Cricket is not just a game in India; cricket is a religion. It is a unifying factor for billions of Indians. From cities to villages, the sound of a cricket bat meeting the ball echoes through every corner of the nation. Cricket was introduced by British colonizers in India. Initially, the game was only for the elites, but then it became a household game. The formation of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 1928 was a crucial point. The institutionalization of the sport paved the way for cricket in India. Although in the initial years, the Indian team wasn’t successful, the 1983 victory came as a watershed moment. Under Kapil Dev’s captaincy, the Indian team defeated the two-time defending champion West Indies, sparking celebrations across the nation. This victory established cricket as the most loved sport in India. The win also inspired a generation of Indians to replicate the success. Then in the 90s came the “God of Cricket,” Sachin Tendulkar, who became the symbol of Indian sports. Over his illustrious career, he set all possible records as a batsman, but most importantly, his disciplined lifestyle and passion for the game made him a household name in all cricket-playing nations. Tendulkar’s rise coincided with India’s economic liberalization. His success inspired a billion young Indians to take up the sport.
The IPL Revolution
The Indian Premier League (IPL), launched in 2008, changed the face of cricket around the world. The IPL offered both sports and entertainment, which attracted worldwide stars, and it helped domestic talents to rub shoulders with them. The league’s success established India as an epicenter of world cricket. Players like Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Sanju Samson rose to prominence through their IPL performances and became some of the greats of Indian cricket. The IPL was a game-changer for many players from humble backgrounds. It offered a stage, irrespective of background, to show their talent. Rinku Singh is an example of how the IPL can change lives. Hailing from a humble family in UP, his success story is truly heartwarming. The Kolkata Knight Riders recognized his talent at a very early stage and provided him with the opportunity. His honest and hardworking approach reflected in his performance and booked a place for him in the Indian national team. He is even recognized as one of the best finishers/lower-order batsmen in the country at the moment. His rise in cricket helped his family become financially stable. Also, Indian women’s cricket has seen brilliant growth in recent years. Players like Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami were some popular names, but in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), names like Smriti Mandhana, Shreyanka Patil, and Richa Ghosh have become household names.
Cricket is strongly connected with Indian culture. It acts as a binding language, bridging gaps between diverse Indian communities. Cricket is just not a game anymore; its influence in art, literature, and cinema in India is quite obvious. Sachin Tendulkar was the preferred face for brands in the early 2000s. Then Dhoni came and took his place as the most popular face. The Virat Kohli era started. Virat Kohli is currently the most influential figure, not just in Indian cricket but world cricket now. Even The International Olympic Committee has confirmed that Kohli’s popularity played a crucial role in cricket’s introduction in the 2028 Olympics. Known for his aggressive style and persistent work ethic, Kohli’s journey from a young, promising talent to one of the GOATs of this generation is truly an inspiration. His mental toughness and consistency influenced athletes beyond cricket. Ask any athlete in India who their favorite Indian athlete is, and 9 out of 10 will say Virat Kohli. This year, Indian fans received a great gift. After 2013, India won its first ICC trophy after years. India’s 2024 T20 Cricket World Cup victory was truly remarkable. It certainly showed the current Indian team’s undying attitude. From the days of Kapil Dev to Virat Kohli, the journey of Indian cricket is a testament to the nation’s love for the game. With the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, India will hopefully continue to dominate in all formats of cricket.
“In India, cricket isn’t just a game, it’s a religion.”
— Sachin Tendulkar
