NEW DELHI, March 22 (Xinhua) -- India's renowned cricketer Gautam Gambhir joined the main ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday, which assumes significance ahead of the ensuing general elections beginning April 11.

Gambhir, who retired from the Indian cricket team a year ago, represented the country in international cricket for over 15 years and proved to be one of the best batsmen.

Senior leaders and union ministers Arun Jaitley and Ravi Shankar Prasad welcomed and introduced him to the BJP at the party's head office in New Delhi. Later, he met party president Amit Shah.

According to BJP sources, Gautam Gambhir is expected to contest from the 'New Delhi' parliamentary constituency in the ensuing general elections.

Popular sportsmen and Bollywood film-stars have played a key role in Indian politics over past several decades, in the capacity of lawmakers and even holding portfolios at the Centre and state governments.