India triumphed picking up the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, Pakistan lost to the United States of America (USA) and embarrassingly failed moving to Super Eights. Was it genuinely disconcerting? Excruciating however not surprising since the erosion had begun as early as 2018-19. Metastasizing and progressive, it has now come down, slithering into desperateness. Truly putting it has been a result of ineptitude, incompetence, and Ad hoc arrangements. The relative inconsistencies, and the irrelevant people asked running the management systems have led it to a complete meltdown.
This is a story we are all familiar. That Pakistan did win the Benson & Hedges World Cup in 1992, the ICC World T20, 2009 and ICC Champions Trophy in 2017, I am sure was a case of individual brilliance and that phase where a handful of world compatible players were being produced from the often-condemned first-class system.
Cricket was unstructured even then, true that cricket internationally hadn’t been modelled and entailed with scientific methods, so compatibility was a lesser issue. Despite all the bias, back-ended politics, qualms, and contradictions, we produced superior players
The quality of our stock has surely regressed. Contrastingly, talent in India has burgeoned, and their core strength is based on a robust infrastructure, data and process driven coaching and rational investments. Their contemporary status is so alluring that a team that stood nowhere in the 1980s barring their rejoicing moment when they won the Prudential World Cup in 1983, it started progressing in the 1990s and rapidly grew after the 2000s.
However, the impactful transformation ensued once they lost to Bangladesh and were eliminated from the ICC World Cup 2007 in the preliminary round. It’s true we now do not discuss Pakistan and India cricket with equal fervor. India has grown and is one of the strongest teams in the world.
This analysis elucidates a stark dichotomy in the trajectories of Indian and Pakistani cricket. India’s unwavering ascent and strategic administration presents a sharp contrast to the turmoil within Pakistan’s cricket, plagued by mismanagement and a lack of foresight. Historically, the inception of cricket in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka took root in a communal milieu. The evolution of cricket in the subcontinent mirrored the political landscapes. The game, initially introduced by Europeans, was subsequently adopted by Parsees, then Hindus, Muslims, and other communities.
Understanding the genesis of cricket in this region is paramount, particularly as we witness India ascending to a world-class stature while Pakistan is rapidly succumbing to a self-destructive, bureaucratic quagmire. The game was first introduced to India in 1721 by employees of the East India Company, primarily sailors, in Cambay. Cricket’s history in the subcontinent is long and complex, originally imported as a tool of control and cultural reaffirmation. Over time, however, it evolved into a cultural institution that opposed the very intentions of those who introduced it.
The role cricket played in propagating communalism—where European, Parsee, Hindu, and Islam Gymkhanas, the Bombay Triangular, Quadrangular, and Pentangular Tournaments, and the princely states teams coexisted—can be extensively debated. Much of this debate centers on the diverse ways cricket culture progressed, shaped by the unique backgrounds of individual locals. Despite the region’s varied communal histories, cricket styles did not differ significantly from one community to another, largely adhering to the European methods. Thus, cricket in the subcontinent developed in a peculiar fashion, adapting uniformly across the diverse landscape.
The evolution of cricket in India is intertwined with a re-commitment to England’s Victorian ideals, a strategy pursued by the Princes and Maharajahs during a time of significant social and cultural upheaval. To understand India’s cricket history, one must acknowledge the profound connection the country has with the sport, a connection that rivals its reverence for religion. The origins of cricket in India can be traced back to 1721.
The first documented reference to cricket in India comes from Clement Downing, an English sailor with the East India Company. He recounted his experiences playing cricket with fellow mariners, which harvested significant attention from the local populace. This early instance is believed to have occurred in Cambay, roughly 400 kilometers north of present-day Mumbai. The next notable mention of cricket in India is linked to the establishment of the Calcutta Cricket Club in 1792 by British expatriates from the East India Company. Ten years on, the club faced off against the Old Etonians, with Robert Vansittart scoring a century—the first recorded hundred on India’s soil.
In 1848, the Parsis founded the Oriental Cricket Club, recognised as the first Indian community-based cricket set-up. Although the Oriental Cricket Club had a brief existence, it paved the way for other Indian cricket clubs, including the Young Zoroastrians Club in 1850 and the Hindu Gymkhana, formed by Hindus in 1866. By the late 1800s, cricket’s popularity surged across the subcontinent, further propelled by the emergence of Shri Kumar Ranjitsinhji Vibhaji Jadeja, commonly known as Ranji, one of cricket’s most influential personalities and inarguably one of the greatest batsmen of all time.
Born in Sadodar, a village in the state of Nawanagar, Ranji’s first romance with cricket was at the Rajkumar College, where he initially represented the school in 1883 and ascended to the role of captain in 1884, at the tender age of 12. In 1888, Ranji journeyed to London to pursue his studies at Cambridge University.
During his tenure at Cambridge, Ranji’s cricketing prowess burgeoned, culminating in his participation in first-class cricket for the University and county cricket for Sussex. Following his success at the county level, Ranji made his Test debut for England on 16th July 1896—a decision steeped in controversy at the time because of him being non-white. Ranji quelled his detractors with a remarkable second innings score of 154 not out against Australia.
Renowned for his unconventional batting style, he brought a novel dimension to the game, adeptly playing off the back foot in both defence and attack, and popularising the ‘leg glance’. His wristwork and unorthodox shot-making starkly contrasted with the traditional British approach. Ranji’s success in England and his distinctive style significantly bolstered his popularity and were pivotal in the ascent of Indian cricket in the 20th century. He redefined cricket’s aesthetics and added India’s flavour to whatever he did.
In 1928, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was established, and shortly thereafter, the ICC conferred full member status upon India, enabling them to partake in official Test matches. It wasn’t until 1932 that India contested their inaugural Test match against England at Lord’s, under the leadership of CK Nayudu. Despite suffering a 158-run defeat, this event marked the commencement of India’s Test cricket odyssey. It would be another twenty years before India savoured their first Test match victory, which materialised in the fifth Test of the 1951-52 series against England at Chennai. In 1952-53, India celebrated their maiden series triumph against neighbouring Pakistan, with a 2-1 lead in November 1952.
Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar raises his bat after making a century, on February 3, 1992, during a match against Australia, in Perth. (Photo credit should read GREG WOOD/AFP via Getty Images)
India’s cricketing dominance didn’t materialize until the late 1990s, a period largely attributed to the influence of one man—Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. Tendulkar was a linchpin in the Indian team’s success, ensuring their unsurpassable home record against Australia and securing a series of Test match victories against Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, West Indies, and England. India’s formidable numbers in their backyard prompted Steve Waugh to characterize winning a Test series in India as the final frontier as Australia had not won a series there since 1969.
The landscape of India’s cricket has witnessed a dramatic transformation since 1969. This period has seen India evolve from a team with occasional flashes of brilliance to a dominant force in world cricket. This essay delves into the significant milestones, key players, and pivotal moments that have shaped Indian cricket over time.
Several players, through their personalities and performances, have left an indelible mark on Indian cricket. From Colonel K.M. Mistry, D.B. Deodhar, and Palwankar Baloo to C.K. Nayudu, Lala Amarnath, Syed Mushtaq Ali, Vijay Hazare, and Vijay Merchant, each have contributed to the sport’s rich history. Other notable cricketers include Polly Umrigar, Ajit Wadekar, Nari Contractor, Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, Ghulam Ahmad, Vinoo Mankad, Vijay Manjrekar, Muhammad Nissar, Dr. Jahangir Khan, and Dr. Dilawar Hussain.
However, the dawn of the 1970s heralded a new era with the emergence of Sunil Manohar Gavaskar. Initially likely to be part of the Tests on the 1970-71 tour to the West Indies, Gavaskar replaced Kenia Jayantilal recovering from an infected fingernail, and immediately captivated the world with his extraordinary performances. He amassed a century in each innings, a double hundred, and a total of 774 runs in the series, leaving critics in awe. Under Ajit Wadekar’s captaincy, India triumphed, marking a significant milestone. Gavaskar’s remarkable skills and artistry on the field introduced India as a formidable team, achieving unprecedented results despite occasional inconsistencies. He became the first batsman to surpass 10,000 runs in Test cricket, with 34 centuries at an average of 51.12.
Gavaskar hailed from a family deeply embedded in cricket. His father was a regular in club matches, and his maternal uncle, M.K. Mantri served as Bombay’s and India’s wicketkeeper. The sight of India’s blazer profoundly impacted the young Gavaskar, who dedicated himself to the sport. As a boy, he focused on remembering all the Test scorecards. His illustrious career was filled with cherished moments, such as India chasing 405 against the West Indies in Trinidad & Tobago in 1975-76 and his epic 221 in another chase at The Oval in 1979.
Then arrived Kapil Dev, India’s greatest all-rounder and a pivotal member of the quintet that dominated cricket in the 1980s. Their triumph in the 1983 World Cup was a watershed moment for Indian cricket. Prior to this, India had only managed to beat East Africa in the previous two World Cups and had lost three out of four practice matches, including one against the Minor Counties. The turning point came in the match against Zimbabwe at Tunbridge Wells, where India, having lost five early wickets for just 17 runs, seemed destined to lose. Kapil Dev, however, played a legendary innings, scoring an unconquered 175, a world record at the time and arguably one of the most impactful innings in One Day International history. This miraculous recovery paved the way for India to post 183 in the final at Lord’s, where they defeated the invincible West Indies by 43 runs. This victory not only changed the narrative of India’s cricket but also marked the beginning of its ascent on the world stage.
Kapil Dev made his Test debut in Pakistan in October 1978 and quickly rose to global prominence, competing with the likes of Imran Khan, Richard Hadlee, and Ian Botham. His flamboyant, cavalier style, coupled with his ability to charm yet intimidate when challenged, made him a force to be reckoned with. Although he lacked the peculiar charm of his contemporaries, Kapil Dev’s career stats are impressive: 434 wickets and 5,248 runs in 131 Tests.
Next in line was Mohammad Azharuddin, whose promising career was abruptly marred by allegations of match-fixing, leading to a life ban which was only overturned after he had aged. Known for his elegant and effortless style, Azharuddin’s batting was a sight to behold—classic, artistic, and marked by lithesome movements, poetic wristwork, and exceptional hand-eye coordination. His life, however, was fraught with contradictions, and his off-field demeanor sometimes overshadowed his on-field brilliance. One notable instance was his appearance at a press conference in Sharjah, where he nonchalantly clipped his toenails with his feet on the table, an image that starkly contrasted with his Armani-suited elegance.
The journey of Indian cricket from the late 1960s to the 1990s is a tale of transformation, marked by the emergence of key players who left an indelible mark on the sport. The contributions of figures like Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, and Azharuddin have been instrumental in elevating Indian cricket to its esteemed position in the world today.
From a simple, reclusive, and reticent individual, confined within a cocoon of shyness, to India’s stylishly dressed captain with a penchant for expensive wristwatches, Mohammad Azharuddin, though not particularly articulate, left audiences spellbound with his bat. Hailing from Hyderabad Deccan, Azharuddin was brought in to replace Sandip Patil against England in the 1983-84 series. Patil was not dropped but rested to give a chance to him due to a series of high scores in domestic cricket. On his debut, Azharuddin scored a remarkable century, followed by another in the second Test and yet another in the third, setting a world record for consecutive centuries in the first three matches.
Soon, he was the proud owner of a chauffeured Mercedes, with crowds flocking to catch a glimpse of him wherever he went. His influence on Indian cricket was substantial until his career took an unfortunate turn. As captain, Azharuddin led India with distinction and was one of the finest fielders ever. He imbued his team with the spirit to win rather than to capitulate meekly. Under his leadership, India began winning series at home consistently, appearing to be on an unstoppable upward trajectory. Sadly, his career came to an abrupt halt amid allegations of match-fixing, casting a shadow over his legacy. Many believe he did himself a disservice, and perhaps, in some strange way, the cricketing world did too.
What Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev couldn’t achieve, despite their immense contributions, was accomplished by Sachin Tendulkar, who debuted in Test cricket at the tender age of 16. Arriving with the reputation of a prodigious talent, Tendulkar not only lived up to expectations but surpassed them, displaying an extraordinary level of skill over a career that spanned 23 years. He was a complete package, becoming the most prolific run-scorer in the history of cricket, driven by an insatiable passion and appetite for runs. His technique was impeccable, a true biomechanical marvel, characterized by minimal movement, perfect balance, and precise execution.
At 19, Tendulkar faced the formidable Australian bowling attack on the lightning-fast WACA pitch, scoring a magnificent hundred that many regard as one of the finest innings ever played. His resilience was evident when, at 16, he was struck on the nose by Waqar Younis, one of the world’s fastest bowlers, yet continued to bat. At 17, he scored his maiden Test century at Old Trafford. By the age of 25, he had already amassed 16 Test hundreds. By 2000, he had scored 50 international centuries in Tests and ODIs combined. In 2008, he surpassed Brian Lara’s record for the most Test runs, reached 13,000 Test runs, and 30,000 international runs, and scored his 50th Test hundred.
Remarkably, despite taking 79 ODIs to score his first century, Tendulkar went on to score 49 ODI hundreds. In 2012, just shy of his 39th birthday, he became the first cricketer to score 100 international centuries. He retired in November 2013 after playing 200 Tests, leaving behind staggering statistics: 15,921 Test runs with 51 centuries, 18,426 ODI runs including 49 hundred, 25,396 first-class runs with 81 centuries, and 21,999 List A runs with 60 hundred. Tendulkar was India’s first globally accepted cricketing superstar, a personality admired by young and old alike across the world. He was India’s grand introduction to the global stage, transforming the perception of Indian cricket internationally.
Sourav Ganguly, though initially tentative against bouncers and hailing from a well-educated and privileged background, would go on to become an icon of Indian cricket. He embarked on his international career in the 1992-93 season, making a memorable Test debut at Lord’s in 1996 with a remarkable century. Renowned for his exquisite offside play, Ganguly eventually became India’s most successful captain, steering the team away from the shadows of match-fixing scandals towards victory against leading teams abroad.
In One Day Internationals, Ganguly formed one of the most formidable opening partnerships with Tendulkar, marking a transformative period for Indian cricket. His leadership in the 2003 ICC World Cup, was further highlighted by a dazzling century in Brisbane, set the stage for India’s triumph over Pakistan in Pakistan. Despite a notable standoff with coach Greg Chappell and a period of poor form, Ganguly proved his mettle. He willingly adjusted his batting position to support Mahendra Singh Dhoni and was instrumental in shifting the mindset of Indian cricket.
Though his career seemed to be winding down with his exclusion from the Australian tour and a lackluster performance in Sri Lanka, Ganguly staged a remarkable comeback. His gritty 30-plus runs at Karachi and subsequent run-making, including being the top run-scorer in the 2006-07 South Africa series and hitting four half-centuries upon his return to white-ball cricket, showcased his enduring talent. Notably, he scored two consecutive centuries in India, with the second being a commanding 239 at Bangalore.
Despite the decline in his career, Ganguly’s influence remained profound. His pivotal role in leading India to victory in the NatWest Trophy in 2002 and his contributions to the formation of the unofficial ‘Famous Five’—Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, and Anil Kumble—were instrumental in reshaping Indian cricket. This group acted as informal advisors to the BCCI, driving improvements in cricketing infrastructure and resources.
The dynamic between Ganguly and Virat Kohli during Ganguly’s tenure as BCCI President was marked by tension, eventually leading to Kohli’s resignation from various captaincy roles. Nevertheless, this period saw the implementation of systems and processes that fostered a structured team environment, benefiting Indian cricket significantly.
Rahul Dravid, the stoic and enduring batsman, was a strategic captain and an inspiring coach, known for his orthodox technique and unyielding attitude. His resilient performances, such as the epic at Adelaide followed by 270 in Pakistan in 2003, were crucial in consolidating India’s position. Dravid’s exceptional skills as a slip fielder, with 210 catches in Tests and 196 in ODIs, further highlighted his contributions to the team. His disciplined approach and dedication made him a role model and a key figure in India’s cricketing successes.
He debuted alongside Sourav Ganguly and Vikram Rathore. When Ganguly got to a debut century, Rahul was out for 96. Months later, he was seen at his best against South Africa. And his partnership of 376 with VVS Laxman saw India winning the Test versus Australia following-on. In 2002-03, he ended tours to England and Australia with 600 runs each. He was India’s captain replacing Ganguly and led India to series wins in the West Indies in 2006 and in England in 2007. Towards the end of his career, he was back to his formidable self in England in 2011. India couldn’t survive, still Dravid ended with 461 runs including three centuries, two of them as an opener. He said adieu to international cricket in Australia. Surprisingly, such was his resolve, contrary to the method he applied in Tests, mostly rearguard, in the ODIs he aggregated more than 10,000 runs. Dravid’s impact on Indian cricket remains colossal. A real torchbearer he passed the baton to Mahindra Singh Dhoni, who was simply sensational.
Mahindra Singh Dhoni despite Virat Kohli’s numbers has been India’s best ever captain. How he executed his plans, implemented them, the glacial calm, player management, and how he changed the dynamics of a multi-ethnic dressing room with a gauntlet of stars in there remain unmatched. The depth of cricket’s understanding and an exceptional willingness to stand tall amidst adversity. How he had promoted himself in the batting order in the ICC World Cup 2011 final versus Sri Lanka and that match winning knack left him adored by 1.3 billion population. M.S. Dhoni led India to the ICC World T20 in 2007, the ICC Mace picking India to World No: 1 ranking, the ICC World Cup 2011 triumph, and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. How he decided to leave out some of the seniors planning future tournaments and how unnerved he withstood the media and public pressure made him what he was.
Virat Kohli, to some a better ODI batsman and to the connoisseurs probably history’s best across all the three formats, by the time he posted his first hundred in Tests at Adelaide in 2012, he already had 8 centuries in ODIs. None could deny, Virat shall go down as the best ODI batsman in cricket’s history and that when India had to chase massive totals. There were moments when Kohli’s average had slithered into the thirties compelling critics to suggest his was a case of style above substance. His genius has been to rise, time and again, to the challenge. Between the end of the England tour in 2014 and the second Test against Bangladesh at Kolkata in November 2019, Kohli averaged 63, with 21 hundreds and 13 fifties. It left him with a unique set of statistics – the only batsman to average at least 50 in all three international formats.
Rohit Sharma, languorous and indolent had more time than Sachin or Virat and how he changed gears made him challenge quite a few batters in world cricket. He started his Test career with a hundred on debut following it with another in the second. It seemed he could post double hundreds in One Day Internationals like he was walking in the park. He won six Indian Premier League titles out of the first 15 seasons, and as an opener he struck three hundreds in Tests in 2019, one of them a double and in the ICC World Cup 2019, he had five. He was disgruntled not making the Indian team for the ICC World Cup 2011, not grudging but somnolent about what had transpired, how he led his team to the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 was for him the cricketing zenith. His impact grew much deeper on India’s cricket. It was surely a defining moment when India prevailed over South Africa at Bridgetown. At least thrice, with his selfless batting approach and contributions, changed the team’s mindset making the players believe that it was all about collective execution. How he spurred his team winning against Pakistan in New York, versus Australia and then overwhelming South Africa from behind and effectively when positioned precariously and on the verge of losing.
India’s victory in the tournament was not just a testament to their prowess in the shortest format of the game but also a reflection of their strategic brilliance, team spirit, and resilience.
This document explores the key elements that contributed to India’s historic win, highlighting the standout performances, strategic decisions, and the broader implications of this triumph for Indian cricket.
India’s preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 was a masterclass in meticulous planning and strategic foresight. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), their selectors led by Ajit Agarkar and the team management fashioned a squad that seamlessly blended seasoned veterans with emerging talent.
The selection process was rigorous, prioritizing current form, fitness, and adaptability to the T20 format. Key figures such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Hardik Pandya were selected alongside promising newcomers to achieve a harmonious balance of experience and youth.
Kohli and Sharma, having been inactive in T20 Internationals for over a year and a half, adjusted their playing styles to meet the specific conditions of the United States and the West Indies. This adaptation was evident in Kohli’s revamped approach with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), underscoring the need for experienced players under these conditions. Consequently, the selectors made bold decisions, including dropping Rinku Singh and leaving out Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, and their leading wicket-taker, Yuzvendra Chahal, in favor of a more balanced eleven with Shivam Dube.
The selection of Axar Patel alongside Ravindra Jadeja and how he overrode him, the superb bowling performances by Jasprit Bumrah, supported by Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, and Hardik Pandya, were pivotal. India’s triumph in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 was not merely the result of individual brilliance but a testament to strategic wisdom. The team’s management and captain expressed astute decision-making in team selection, batting order, and bowling changes, adapting effectively to varied conditions and opposition strategies.
This victory was a landmark moment for Indian cricket, elevating the nation’s standing as a T20 powerhouse and boosting cricket’s overall pedigree. It underscored the efficacy of India’s cricketing infrastructure, talent development programs, and strategic planning. The win also served as a powerful inspiration for aspiring cricketers and the unconditional followers, highlighting the importance of dedication, allegiance, staunchness, teamwork, and tactical thinking in the exhilarating realm of T20 cricket.
India’s cricketing evolution, marked by the restructuring of first-class tournaments, advanced infrastructure, and robust auxiliary support systems, has bolstered its preeminence on the world stage. The implementation of train-the-trainer programs, the decentralization of revenue, and the optimization of resources and democratic choices across their 38 cricket associations exemplify India’s comprehensive approach to developing and sustaining cricketing excellence. BCCI has managed to ensure the state-of-the-art infrastructure with all entailed set-ups have been replicated in all age, and regional cricket.
Notable examples include Rishabh Pant’s remarkable comeback from near career-ending injuries and Jasprit Bumrah’s successful rehabilitation from a severe spinal fracture, demonstrating the progress and resilience within Indian cricket’s high tier medical panel. It’s a wholesome sports umbrella, even though they have laboratories to conduct soil analysis, and center of excellence integrated with biomechanical, real time data and analytics etc. reveals that India’s cricketing journey stands as a compelling case study in achieving unparalleled success.