Several Indian cricketers fit the unique profile of Engineers who became cricketers, successfully balancing engineering studies with their cricketing careers. With degrees in fields like mechanical, instrumentation, and information technology, they demonstrated excellence both on and off the field. Their stories highlight the coexistence of academic dedication and sporting achievements, inspiring many to pursue diverse passions with equal commitment.
Anil Kumble – Mechanical Engineer
Engineers: Anil Kumble, India’s highest wicket-taker in international cricket, is celebrated as one of the greatest spinners in the game’s history. Hailing from Karnataka, Kumble made his Test debut in 1990 against England and represented India in 132 Tests and 271 ODIs, amassing an impressive 619 and 337 wickets, respectively.
Beyond cricket, Kumble excelled academically. He completed his schooling at National High School and National Pre-University College in Basavanagudi, Bengaluru. Pursuing higher education, he graduated with a BE in Mechanical Engineering from Rashtreeya Vidyalaya College of Engineering (RVCE) in 1992, showcasing his dedication both on and off the field.
Javagal Srinath- Engineering in Instrumental Technology
Javagal Srinath, regarded as one of India’s fastest bowlers, holds the distinction of being the first Indian pacer to claim 300 wickets in ODIs. Over his career, he took 236 wickets in 67 Tests, with a best of 8/86, and 315 wickets in 229 ODIs, including a best of 5/23. His illustrious journey concluded with his final appearance in the 2003 ICC World Cup final against Australia.
Engineers: Born on August 31, 1969, in Javagal village, Hassan district, Karnataka, Srinath also prioritized academics. He attended Marimallappa High School and earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Instrumentation from Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering (SJCE), Mysore, balancing his passion for cricket with a strong educational foundation.
Ravichandran Ashwin – Engineering in Information Technology
Engineers: Ravichandran Ashwin is widely regarded as one of the finest modern-day spinners, known for his remarkable achievements in international cricket. Making his India debut in 2010, Ashwin was instrumental in the team’s successes, including the 2011 World Cup and 2013 ICC Champions Trophy victories. He also played a pivotal role in India’s journey to the final of the 2014 T20 World Cup.
Ashwin’s career boasts impressive numbers, with 486 wickets in 93 Tests, 151 wickets in 113 ODIs, and 72 wickets in 65 T20Is. A multiple-time IPL champion with Chennai Super Kings, he has also captained Punjab Kings and currently represents Rajasthan Royals.
Born on September 17, 1986, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Ashwin excelled academically as well. He studied at Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan and St. Bede’s Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School before earning a B.Tech in Information Technology from SSN College of Engineering, Chennai.
Venkatesh Prasad – Mechanical Engineering
Venkatesh Prasad, a key figure in Indian cricket during the 1990s, represented the country from 1994 to 2001. Known for his consistency, Prasad featured in 33 Tests and 161 ODIs, claiming 96 and 196 wickets, respectively. He was part of India’s campaigns in the 1996 and 1999 World Cups, with his standout performance being a five-wicket haul against Pakistan in the 1999 World Cup in Manchester.
Engineers: Born on August 5, 1969, in Bengaluru, Karnataka, Prasad pursued academics alongside cricket. He completed his schooling at ITI Vidya Mandir and earned a Bachelor of Engineering from Ramaiah Institute of Technology in Bengaluru. Furthering his education, he obtained a postgraduate certificate from the University of London, highlighting his commitment to learning beyond sports.
Kris Srikkanth- Electrical Engineer
Krishnamachari Srikkanth, born on December 21, 1959, in Chennai, was an attacking opener for India from 1981 to 1992. He played 43 Tests and 146 ODIs, scoring 2062 and 4091 runs, respectively, and was a key part of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team, top-scoring in the final. An electrical engineer from the College of Engineering, Guindy, Srikkanth balanced academics and cricket, eventually captaining India and inspiring future generations of aggressive batters.
| Cricketer | Engineering Field | Stats | Achievements | Education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anil Kumble | Mechanical Engineering | 132 Tests (619 wickets), 271 ODIs (337 wickets) | India’s highest wicket-taker; Test debut in 1990; legendary spinner | BE in Mechanical Engineering, RV College of Engineering, Bengaluru (1992) |
| Javagal Srinath | Instrumentation Technology | 67 Tests (236 wickets), 229 ODIs (315 wickets) | First Indian pacer with 300 ODI wickets; best Test figures 8/86; played in 1996 and 1999 World Cups | BE in Instrumentation, Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, Mysore |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | Information Technology | 93 Tests (486 wickets), 113 ODIs (151 wickets), 65 T20Is (72 wickets) | Key in 2011 World Cup, 2013 Champions Trophy wins; multiple IPL titles | B.Tech in Information Technology, SSN College of Engineering, Chennai |
| Venkatesh Prasad | Mechanical Engineering | 33 Tests (96 wickets), 161 ODIs (196 wickets) | Standout performance: 5/27 against Pakistan in 1999 World Cup; vital in 1996 and 1999 campaigns | BE in Mechanical Engineering, Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bengaluru |
| Kris Srikkanth | Electrical Engineering | 43 Tests (2062 runs), 146 ODIs (4091 runs) | 1983 World Cup winner, top-scorer in the final; captained India in 1989 | Electrical Engineering degree, College of Engineering, Guindy, Chennai |