Mohammed Siraj Honored as DSP, Shubman Gill Shines
Indian cricketers are making their mark both on and off the field, with Shubman Gill's masterful knock and Mohammed Siraj's appointment as DSP being just two examples of the talent and dedication of Indian athletes, as they balance their cricket careers with service to the country.
)
Shubman Gill played a masterful captain's knock, rescuing India with his second century of the series on the opening day of the second Test against England at Edgbaston, while Indian cricketers like Mohammed Siraj are being recognized for their service beyond the sport.
Gill's knock was under pressure due to team selection after pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was rested, but he played a dogged knock, barely putting a foot wrong as he wore down the England bowlers with confident strokes. He brought up his seventh test hundred in 199 balls, the slowest of his career, but authoritative in the circumstances, ending the day unbeaten on 114 with Ravindra Jadeja (41 not out) for company at stumps.
The Indian sports fraternity has a few players who have balanced their cricket careers with service in the armed forces and police. MS Dhoni, a former Indian cricket team captain, was awarded the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army in 2011. Sachin Tendulkar was given the honorary rank of Group Captain in the Indian Air Force in 2010. Kapil Dev was given the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel by the Territorial Army in 2008.
In the police force, Mohammed Siraj, a fast bowler, was appointed DSP in Telangana after his impressive performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Other cricketers like Joginder Sharma and Harbhajan Singh have also been recognized for their service, becoming DSPs in Haryana Police and Punjab Police, respectively.
As Indian cricketers continue to make their mark on the sport, their contributions beyond the cricket field are also being recognized, with many being honored for their service to the country. Shubman Gill's impressive knock and the recognition of cricketers like Mohammed Siraj are a testament to the talent and dedication of Indian athletes.