This ex-cricketer once drove taxi to pay rent, became famous singer, actor after injury forced him to retire

Written By DNA Web Team | Updated: Aug 13, 2023, 05:59 PM IST

He used to sing while driving the taxi whenever there were no customers. He drove a taxi for around 11 months.

There are several former cricketers who are now leading a successful life in other career options. However, some were forced to quit their cricket careers due to personal reasons including health issues. One such person is Hardy Sandhu, who played cricket for almost 10 years but was forced to leave cricket in 2007 due to his elbow injury on his right hand.

The 36-year-old played for the U-19 cricket team as a fast bowler. He had played with Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ishant Sharma. In fact, he once said that Dhawan was his roommate. However, Sandhu has not been able to represent Team India. He also played for Punjab in Ranji Trophy.

In 2006, he had an elbow injury on his right hand. He couldn't able to fully recover. Sandhu also went to Australia to see good doctors. He spent around 11 months there, but nothing happened. He also drove taxi to pay his bills, including house rent. He was studying community welfare in the country. He used to sing while driving the taxi whenever there were no customers.

He gave up cricket in 2007. He then shifted his focus from sports to singing. Sandhu took vocal training for 18 months and performed his first album 'This is Harrdy Sandhu' in 2011. However, he gained popularity with Soch (2013) and Joker (2014). 

Sandhu, who hails from Patiala, Punjab, is now a popular Punjabi singer. He sang various popular songs including Naah (2017). His real name is Hardavinder Singh Sandhu. Sandhu made his acting debut in Yaaran Da Katchup (2014). He made his Bollywood debut as an actor in the sports drama film 83.

The film is based on India's victorious campaign at the 1983 Cricket World Cup. He played the role of former Team India fast bowler Madan Lal, who was an essential part of the 1983 World Cup winning team.

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