From cricket to Bollywood to politics, Dinesh Mongia's life - IN PICS
Dinesh Mongia played many roles before joining politics. Here's a look at his life.
Former Indian cricketer Dinesh Mongia joined BJP ahead of the elections in the state of Punjab.
The 44-year-old cricketer, who played for Punjab in domestic cricket, had a short stay in Indian cricket team thanks to fellow Punjab player Yuvraj Singh whose performances ousted Mongia. With Mohammad Kaif also cementing his place after the Natwest Trophy Final win in 2002 in England, it became difficult for Mongia to survive in the XI, even if he featured in ODI squad.
He became a talking point when Sourav Ganguly picked him and dropped VVS Laxman for the ODI World cup in 2003 as the former captain wanted a bowling option. Mongia bowled decent left-arm slowers.
After the 2007 World Cup, Mongia came back into Indian side for a while but failed to impress and that was his last outing in Indian colours.
Here's a look at his life.
Bollywood debut
Married to Aarti Chandak
Played in overseas leagues
Coach for DAV College
After his stint in Bollywood was over rather quickly, Mongia turned to cricket again and this time as a coach. He became coach of the famous DAV college where he once studied and played under Yograj Singh, who was the coach then. He also ran his academy The Dinesh Mongia Cricket School of Excellence from the college premises. (Source: Twitter)
