
Pankaj Jha and Gautam Gambhir - Cricketers reimagined as Panchayat series characters (Photo source: X)
With Panchayat Season 4 all set to premiere on June 24 on Amazon Prime Video, fans of the show are already gearing up to witness the busy and chaotic life of Phulera, where village politics, personal dilemmas, and emotional moments take place with a bit of humour.
The Viral Fever’s (TVF) creation, Panchayat, has never been about high drama or plot twists; it focuses on simplicity, emotions, and everyday conflicts. Set in Mahodiya village, the show gives us characters like Pradhan Ji, Sachiv Ji, and Bhushan who feel like people we’ve known all our lives.
Let's look at the cricketers reimagined as Panchayat series characters: 1. MS Dhoni – Pradhan Ji (Brijbhushan Dubey):
One cricketer who perfectly matches Pradhan Ji's character from Panchayat is legendary skipper MS Dhoni. Much like the wise and soft-spoken village head, Dhoni has led the team with calmness, clarity, and composure. While Pradhan Ji may not hold the official title, he’s the in effect leader of Phulera, just like Dhoni, who, even after stepping down from captaincy, continues to be viewed as the leader of the pack.
Like Pradhan Ji, Dhoni isn't loud or flashy. He believes in leading with calmness and backs the abilities of his team. He is often seen giving out advice and making cricketers realise how they can learn through making mistakes. He is a player who is known for humility and his down-to-earth nature, qualities that make him the Pradhan Ji of Indian cricket.
2. Virat Kohli – Sachiv Ji (Abhishek Tripathi):
India's modern-day batting great Virat Kohli fits the role of Sachiv Ji. Much like Abhishek Tripathi from Phulera, Kohli is deeply involved in everything around him and is often vocal, bold, and never one to shy away from a confrontation. Whether it's a tense on-field exchange or a tough decision for the team, Kohli brings the same fire and energy that Sachiv Ji has in the village politics.
Both characters are dynamic and hands-on, often caught in situations over their control and are often involved in controversies unintentionally, yet they never back down from speaking their truth. Just as Sachiv Ji has a short temper and puts his point across bluntly, Kohli’s aggression has often become the headline. In terms of emotions, they share close bonds with their respective seniors. For Sachiv, it’s Pradhan Ji; for Kohli, it’s MS Dhoni, who backed him during his early years.
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3. Rohit Sharma – Prahlad Pandey:
Panchayat’s Prahlad's emotional and humorous nature fits well with India's ODI skipper Rohit Sharma. Much like Prahlad, who brings both joy and an emotional moment to the series, Rohit is well-known for his laid-back attitude and witty nature. His stump mic banter, sarcastic punches, and hilarious one-liners during intense moments have grabbed immense attention.
Meanwhile, just like Prahlad, who broke down after his son’s loss but carried that pain into helping others, the 38-year-old has shown his emotional side by getting teary-eyed during national anthems, speaking up for his players, or in emotional moments after guiding India to the 2024 T20 World Cup win.
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4. Yuzvendra Chahal – Vikas Shukla:
The character of Vikas is the soul of the Panchayat series, and in cricket, it is none other than Yuzvendra Chahal. Vikas, often seen smiling with an innocence and a knack for lifting his team's moods, is close to Chahal’s personality on and off the field.
Just like Vikas brings humour and kindness to the story, the leggie is the comic relief during tough situations of the game; he has become Indian cricket’s entertainer. Just like Vikas, his presence is always felt through fun and laughter. Chahal also has an emotional side and a never-give-up attitude, which is also seen in Vikas. Notably, Chahal is very close to Virat Kohli and shares a close bond, just like Vikas has with Sachiv Ji.
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5. Yograj Singh – Banrakhas aka Bhushan Sharma:
One character from Panchayat who grabs significant attention sometimes for better or worse reasons is Banrakas (Bhushan). He is often loud, dramatic and always waiting to challenge and point out the wrongdoings of Pradhan Ji. Meanwhile, if Indian cricket had its version of Bhushan, it could be Yograj Singh.
Yograj, the father of legendary cricketer Yuvraj Singh, has a bold personality. Much like Bhushan’s constant digs at Pradhan Ji and Sachiv Ji, Yograj has regularly criticized cricketers, especially selectors and players, blaming them for sidelining him and later his son. Yograj often believes he could’ve produced unbelievable records had he been given a fair chance in the national team. Like Bhushan, Yograj is known for his unpopular opinions and remarks that keep bringing him back into public debates.
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6. Abhishek Sharma - Binod :
Binod is a hilarious village citizen who adds a different angle to Phulera’s daily life. India's young and dynamic opener, Abhishek Sharma, hints at bringing similar characteristics to the game. Much like Binod, who is more of a side character but plays a big and impactful role, similarly, Abhishek might not be the poster boy of Indian cricket yet, but his performances have been attention-seeking.
Hailing from Punjab and trained under Yuvraj Singh, he has a special relationship with the former Indian all-rounder. Binod also shares a close bond with Bhushan and builds a strong partnership on screen. Meanwhile, Abhishek has also been in touch with Yograj Singh (Yuvraj's father).
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7. Gautam Gambhir - Vidhayak Ji (MLA Chandrakishore Singh):
India's current head coach, Gautam Gambhir, fits the role of Vidhayak Ji. Much like the Vidhayak in Panchayat, Gambhir is often bold, serious, and someone who directs his teammates without saying too much. His public image often keeps people misunderstanding him. Gambhir, now holding a coaching role, was involved in politics earlier and has an administrator personality, which resonates with the Vidhayak.
Just like Vidhayak Ji, looks with unclear motives, but always influences the larger picture. Despite the occasional controversies, there’s a method behind his portrayal. The former southpaw, who has had past confrontations with Virat Kohli, is similar to Vidhayak, having his issues with Pradhan Ji and Sachiv Ji.
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8. Hardik Pandya - Damad Ji aka Ganesh:
Stylish all-rounder Hardik Pandya comes close to being the Damad Ji, who is the most-talked-about son-in-law with his charm and swag. In Panchayat, Damad Ji shows up in style, often different from that of the village's routine life. Similarly, Pandya’s fashion, the limelight, and confidence make him the ideal Damad Ji.
Pandya has often been the headline maker and the centre of attention, without even trying hard for it. Both of them are confined to traditional norms, but still become characters people can’t ignore. Notably, the two also share their challenges and controversies.
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9. Shubman Gill-Ishan Kishan—Bablu-Dablu:

Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan execute the exact energy that Bablu-Dablu bring to Panchayat. These two have a close relationship and are often seen together triggering trouble, yet keep a friendly environment. Gill and Ishan, with their infamous bromance and inseparable presence, showcase similar characteristics.
Their off-field chemistry, pranks, and fun bring the same vibe that Bablu and Dablu offer in Phulera. Often told by other Indian cricketers, Shubman and Ishan are the life of the party and dressing room who just believe in bringing smiles to everyone's faces.
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10. Rinku Singh - Bam Bahadur:
Panchayat's Bam Bahadur is that rare character who doesn’t need flashy dialogues to show his value. Similarly, Rinku Singh’s nature and coming up the ranks from humble beginnings to national stardom shows how much he has worked hard and made a name for himself.
Like Bam Bahadur, who wins people with action, not words, Rinku’s personality is similar lies in his hard work, his roots, and his emotional connection with his journey. His famous 'God's Plan' saying, his family-first mindset, and his love for the game reflect a hero who hasn’t forgotten where he came from.
Disclaimer: This is a fictional, fun concept inspired by the Panchayat universe and Indian cricketers. All roles are imagined purely for entertainment. No disrespect is intended toward any player or public figure. CricTracker deeply respects all cricketers and their contributions to the game.-
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