No degrees, just centuries: 7 Indian cricketers who never went to college
Shubman Gill, one of India’s brightest young batting stars, never went to college. He focused solely on cricket from an early age, having excelled at the U-19 level and quickly rising through the ranks. His family supported his sporting journey fully, even relocating to Mohali to give him access to better facilities. Education took a backseat as cricket became the central focus of his teenage years.
Virat Kohli, India’s former captain and modern-day cricket icon, studied at Vishal Bharti Public School and later shifted to Savior Convent. However, he didn’t pursue college, as his cricketing commitments intensified after his success at the U-19 World Cup. By the time most of his peers entered college, Kohli was already on the path to international stardom.
The legendary Sachin Tendulkar never went to college. After schooling at Sharadashram Vidyamandir in Mumbai, he plunged straight into professional cricket at the age of 15. He debuted for India at just 16, leaving no room for further studies. His cricket career spanned over two decades, making him one of the greatest sports icons in the world—without ever stepping into a college.
MS Dhoni enrolled at St Xavier’s College, Ranchi, for a commerce degree, but couldn't complete it. His life took a different route when he took up a job as a ticket collector in the Indian Railways. While juggling work and cricket, college education fell by the wayside. Eventually, his exceptional talent behind the stumps led him to the Indian team and cricketing immortality.
Virender Sehwag was enrolled in a correspondence course at Jamia Millia Islamia but never pursued a full-time college education. Known for his fearless batting, Sehwag dedicated himself to cricket early on. His explosive style and natural talent earned him a spot in the Indian team, where he became one of the most destructive openers in the game’s history.
Hardik Pandya dropped out of school after the 9th standard and never attended college. Coming from a financially struggling family, he focused entirely on cricket. With his elder brother Krunal, he trained at local grounds in Baroda and eventually broke into the IPL, where his performances catapulted him into the national team. His journey is one of grit, sacrifice, and success.
Shikhar Dhawan completed his schooling at St Mark’s Senior Secondary School, Delhi, but did not go to college. He was already making a mark in age-group cricket and later became a star at the U-19 World Cup. As he committed fully to his cricketing aspirations, formal education took a backseat. His consistency and flair as an opener made him a regular in India’s white-ball squads.
