Indian Cricketers Who Hold Professional Degrees

Jatin

Venkatesh Iyer is pursuing PhD in finance [Source: @KeralaTrends2/x.com]Venkatesh Iyer is pursuing PhD in finance [Source: @KeralaTrends2/x.com]

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Cricket and studies are two things you wouldn’t normally put together. But these five Indian cricketers have proved you can ace both with some serious persistence and passion.

These players didn’t just shine on the field but also hit it out of the park in academics. Here’s a look at five who hold professional degrees.

5. Aavishkar Salvi

Aavishkar Salvi [Source: @NorthStandGang/x.com]Aavishkar Salvi [Source: @NorthStandGang/x.com]

Aavishkar Salvi didn’t stick around long in cricket, but he sure left his mark. Often compared to Glenn McGrath for his bowling style, he played just four ODIs for India, bagging four wickets with an economy of 4.86. He also represented Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in the IPL where he played seven games.

While his cricket journey was short, his academic one was cosmic. Yes, Salvi chased the stars with a PhD in astrophysics. While most cricketers focus on nailing yorkers, Salvi was busy unravelling black holes. Who needs just cricket when you can master the universe, right?

4. Murali Vijay

Murali Vijay [Source: @cricket_broken/x.com]Murali Vijay [Source: @cricket_broken/x.com]

Murali Vijay, the calm and collected opener, was a pillar of strength for India’s Test team. He smashed 3983 runs in 61 Tests at an average of 38.28, including 12 tons. But Vijay wasn’t just about smacking cricket balls; he’s got some serious academic chops too.

Growing up in a Tamil household full of scholars, Vijay earned a postgraduate degree in economics. Balancing runs and economics isn’t a joke, but Vijay made it look easy. Maybe his ability to handle tricky pitches came from solving tough economic theories because when he got going, he was an absolute treat to watch.

3. Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]Ravichandran Ashwin [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]

Ravichandran Ashwin is the Einstein of Indian cricket. With 537 Test wickets (and counting), this off-spinner is a genius on the field. Turns out, his sharp cricketing mind comes from his engineering roots.

Ashwin holds a B.Tech in Information Technology, and it shows in how he dissects the game. From plotting dismissals to coming up with new bowling variations, Ashwin thinks like an engineer solving a tough equation. He’s proof that smarts and skill can create magic on the cricket field.

2. Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble [Source: @ICC/x.com]Anil Kumble [Source: @ICC/x.com]

When you think of Anil Kumble, you think of a lion-hearted bowler with a knack for breaking partnerships. With 619 Test wickets, Kumble is one of India’s greatest. But not many know he is also a mechanical engineer.

Jumbo’s calculated bowling was a reflection of his engineering mindset—always thinking a step ahead, planning, and executing. Whether it’s designing blueprints or dismantling batting orders, Kumble has always been the master strategist.

1. Venkatesh Iyer

Venkatesh Iyer [Source: @KRxtra/x.com]Venkatesh Iyer [Source: @KRxtra/x.com]

Venkatesh Iyer is the ultimate multitasker. He started with a B.Com degree and even cleared his CA intermediate exams in 2016. But when he had to choose between cricket and accountancy, Iyer followed his heart. He let go of becoming a CA to focus on cricket and later earned an MBA in finance.

He’s now working on a PhD in finance and could soon become Dr. Venkatesh Iyer. On the field, the Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder has smashed 1326 runs in 51 IPL matches with 11 fifties and one hundred. The southpaw is proof you can have the best of both worlds.