Indian politician Tejashwi Yadav recently surprised cricket enthusiasts by sharing insights into his cricketing career, revealing that Virat Kohli, one of India’s greatest cricketing icons, once played under his captaincy in domestic cricket. The former cricketer-turned-politician, known as the son of ex-Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav and a prominent leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), spoke about his time as a cricketer and how his achievements have largely been overlooked. The revelation has created a buzz on social media, with fans expressing their surprise.
Tejashwi Yadav’s Surprising Revelation
In a candid interview with Zee Media, Tejashwi Yadav shared that he had a successful cricketing stint before stepping into the political spotlight. Reflecting on his time in domestic cricket, Yadav claimed that Virat Kohli, who has since established himself as one of the finest cricketers in the world, played under his leadership during their early days. Tejashwi expressed disappointment that his cricketing past has been largely forgotten.
“I was a cricketer, and no one talks about it. Virat Kohli played under my captaincy—did anyone ever talk about it? Why don’t they do so?” Tejashwi said during the interview. “As a professional, I played good cricket. Many Team India players are my batchmates.”
Injury Ends Cricketing Dreams
Despite his passion for cricket, Tejashwi Yadav’s career was cut short by a severe injury. The politician revealed that he had to quit the sport after suffering ligament fractures. This injury marked the end of his cricketing aspirations and paved the way for his career in politics.
“I had to quit as both my ligaments were fractured. Let it be,” he remarked, hinting at the unfortunate circumstances that led to his exit from cricket.
Tejashwi Yadav’s Domestic Career
Tejashwi Yadav’s cricketing career, though brief, was marked by potential. He represented Jharkhand in domestic cricket and made his First-Class debut against Vidarbha in November 2009. His List A debut came shortly after, with two appearances against Tripura and Orissa in February 2010. Additionally, he played four T20 matches in Dhanbad, competing against teams like Orissa, Assam, Bengal, and Tripura.
Though he never managed to secure a long-standing position in cricket, Tejashwi had the distinction of being part of the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) squad in the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008. He remained with the franchise from 2008 to 2012 but never made it to the playing XI.
The Political Career of Tejashwi Yadav
Tejashwi Yadav’s transition from cricket to politics has been a significant one. After his short-lived cricket career, he entered politics, following in the footsteps of his father, Lalu Prasad Yadav. Today, Tejashwi serves as the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar and remains an influential figure in Bihar’s political landscape. Despite his political achievements, it is clear that Yadav still holds fond memories of his time on the cricket field.
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