Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin is set for induction into the Telangana cabinet as CM Revanth Reddy expands his ministry. Read the full analysis on the timing, likely portfolios and electoral implications.
HYDERABAD, Oct. 30, 2025 — Former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin is likely to be inducted into the Telangana Cabinet as Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy finalizes a long-anticipated reshuffle aimed at strengthening social and regional representation in his government, party sources said Thursday.
Azharuddin, who currently serves as a working president of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC), is among the frontrunners expected to take oath later this week. His induction, according to senior Congress leaders, would send a strong message of inclusion and help the party consolidate its support among minority and urban voters.
Strategic inclusion of Mohammad Azharuddin
The Congress, which returned to power in the state in December 2023, is preparing for a ministerial expansion that has been under discussion for several months. Leaders close to the Chief Minister said the reshuffle is intended to balance regional aspirations and reward those who played key roles in the party’s election victory.
“Azharuddin’s appointment will add visibility and credibility to the Cabinet,” a senior Telangana Congress functionary told NewsDesk. “He has a clean image, connects with young voters, and represents Hyderabad’s cosmopolitan identity.”
If confirmed, Azharuddin may handle portfolios related to Sports and Youth Affairs, Minority Welfare, or Tourism, areas where his background and public profile could make a natural fit.
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From pitch to politics
Azharuddin, 62, led the Indian cricket team through much of the 1990s and remains one of the country’s most stylish batsmen. After retiring from cricket, he joined the Congress Party in 2009 and won the Moradabad Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh.
In recent years, he has focused his political efforts in Telangana, particularly in Hyderabad, where he served as president of the Hyderabad Cricket Association. During the 2023 Assembly elections, he campaigned actively across the state and was seen as one of the more visible Congress leaders in urban areas.
Political analysts say his inclusion in the Cabinet could be both symbolic and strategic. “It shows the Congress wants to widen its urban and minority appeal while rewarding loyalists who remained with the party during difficult years,” said political observer Dr. E. Prasad.
Balancing act for Revanth Reddy
The reshuffle comes at a crucial time for Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, who faces internal pressure to accommodate several aspirants and maintain equilibrium between senior and younger leaders. With by-elections in Jubilee Hills and other constituencies approaching, the induction of a well-known public figure like Azharuddin could bolster the party’s image.
While there has been no official confirmation from the Chief Minister’s Office, senior Congress sources said the list of new ministers has already been sent to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) for approval. The oath-taking ceremony could take place before the end of the week.
Public response and expectations
News of Azharuddin’s possible induction has drawn largely positive reactions on social media, where supporters praised his leadership experience and clean public record. Others have urged him to focus on sports infrastructure and youth development — areas where Telangana still lags behind.
“If he can translate his sports discipline into public service, it will be a win not just for the Congress but for Telangana,” said Hyderabad-based columnist M. Raghavendra Rao.
A new innings in public life
If sworn in, Azharuddin will join a small group of Indian sports icons who have transitioned successfully into politics and governance. Observers say his performance in the Cabinet will determine whether his second innings in public life matches the grace and composure that defined his cricketing career.
The Telangana government is expected to make a formal announcement in the coming days.
