Cricket is the most popular sport in India and in its evolution, renowned figures such as Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sourav Ganguly played a massive role. Their contributions to the game and Team India are unprecedented and now, kids in India dream to become cricketers and represent the country at the international level.
In the country of 1.3 billion people, carrying the dream of becoming a cricketer is a heavy task for a kid who aspires to build his/her career in the sport. With a large section of children dreaming of donning Team India’s jersey, SportsTiger has come up with some tips to guide those who are looking to build their career in one of the most popular sports in the world.
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you understand how to become a cricketer in India:
Step 1: Convince your parents to build a career in cricket
In India, most parents believe only academic achievements can make their children successful, however, the time has changed. Talents such as Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, and Yuvraj Singh have shown that cricketing talent can make the country proud. Parents should not only deliver the best to impart quality education to their children but also step forward to fulfil their kids' dream of becoming a cricketer.
Step 2: Understanding the game of cricket
Pupils have to empower themselves with knowledge of the sport before entering the sport. They should not only know the basic rules and regulations of the game but also possess deep insight of the sport. Besides that, an aspiring cricketer should also know the history of his state team and the national side who he wants to represent in the future.
Step 3: Join a cricket academy
With immense competition in the sport in India, a pupil should associate himself/herself with his school or local area's team. He/she should prove his/her mettle in the side in the top-level school or local tournaments. They should endeavour to become a notable figure in their squads.
He/she should register himself/herself in a fine cricket academy to hone his/her skills under the guidance of quality coaches. He/she should strive to prove himself/herself to be among the best in the cricket academy to break into the district and state-level teams.
Step 4: Maintain a healthy fitness level
An aspiring cricketer should also focus on maintaining a stellar level of fitness to become part of state teams in various age groups. They shouldn’t compromise in terms of perseverance and diligence to achieve something massive. While playing in the cricket academy, he/she should also record his/her presence in club tournaments and test their prowess.
Step 5: Get selected for district and state teams
Showcase your talent in the district-level team to receive a call-up from your state-level side. With the intense level of competition in the district team, sometimes, you might face rejections but develop the habit of being patient. Keep on working diligently as there are high chances that your hard work will pay off.
He/ She should record his/her presence in marquee tournaments held in the nation. Becoming a member of a competitive squad and striving to make it to a state-level side is the initial step to become a professional cricketer. If a person exhibits talent in these competitions and becomes a notable figure, he/she solidifies his/her chances of becoming a professional cricketer.
Step 6 : Scholarships and sponsorships
Promising cricketers can also avail of scholarship programs to pull off their dream. People who come from impoverished families get the opportunities to grab these programs and make their dream come true through their diligence, determination, and will power.
Step 7: Participate in national camps/trials
After becoming an extraordinary performer in the state-level competitions, he/she should also be prepared to participate in national camps and trials. Incredible performers often get invited to showcase their talent and grab the opportunity.
Step 8: Play in national-level tournaments
In the domestic tournaments such as Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Vijay Hazare Trophy, he/she should develop the tendency to perform consistently for his/her side to gain a position in Team India to play at international level and in the prestigious the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Step 9: How to enter IPL & India A teams?
Working hard in the domestic circuit will help you get recognised by the IPL franchises. In the past, it’s witnessed that several players who performed extraordinarily in the domestic structure got picked up in the cash-rich league.
Any cricketer who plays domestic cricket aims to don a Team India jersey in international cricket. If you prove yourself in the domestic circuit, you will be selected to represent Team India.
FAQs
Q. What is the ideal age to start cricket training?
A. The ideal age to start cricket training is 8 to 12 years.
Q. Do I need to join a cricket academy/club to become a professional cricketer?
A. Yes, it’s essential to join a cricket academy to become a professional cricketer. Professional coaches in cricket academies/clubs impart training to a player to help him evolve.
Q. Can someone become a cricketer without joining professional coaching or academy?
A. Yes, one can become a cricketer without associating with professional coaching or academy. However, it’s recommended to be a part of an academy or club as their structure helps an aspiring cricketer to thrive.
Q. How do I get selected for district or state teams?
Prove yourself in local and club level matches. Record your presence in trials and selection camps as well. Exhibit your talent and get an opportunity to enter the district or state teams.
Q. How long does it take to become a professional cricketer?
A. It depends on players’ diligence and capability. It may take years of hard work and determination to become a professional cricketer.
Q. How important is fitness and diet in cricket?
A. Physical and mental fitness is essential to become a successful cricketer. Without it, any players’ career won’t last long in any competitive level of the sport.
Q. Can I make it to the IPL without playing the Ranji Trophy?
A. Yes, it’s possible to play IPL without playing any Ranji Trophy game. In the past, it’s witnessed that players have appeared in IPL without making their Ranji Trophy debuts.
