With over 2.5 billion viewers, cricket is a well-known sport worldwide. It is particularly embedded into Indian culture, where the sight of children with makeshift bats and balls is a common sight throughout the country.
What may surprise many fans is that several renowned cricketers have impressive academic credentials behind the glamour of their on-field exploits. Some of your favourite players have attended university, pursuing degrees in engineering, medicine, or even PhDs.
And while pursuing higher education is encouraged and expected in a typical Indian household, many Indian cricket players are on a different path. It’s not uncommon for talented cricketers to make the tough choice of putting a hold on their studies to hone their cricketing skills.
Did you know cricket legend Virat Kohli chose to give up his education to focus on his cricket career?
Trading a scroll for a bat
Choosing between pursuing higher education and a career in sports is a decision many professional athletes have faced. Some Indian cricket players had to trade in a scroll for their bat because they opted to prioritise their passion for cricket over continuing their education.
This is unsurprising in the sports industry, with the immense competition and demands of the sport.
In a country where cricket is like a religion, the competition to make it to the top is intense. Many talented young players devote countless hours to training and playing matches, leaving little time for their studies.
It’s common for many Indian cricket players to have completed only high school or even dropped out before getting a degree. Many of them join cricket academies or training camps at a young age, where they focus solely on honing their cricketing skills.
Plus, the lure of a career in cricket can be very attractive, especially considering the financial rewards and fame that come with success in the sport. For some players, the opportunity to represent their country or play in prestigious leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL) outweighs the prospect of pursuing further education.
Here are some of the best Indian cricket players who traded in their education for their bat and have no regrets:
India’s most educated cricket players
1. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is undeniably one of the greatest Indian cricketers of all time, often called the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time). He began playing cricket at a young age and made his debut at just 18 years old.
Kohli attended Vishal Bharti Public School and Savior Convent School in Delhi up to class 12. However, instead of pursuing higher education, he chose to focus entirely on cricket. His decision to prioritise cricket is one he and his fans definitely don’t regret.
Sachin Tendulkar chose to focus on his cricketing career instead of his studies.
2. Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar is also on the list of best Indian cricket players in the world who chose the sport over his degree.
He did not further his education beyond high school and dedicated his life to cricket. He began his cricket career at 16 and hasn’t looked back since.
3. Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MS Dhoni)
Did you know that Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MS Dhoni) was pursuing a bachelor of communication degree at Christ University?
While he ended up choosing his cricketing dreams instead of completing his degree, it’s a choice that seems to have worked out in his favour.
He has captained the most international matches and is the most successful Indian captain on the field.
While Kohil, Tendulkar, and Dhoni chose cricket over getting a degree, a number of Indian cricket players have found success in the sport while completing their studies.
13 most educated Indian cricket players
Anil Kumble is one of the most educated Indian cricket players.
1. Anil Kumble
Anil Kumble is not just an excellent spin bowler but also one of the most educated players in the sport’s history.
He has had an exceptional cricketing career, highlighted by 619 Test wickets and 337 ODI scalps.
Yet, it is his academic achievements that truly set him apart. He graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rashtreeya Vidyalaya College of Engineering in Bangalore.
2. Aavishkar Salvi
Probably the most educated Indian cricket player, Aavishkar Salvi, has a PhD in Astrophysics. The former right-arm pacer is not only recognised for his brief stint in international cricket but also for his educational achievements.
Born and raised in Mumbai, Salvi pursued a cricketing career while pursuing higher education. His bowling style has even been compared to the legendary Australian pacer Glenn McGrath.
3. Murali Vijay
Murali Vijay has scored 3983 runs in over 61 matches. But aside from his stellar performance on the cricket field and the legacy he’s left behind, he’s got more to him than just a powerful batting style.
Vijay comes from a scholarly Tamil family, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that he holds a postgraduate degree in Economics from SRM University.
Ravichandran Ashwin is known for his talents on and off the field.
4. Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin stands out not only for his exceptional cricketing skills but also for his impressive educational background. Unlike many of his peers who prioritise cricket over education, Ashwin managed to strike a balance between both.
He holds a degree in Information Technology from Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Chennai.
His commitment to education sets him apart as a role model for aspiring cricketers, proving that success can be achieved in both areas.
5. Javagal Srinath
Also on the list of the most educated Indian cricket players is Javagal Srinath. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Instrumental Technology from Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering (SJCE) in Mysore. Srinath’s academic journey parallels his cricketing success.
Amidst representing India in 229 ODIs and 67 Tests, where he got 551 wickets, Srinath pursued higher education, earning his engineering degree.
Rahul Dravid graduated with a degree in commerce from St. Joseph’s College of Commerce.
6. Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid, known as one of the greatest cricketers in Indian history, is not only a sporting icon but also one of the most educated players in the game.
Commonly known as “The Wall” and “Mr. Dependable,” Dravid’s 16-year-long career has shown his unwavering commitment to the sport.
Alongside his great sporting career, Dravid has a Graduate Degree in Commerce from St. Joseph’s College of Commerce in Bangalore.
He was even selected for the Indian National Cricket Team while pursuing his MBA at St. Joseph’s College of Business Administration.
7. K. Srikkanth
Krishnamachari Srikkanth, the dynamic opener of the Indian cricket team during the mid-80s and a member of the 1983 World Cup-winning squad, has an impressive educational background to match his cricketing career.
Srikkanth’s off-field pursuits include a degree in Electrical Engineering from the College of Engineering, Guindy in Chennai. Today, Srikkanth remains actively involved in Indian cricket, contributing his expertise as a member of the selection committee.
8. Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly is known for his exceptional leadership skills on and off the cricket field. He holds a degree in Commerce from Calcutta University. On top of that, he has also completed a course in leadership and management from the esteemed Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta.
9. Ravi Shastri
Ravi Shastri is a former Indian cricketer and the former head coach of the Indian national team. Aside from his cricketing talents, he has a degree in Commerce from HR College in Mumbai.
Did you know Suryakumar Yadav has a degree in commerce?
10. Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav, known for his remarkable cricketing talent, is also one of the most educated Indian cricketers in the world. Aside from his achievements on the cricket field, Yadav holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Pillai College of Arts, Commerce, and Science.
Despite his flourishing cricketing career, he prioritised his studies to earn his degree.
11. Venkatesh Iyer
Venkatesh Iyer was appointed as the vice-captain for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the 2025 IPL season.
However, he is soon to hold an even bigger title off the field, as the batsman is currently pursuing a PhD in finance. In an interview with The Indian Express, he jokes, “You will be interviewing me as Dr. Venkatesh Iyer next time.”
Iyer also holds an MBA in finance, which landed him an offer from one of the Big 4 accounting firms in 2018. But he turned down the offer from Deloitte to focus on his cricket career.
While the life of a professional cricket player can be physically and mentally exhausting, Iyer is determined to further his education while scoring sixes on the field.
“Education will stay with you till you die, a cricketer cannot play till 60. You have to understand that there is a shelf life. After that, if you want to really excel in life, you have to be educated,” he shares.
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12. Tilak Varma
Relatively new to the scene, 23-year-old Tilak Varma is not just talented on the field.
Born in Hyderabad, the batsman completed his schooling at Crescent Model English School and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, both in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. He is currently enrolled at Andhra University, where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA).
Varma made his debut in 2023 against the West Indies and recently made his first appearance in a senior ICC World Cup tournament for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
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13. Varun Chakaravarthy
At the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Varun Chakaravarthy claimed 14 wickets and jointly topped the list of highest wicket-takers in the tournament.
However, the road to get to where he is today was not easy.
After facing many rejections in his younger years, the spinner decided to walk away from his dream of playing cricket. He even went as far as giving away his gear to friends.
Chakaravarthy pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from SRM University in Chennai. After graduating, he worked as a freelance architect for three years.
But he couldn’t stay away from his love and passion for the sport.
At 25, he rekindled his dream of playing cricket. He eventually made his IPL debut in 2019 and has since become a key player for India.
Most educated wives and girlfriends of India’s cricket players
What about the better halves of India’s top cricket players? It’s a useful question to ask — what and where you study shape who you are and what kind of star couple you’ll make.
Some critics even say partners harm a player’s performance — when teams lose, they are blamed as “distractions.” When a team wins, WAGS are celebrated as pillars of support.
The truth, as always, is more nuanced. Like all wives and girlfriends, whether to celebrity cricket players or not, it all depends on the individual, for which their education plays a big part in who they are.
Studied abroad? She knows the importance and the ways to work with people of different backgrounds.
Pilot wife? She’ll likely not react with emotions, but is always evaluating the situation and will anticipate problems before they happen.
Medical graduate? She knows about bedside manner and how to care for the injured.
Below are the wives and girlfriends who studied outside of India and the subject of their degrees (if known).
Wives and girlfriends of India’s cricket players
| Person | Partner | Country of study | Degree |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hazel Keech | Yuvraj Singh | United Kingdom | Unknown |
| Maddie Hamilton | Yashasvi Jaiswal | United Kingdom | Unknown |
| Natasa Stankovic | Hardik Pandya (ex) | Serbia / Europe | Unknown |
Wives and girlfriends of Pakistan’s cricket players
| Person | Partner | Country of study | Degree |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ansha Afridi | Shaheen Afridi | United Kingdom | Medical Science |
| Sania Ashfaq | Imad Wasim | United Kingdom | Unknown |
| Shaniera Thompson | Wasim Akram | Australia | Unknown |
| Ebba Qureshi | Azhar Mahmood | United Kingdom | Unknown |
| Shamia Arzoo | Hasan Ali | Dubai | Aeronautical Engineering |
| Sabba | Salman Ali Agha | United Kingdom | Unknown |
Disclaimer: This article was updated on March 10, 2026.
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