BJP MP Gautam Gambhir quits active politics to focus on cricket

NEW DELHI: BJP MP Gautam Gambhir has announced his departure from active politics.

The former cricketer, representing East Delhi, shared his decision on X, expressing a desire to refocus on cricket, a sport he passionately pursued before entering politics.

Gambhir stated, "I've asked Hon'ble Party President JP Nadda ji to relieve me of my political duties to concentrate on my upcoming cricket commitments. I'm grateful to Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi for the opportunity to serve."

This move follows speculation that Gambhir might not secure a ticket for the 2024 polls.

The BJP is poised to unveil its initial candidate list, featuring heavyweights like PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Having joined the BJP in March 2019, Gambhir emerged as a prominent figure in Delhi politics, clinching the East Delhi seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections with a significant margin of 6,95,109 votes.

With commitments in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), a team he led to two IPL titles, Gambhir's schedule is packed in the coming months.

His illustrious cricket career includes significant contributions to India's victories in the ICC T20 World Cup 2007 and ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, amassing 10,324 runs in 242 matches for India at an average of 38.95, with 20 centuries and 63 half-centuries.