Indian cricket stars with a second uniform: Meet the cricketers who maintain official ranks within the police and defence forces

Relating to India’s cricket stars, we often recognise them with their highest runs, most wickets and trophies. However just a few of those stars have one other uncommon distinction which is holding official ranks within the police or armed forces. Not many have to be conscious that some Indian cricketers have been appointed to authorities police posts as a reward for sporting achievements, whereas others have obtained honorary navy ranks. Among the outstanding names on the checklist embody Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, Deepti Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Ravi Bishnoi, Akash Deep and Joginder Sharma, amongst others.Let’s have a more in-depth look:Kapil Dev (Honorary Lieutenant Colonel)

Kapil Dev, the World Cup-winning Indian captain, was commissioned as an honorary Lieutenant Colonel within the Territorial Military in 2008. The Ministry of Defence formally described Kapil as an honorary Lieutenant Colonel of the Territorial Military. He was related to the Punjab Regiment.Sachin Tendulkar (IAF Group Captain)

Sachin Tendulkar’s uniform is the blue of the Indian Air Pressure. In 2010, the President of India permitted an honorary rank of Group Captain within the IAF for the legendary batter. The Ministry of Defence stated the rank recognised Tendulkar’s extraordinary achievements as a cricketer and sports activities icon.MS Dhoni (Honorary Lieutenant Colonel)

In 2011, the Ministry of Defence, granted the then India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army. It’s an honour that recognised his contribution to cricket and his affiliation with the Military. Dhoni was formally commissioned in November 2011 and have become related to the 106 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Military), Parachute Regiment.Mohammed Siraj (Telangana Police DSP)

After India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, the Telangana governmentintroduced a authorities place for the Hyderabad-born quick bowler. Siraj later took cost as Deputy Superintendent of Police in Telangana in October 2024. He reported to the state’s Director Normal of Police to formally start his new position.Joginder Sharma (Haryana Police)

Within the 2007 T20 World Cup closing in opposition to Pakistan, captain Dhoni handed him the ball for the ultimate over and Joginder didn’t disappoint. He dismissed Misbah-ul-Haq to guide India’s victory. Later, the Haryana authorities appointed him as a Deputy Superintendent of Police. Haryana Police data present that his appointment as P/DSP was permitted in September 2007 and that he joined the police in October that 12 months.Ravi Bishnoi (Rajasthan Police DSP)

Ravi Bishnoi, a leg spinner, is among the many latest names to hitch this group. In 2026, the Rajasthan authorities chosen him for appointment as a Deputy Superintendent of Police within the Rajasthan Police Service. The transfer adopted his achievements in worldwide cricket and his affiliation with Rajasthan.Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar (Bihar Police DSP)

In July 2026, the Bihar governmentappointed Akash Deep as Deputy Superintendent of Police underneath its Medal Lao, Naukri Pao sports activities coverage. He obtained his appointment letter from Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. Fellow India pacer Mukesh Kumar was additionally appointed DSP alongside him.Harbhajan Singh (Punjab Police DSP)

Harbhajan Singh is incessantly included in lists of Indian cricketers with police ranks, however his case wants just a little correction. After his spectacular performances in opposition to Australia in 2001, the Punjab authorities provided Harbhajan a DSP place within the Punjab Police. However in 2013, Harbhajan clarified that he had not joined the Punjab Police.Harmanpreet Kaur (Punjab Police DSP)

Harmanpreet Kaur, one among India’s main ladies cricketers, additionally holds a police place. The Punjab authorities appointed her as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in 2018, recognising her contribution to Indian cricket. The appointment adopted her excellent 171-run knock in opposition to Australia within the 2017 Girls’s World Cup.Deepti Sharma (Deputy Superintendent of Police)

India’s ladies’s cricket workforce has additionally produced a outstanding police officer in Deepti Sharma. In January 2025, the Uttar Pradesh authorities appointed Deepti as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). She was additionally introduced together with her police uniform. The appointment got here with a ₹3 crore reward in recognition of her sporting achievements.