Cricket is more than just a game or a sport in India; it’s a way of life, it is a religion. A sport that cuts across barriers of class, region, and language, cricket has ingrained itself deeply into the culture of the nation. It is a sport that unites over a billion people in joy, despair, and celebration. The popularity of cricket in India can be traced back to 1983, but that’s not where it exactly began. It began in 1721 and wasn’t famous until the late 1800s.
Want to know how it grew and how cricket in India took over as the most popular and dominant sport? Read below.
History of Cricket in India
Cricket in India dates back to British colonial rule in the early 18th century. The first recorded cricket match in India took place in 1751 when sailors from English merchant ships played the game in Cambay (now Khambhat), Gujarat. Cricket gained more structure when the Parsees, a community in Mumbai, formed the Oriental Cricket Club in 1848, marking the establishment of formal cricket in India.
By the early 20th century, the game had spread across the country, and India played its first international Test match against England in 1951- 1952.
The Sensational Spectacle Game of Cricket
Cricket’s popularity in India can be traced to its transformation into a multi-dimensional cultural phenomenon. While initially introduced by British colonizers, it has evolved into something far greater, influencing everything from media, entertainment, and advertising to nationalism.
The development of professional leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL) has added another dimension to the sports in India, turning cricket into a spectacle that mixes entertainment with fierce competition. IPL brings together international and local talent, generating excitement across cities and towns, and helping increase the sport’s reach even to smaller towns.
Who made all this Growth Possible: The Legends of Indian Cricket
India’s cricketing journey has been shaped by several iconic players, both from the past and the present. These players have not only excelled on the field but have also contributed to the sport’s massive popularity.
1. Past Legends:
- Kapil Dev: The all-rounder captain who led India to its first-ever World Cup win in 1983. His leadership and remarkable ability to bowl, bat, and field with equal flair earned him a revered spot in Indian sports history.
- Sunil Gavaskar: A technical genius, Gavaskar was one of the first cricketers to break the West Indies pace attack in the 1970s. He laid the groundwork for future Indian batting greats.
- Sachin Tendulkar: Known as the “God of Cricket,” Sachin Tendulkar holds a legendary status not only in India but globally. His records, consistency, and humility made him a national icon, inspiring generations of young cricketers.
- Mithali Raj: For two decades, Mithali Raj didn’t only break records as a Captain, but stood up for every inequality and bias that came in between her team and the game. Known for her timeless contributions to the Indian Women’s cricket team, she’s been the most fearless cricketer of all time.
- MS Dhoni: The wicket-keeper batsman, the captain (cool) who made the impossible possible. He led India to several major victories, including the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup, the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. Dhoni is also celebrated for his wicket-keeping skills and his aggressive batting, especially as a finisher in pressure situations.
2. Present Stars:
- Virat Kohli: An aggressive batsman with an insane hunger for runs, Kohli is one of the most celebrated modern cricketers. His intense work ethic, consistency across formats, and leadership qualities have solidified his place among the greats, while still playing for the Indian Cricket Team.
- Rohit Sharma: A prolific run-scorer, especially in limited-overs cricket, Rohit Sharma’s ability to score double centuries in ODIs and his leadership of the Mumbai Indians in the IPL have made him a fan favorite.
- Harmanpreet Kaur: One of the flag bearers of women’s cricket in India, Harmanpreet’s performance in the 2017 World Cup inspired millions and gave women’s cricket a significant boost in India.
- Jasprit Bumrah: One of the finest fast bowlers of his generation, Bumrah has redefined pace bowling for India, excelling across all formats with his unique action and deadly accuracy.
Turning Points in Indian Cricket
Cricket became India’s most popular sport largely due to key historical moments:
- The 1983 World Cup Win: India’s unexpected victory under Kapil Dev’s leadership was a defining moment. It gave the nation the belief that they could compete and win on the world stage, transforming cricket from a sport into a national obsession.
- Sachin Tendulkar’s Era (the 1990s to 2010s): Tendulkar’s rise in the 1990s coincided with India’s economic non-interference. As India began to emerge on the global stage economically, Sachin became a symbol of hope, resilience, and excellence.
- 2007 T20 World Cup Win: India’s win in the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup under the leadership of MS Dhoni was another major turning point. It fueled the rise of T20 cricket, paving the way for the Indian Premier League (IPL).
- The 2011 World Cup Victory: India’s win on home soil under MS Dhoni’s captaincy was the culmination of decades of passion. It was an emotional victory for a cricket-crazy nation and solidified India’s place as a dominant force in world cricket.
How did the Game of Cricket Collect all this Attention?
Accessibility: Cricket is easy to play with minimal resources. All it takes is a bat, a ball, and some open space. This makes the game accessible to children in every corner of India, whether they come from wealthy metro cities or small rural villages.
Hero Worship: Cricketers in India are treated like national heroes, even bigger than Bollywood and Hollywood stars. The likes of Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli have achieved God-like status, with their success stories inspiring millions of Indians.
Media Coverage: Cricket dominates Indian media like no other sport. Matches are broadcast on every major network, and there’s wall-to-wall coverage of everything from major international tournaments to IPL auctions and domestic cricket. This exposure only adds to its overwhelming popularity.
National Pride: Cricket has become a symbol of national pride. When India plays, the entire country comes to a standstill, as millions tune in to watch the national team in action. Victories in World Cups or series against top teams like Australia and England are celebrated as national achievements.
Indian Premier League and Commercialization: The IPL has taken cricket to a new level by mixing sport with entertainment. It has also been a major factor in turning cricket into a multi-billion dollar industry in India. The high-octane, fast-paced format of T20 matches in the IPL attracts a younger audience and keeps the sport fresh.
Is Cricket Really as Big & Bold as It Is Made to Be?
Cricket isn’t just a sport, it’s an emotion. Embedded and deeply rooted in the Indian culture – Men, Women, children, everyone gathers around when India is playing any team in the world. This has led to many upcoming live-streaming cricket websites like Cricaza to explore the gaming world along with the fans.
It not only live streams but also broadcasts every detail related to the live cricket matches, and upcoming cricket tournaments and gives out real cash prizes, when you participate in cricket tournaments hosted by them. It has a 24/7 safety net to secure your identity and finances. Go catch all the live updates of all the upcoming series with Cricaza!
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