in his career to scoring the most number of runs both in Test and ODIs, the  master blaster has achieved it all. In the year 2010, the master was awarded an honorary rank with the post of group captain in the Indian Air Force.” I’m extremely proud to be a part of the IAF. So dream, because dreams do come true”. said Tendulkar after the honour.

3. MS Dhoni

Known as the captain cool, the young boy from Jharkhand inspired millions of young childs showing the path. If he can rise up from a small town then why can’t others. Captaining India for the first time in the 2007 T20 WC, Dhoni won it with a young team. And in the 2011 WC, India lifted the World Cup after 28 years under the leadership of MS Dhoni. Apart from cricket, India has a great passion for the Indian Armed Forces. In the year 2011, Dhoni was awarded the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel and he worked in Kashmir in the year 2019. 

4. CK Nayudu

CK Nayudu was the first India’s test captain in the year 1932. CK Nayudu is known for playing with grit and determination from the early phase of his career. In the first ever test match against India, Nayudu injured his hand while fielding. But despite his injured hand, Nayudu batted in the first innings and scored an all important 40 through pain. This shows the amount of resilience and determination CK Nayudu had. In the year 1923, CK Nayudu was conferred with the rank of Colonel by the rulers of Holkar state, Indore. 

Cricketers ranked in the Indian Police Force

Similarly the likes of Joginder Sharma, Mohmd. Siraj, Harbhajan Singh and Harmanpreet Kaur have been honored with these respectful positions because of their impactful contributions in important matches for India.

1. Joginder Sharma: 

Joginder Sharma known for his last over heroics against Pakistan in the T20 WC Final, 2007. India was defending 13 runs in the last over, captain Dhoni took the risk and gave the last over to Joginder Sharma bowl. Misbah ul- Haq was the lone warrior for Pakistan where he almost took the match away from India but Joginder Sharma kept his cool and won the final for India. After his heroics, in the year 2007 the Haryana government honored him with a DSP position in the Haryana police and a cash amount.  

2. Mohammmed Siraj

The story of Mohammed Siraj will inspire many youngsters. He has seen the hard realities of life from an early age. The resurgence of Siraj as a cricketer came in the year 2021 against the mighty Australia down under. Debuting for India at the test format, Siraj was the highest wicket taker from India. He took 13 wickets in just 3 test matches with a brilliant 5 wicket haul in Brisbane. He broke the backbone of the Australian batting attack in that tour. In 2024, the Telangana government honoured him with the DSP post. 

3. Harbhajan Singh

In the year 2013, Harbhajan Singh was honored with the SSP Post by the Punjab police. 

4. Harmanpreet Kaur

After her splendid performance in 2017 women’s world cup, the Punjab government has honored Harmanpreet Kaur with the DSP Post of Punjab Police.