5 Indian cricketers who hold high educational qualifications

It is generally observed that studies and sports don’t go hand-in-hand, especially when the sport is cricket. Cricket is nothing less than a religion in India. There are millions who aspire to play for India just once in a lifetime. However, only a few lucky ones get the opportunity to don that Indian cricket jersey.

To make an impression and stand out amid a crowd of 1.33 billion, cricketers have to start playing from a young age. They get so involved in playing their passion and fulfilling their dream of making a debut for India that studies take a back seat. Due to the sport’s demanding nature and players’ commitments, athletes tend to not finish their education. But there are a handful of Indian cricketers who excelled in academics as well sports.

VVS Laxman

Former Indian middle-order batsman VVS Laxman hailed from a family of intellectuals. He was the son of Physicians Dr. Shantaram and Dr. Satyabhama. He completed his schooling from Little Flower High School, Hyderabad and then went on to pursue his aim of becoming a doctor. However, the veteran soon realised that his heart lies in the game of cricket and he ended up walking on that path instead of medicine. The cricketer-turned-commentator made his Test debut against South Africa in 1996 and became India’s ‘go-to’ Test batsman. For his commendable contribution, the government of India honoured him with Padma Shri in 2011. Laxman was also awarded an honorary doctorate degree by Teri University, New Delhi in 2015.

Murali Vijay

A right-handed opening batsman, Murali Vijay is known as one of the finest Test openers to embrace the modern game of cricket. By his sheer perseverance and determination, the cricketer became a vital part of India’s Test squad and has excellent batting records in both home and overseas conditions under his belt. Despite coming from an educated Tamil family, Vijay could never connect with the books and thus flunked in his 12th exams. Fearing the reaction of his family, he left home at the tender age of 17. But that changed his life forever. After some initial struggle, he made a place in the Indian cricket team and amassed 3,982 runs in the 61 games in the longest format. However, the cricketer eventually realised the importance of education in one’s life as he now holds a Post Graduate degree in Economics from a renowned SRM University.

Anil Kumble

Hailed as India’s spin wizard, Anil Kumble effectively redefined the Indian bowling department in his era. The former Indian captain emerged as a match-winner for the Indian side on many occasions in his illustrious international career of 18 years. He featured in 132 Test matches and 271 ODI Internationals with 619 and 337 scalps respectively under his belt. The cricketer was equally good in academics too as he graduated with a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering from Rashtreeya Vidyalaya College of Engineering (RVCE). Along with being one of the most well-educated cricketers around, he is also a recipient of the Padma Shri award and one of the Indian cricketers to feature in the ICC Hall of Fame.

Rahul Dravid

Famously regarded as ‘The Wall’ of the Indian cricket, Rahul Dravid was one of the very few cricketers who could excel in both studies and the sport. Dravid completed his schooling from St. Joseph’s Boys High School, Bangalore. The veteran also holds a degree in Commerce from St. Joseph’s College of Commerce in Bangalore and was on his way to complete his MBA from the same college when he was selected to make a debut for India. The former Indian captain’s contribution to the Indian cricket is unmatchable. As a token of appreciation, he has been honoured with the Padma Shri and the Padma Bhushan award.

Joginder Sharma

India’s 2007 World Cup hero Joginder Sharma now wears the ‘khaki’ uniform instead of donning the Indian cricket team jersey. No cricket fan can forget the visuals of Joginder bowling a medium-paced delivery to Misbah-ul-Haq and getting him caught out in the hands of Sreesanth. The crucial last over by the pacer resulted in India winning their first-ever T20 Cup. After his stint in the 2007 World Cup, the 36-year- old was offered a place in the police department of his home town Haryana. The cricketer took upon that job and rose through the ranks in the Police department. He now serves as the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DCP). The all-rounder had a brief international career as he featured in just 4 ODI and T20 Internationals.