NEW DELHI: Former international cricketer Gautam Gambhir on Friday joined the BJP and is expected to be fielded by the party in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls from one of the seven seats in Delhi.

The former opening batsman joined the party in Delhi in the presence of Union ministers Arun Jaitley and Ravi Shankar Prasad .

"I am joining this party (BJP) after getting influenced by PM Narendra Modi's vision. I am honoured to get the opportunity to join this platform," said Gambhir.

Complete coverage: Lok Sabha elections

Gambhir played a key role in India's triumph in the 2011 World Cup and the 2007 T20 World Cup.

He was recently conferred upon the Padma Shri award .

BJP sources said Gambhir may be fielded from the New Delhi constituency, currently represented by the party's Meenakshi Lekhi.

Jaitley, who described Gambhir's joining as an "important induction" into the BJP, said the party will take a call at an appropriate time whether to field him in the Lok Sabha polls.

Jaitley noted that Gambhir grew up and studied in Delhi, highlighting his link with the city, and said the party will utilise his talent in a maximum way.

Gambhir also met party chief Amit Shah here.

(With inputs from agencies)



In Video: Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir joins Bharatiya Janata Party