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

When it comes to India’s cricket stars, we usually recognise them with their highest runs, most wickets and trophies. But a few of these stars have another unusual distinction which is holding official ranks in the police or armed forces. Not many must be aware that some Indian cricketers were appointed to government police posts as a reward for sporting achievements, while others have received honorary military ranks. Some of the prominent names on the list include Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, Deepti Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Ravi Bishnoi, Akash Deep and Joginder Sharma, among others.Let’s have a closer look:Kapil Dev (Honorary Lieutenant Colonel)

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

Sachin Tendulkar’s uniform is the blue of the Indian Air Force. In 2010, the President of India approved an honorary rank of Group Captain in the IAF for the legendary batter. The Ministry of Defence said the rank recognised Tendulkar’s extraordinary achievements as a cricketer and sports 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 is an honour that recognised his contribution to cricket and his association with the Army. Dhoni was formally commissioned in November 2011 and became associated with the 106 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army), Parachute Regiment.Mohammed Siraj (Telangana Police DSP)

After India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, the Telangana governmentannounced a government position for the Hyderabad-born fast bowler. Siraj later took charge as Deputy Superintendent of Police in Telangana in October 2024. He reported to the state’s Director General of Police to formally begin his new role.Joginder Sharma (Haryana Police)

In the 2007 T20 World Cup final against Pakistan, captain Dhoni handed him the ball for the final over and Joginder didn’t disappoint. He dismissed Misbah-ul-Haq to lead India’s victory. Later, the Haryana government appointed him as a Deputy Superintendent of Police. Haryana Police records show that his appointment as P/DSP was approved in September 2007 and that he joined the police in October that year.Ravi Bishnoi (Rajasthan Police DSP)

Ravi Bishnoi, a leg spinner, is among the newest names to join this group. In 2026, the Rajasthan government selected him for appointment as a Deputy Superintendent of Police in the Rajasthan Police Service. The move followed his achievements in international cricket and his association with Rajasthan.Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar (Bihar Police DSP)

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

Harbhajan Singh is frequently included in lists of Indian cricketers with police ranks, but his case needs a little correction. After his spectacular performances against Australia in 2001, the Punjab government offered Harbhajan a DSP position in the Punjab Police. But in 2013, Harbhajan clarified that he had not joined the Punjab Police.Harmanpreet Kaur (Punjab Police DSP)

Harmanpreet Kaur, one of India’s leading women cricketers, also holds a police position. The Punjab government appointed her as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in 2018, recognising her contribution to Indian cricket. The appointment followed her outstanding 171-run knock against Australia in the 2017 Women’s World Cup.Deepti Sharma (Deputy Superintendent of Police)

India’s women’s cricket team has also produced a prominent police officer in Deepti Sharma. In January 2025, the Uttar Pradesh government appointed Deepti as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). She was also presented with her police uniform. The appointment came with a ₹3 crore reward in recognition of her sporting achievements.