Daily Times

Do you know how cricket became an important game in India? Every time, stadiums are filled with crowds cheering their favorite team on the pitch. In India, people are deeply emotional about cricket.

They love to witness and sport bet on their favorite players. Before you initiate betting, you need to know the fascinating journey of Indian cricket. As a cricket enthusiast, you must explore the rich history to connect deeply with the sport.

Colonial Beginning

Cricket came to India in the 18th century by British colonists. It was a favorite pastime for British officers. In 1721, the first friendly match was played in Gujarat, which is how the journey began. With time, EIC expanded its control over the country.

In 1972, the oldest club was set up in Calcutta, but it was not for Indians. Slowly, Bombay Parsis started taking initiative in the sport and made their team play against the Britishers. In 1886, they became the first team in Indian cricket history.

The Origin of Indian Cricket

Indian history shows that cricket underwent massive changes in the 20th century. India played a test match for the first time in the 1930s. The team played well but unfortunately lost. However, with consistent efforts, the country gained recognition over the years in this sport.

With time, more Indians started liking this sport, which soon gained popularity. The sport has become the nation’s pride and is one of the most loved sports in India. When India reached closer to independence, every match served as a reminder of its growing stature at the global level.

After Independence

India got freedom in 1947, and a new cricket era started after this year. The sport progressed gradually and got everyone’s attention. The Indian team won its first match against England.

After this turning point, the team began participating in different tournaments with a competitive spirit. Polly Umrigar was the first man to score a century twice in the test match. Talented players like Kapil Dev, etc., stole the show by showcasing their stunning performances and getting global recognition.

Everyone knows about the famous cricketer Kapil Dev, who was the best at fast bowling and batting. When India won the historic 1983 match, the Indian team gained a global reputation and became a competitive team.

Indian Cricket Golden Era

The golden era of Indian cricket is the 1990s. This was the period when legends rose, and the audience witnessed unforgettable memories on the pitch. Soon, the sport became a national obsession. One of the amazing cricketers, Sachin Tendulkar, mesmerized global fans with his unique run record.

Along with him, players like Dravid, etc., were also the team’s backbone. When cricket’s popularity grows everywhere, IPL-like tournaments allow international teams to participate and compete for the cup. Now, young players can also show their talent and gain recognition. India won the World Cup in 2011.

Modern Era

In today’s era, cricket is more important than other sports. People are emotionally connected with players. At an international level, the team competes and dominates other countries. Players like Virat Kohli, Bumrah, Rohit Sharma, etc., carry the legacy forward with pride. They set up new records and inspire youth to become the game’s future.

Final Thoughts

The Indian cricket journey is fascinating and inspiring. From the British colonial to the modern era, the team has gone through massive ups and downs. Its rich history was full of challenges and competitiveness. Cricket will always remain a crucial part of the game and will be cherished by fans in the future.