Cricket has become deeply embedded in Indian culture, with the sport taking on an almost religious significance for many in the country. Legends of the game like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli have reached near-mythical status among their fellow Indians. But how did a relatively simple sport like cricket come to captivate an entire nation?
The roots of cricket's integration into Indian society can be traced back nearly 300 years, to 1721 when the British East India Trading Company was at the height of its power. As the British colonial presence expanded across the subcontinent, so did the game of cricket, gradually becoming adopted and embraced by the local population. Over the generations, cricket evolved from an import to an integral part of Indian identity and national pride.
Today, cricket is more than just a sport in India - it has become a cultural touchstone that unites people across linguistic, religious and socioeconomic divides. The feats of cricketing icons like Tendulkar and Kohli have elevated the sport to the level of a near-religious phenomenon, with millions of Indians passionately following their every move on the field. The enduring love affair between India and cricket is a testament to the game's power to transcend its origins and take on a life of its own within the cultural fabric of a nation.
The Father of Indian Cricket
Ranji, born in the village of Sadodar in the state of Nawanagar, first experienced cricket at Rajkumar College. He represented the school's team in 1883 and was appointed captain in 1884 at the young age of 12. In 1888, Ranji travelled to London to study at Cambridge University, where his cricketing skills dramatically improved. He soon began playing first-class cricket for Cambridge University and county cricket for Sussex.
After experiencing success at the county level, Ranji made his Test debut for England on July 16, 1896, which was a highly controversial decision at the time. Ranji impressed on debut against Australia, scoring an unbeaten 154 in the second innings and silencing his critics.
Ranji was considered an unorthodox batsman who brought a new style to the game. He was known for playing more off his back foot in both defence and attack, and he popularised the "leg glance" shot. His unique wristwork and unconventional shot-making were unusual to the British, who typically embraced a more traditional approach.
Ranji's success in England and his distinctive style made him one of the most popular players in the British Empire, and he played a significant role in the rise of Indian cricket in the 20th century.
Establishment of BCCI
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was established in 1928. Shortly after, the International Cricket Council (ICC) granted India full membership status, officially recognising them as a Test-playing nation. However, it wasn't until 1932 that India had the chance to play their inaugural Test match, which took place against England at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground. Led by CK Nayudu, the Indian team unfortunately lost that historic match by 158 runs.
It would be another 20 years before India finally tasted their first-ever Test victory. This landmark moment came in the fifth Test of the 1951-52 series against England, which took place in Chennai. Just a year later, in November 1952, India celebrated their first-ever series win, defeating neighbouring Pakistan 2-1.
These early milestones marked the beginning of India's rise as a cricketing powerhouse on the international stage. From those humble beginnings, the Indian national team has become one of the most dominant forces in the sport, with a rich history of success and memorable moments.
Becoming a Dominant Force
The 1970s saw the emergence of iconic Indian cricketers like Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, who elevated the stature of Indian cricket on the global stage.
The watershed moment came in 1983 when Kapil Dev's underdog Indian team clinched the ICC Cricket World Cup, shocking the cricketing world. This historic triumph ignited a cricket revolution in the country, captivating the nation and inspiring generations of aspiring cricketers.
It wasn't until the late 1990s that India truly experienced cricketing dominance, largely driven by the exceptional talent of the "Little Master" Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar's leadership was pivotal as the Indian team maintained an unbeaten home record against powerhouses like Australia and secured victories over other major cricketing nations. Australia's inability to win a Test series in India since 1969 was a testament to the team's growing prowess. The team achieved significant milestones, including winning the ICC Champions Trophy in 2002 and ascending to the number one spot in Test cricket in 2009.
The 21st century witnessed India's dominance in the limited-overs format, with the team winning the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007 and the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011. The advent of the Indian Premier League (IPL), a domestic T20 tournament, has also revolutionised the sport, attracting top international talent and captivating cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
Today, Indian cricket continues to flourish, with a robust cricketing infrastructure, a passionate fan base, and a pool of exceptional talent that consistently produces world-class players. The journey from the early days of British influence to becoming a cricketing superpower reflects India's unwavering love and dedication to the sport.
The Indian cricket team has demonstrated impressive performances in the Test format in recent years. Led by Virat Kohli, the team achieved a historic milestone in 2018-2019 by securing its first-ever Test series victory in Australia. The team has consistently maintained a top ranking in Test cricket, cementing its status as a formidable force in the sport.