Cricket is undoubtedly one of the most popular sports in India, and it has a rich history that dates back to the colonial period. Indian cricket has come a long way since then, with many legendary players making their mark on the game. However, there are many interesting facts about Indian cricket that most people are not aware of. In this article, we will discuss 10 such facts that will give you a deeper insight into the world of Indian cricket.
1. The first Indian cricket team was all Parsi
The first Indian cricket team that toured England in 1886 was made up entirely of Parsi players. The team was led by a Parsi cricketer named Dhunjishaw Patel, and it consisted of 16 players, all of whom were Parsi. This team paved the way for Indian cricket, and it was the start of a long and illustrious journey for the sport in India.
2. Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi – The only cricketer to play for India and England
It was the eighth Nawab of Pataudi, Iftikhar Ali Khan. He is Saif Ali Khan’s grandpa, a famous Bollywood actor. The team was coached by his son, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, who also represented the nation. Born on March 16, 1910, and passing away in 1952 was IAK Pataudi.
IAK Pataudi played in 6 Tests throughout his cricket career, 3 for India and 3 for England. He served as a professional for the English cricket team between 1932 and 1934. He later led the Indian team in three Test matches against the squad he had previously played for during the 1946 tour of England.
IAK Pataudi amassed 199 runs—an average of 20—in 10 Test innings. In his professional life, he recorded a century. And he has got massive experience playing in first-class cricket. He played 127 games and scored 8,750 runs at an average of 48.60. He struck 29 centuries in first-class cricket in that day and age. The former captain is regarded to be one of the finest cricketers the country ever produced. His ill-health, however, didn’t allow him to continue playing cricket for a long time.
3. India played its first Test match at Lord’s
India played its first Test match against England at Lord’s in 1932. This was a historic moment for Indian cricket, and it marked the beginning of a new era for the sport in India. Although India lost the match, it was a significant achievement for the team to play at the iconic venue.
4. India’s first World Cup victory came in 1983
India’s first World Cup victory came in 1983 when it defeated the West Indies in the final at Lord’s. This was a historic moment for Indian cricket, and it marked the beginning of a new era for the sport in India. The Indian team was led by Kapil Dev, and it consisted of many talented players such as Sunil Gavaskar, Mohinder Amarnath, and Roger Binny.
5. Sachin Tendulkar holds many records in Indian cricket
Sachin Tendulkar is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, and he holds many records in Indian cricket. He is the leading run-scorer in Test matches and Day Internationals, and he has scored the most centuries in both formats of the game. Tendulkar’s contributions to Indian cricket are immeasurable, and he has inspired many young players to follow in his footsteps.
Also read: Sachin Tendulkar’s Battle with Tennis Elbow: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery
6. India has produced many legendary spin bowlers
India has produced many legendary spin bowlers over the years, and they have played a crucial role in India’s success in cricket. Players such as Bishan Singh Bedi, Erapalli Prasanna, and Srinivas Venkataraghavan are just a few examples of the many talented spin bowlers who have represented India at the highest level.
7. India has a rich cricketing rivalry with Pakistan:
India has a long-standing cricketing rivalry with Pakistan, and matches between the two countries are always highly anticipated. These matches are often referred to as “cricketing battles” and they attract millions of viewers from around the world. The rivalry between India and Pakistan goes beyond cricket, and it is rooted in the historical and political tensions between the two nations.
8. India has won the ODI Cricket World Cup twice
India has won the Cricket World Cup twice, first in 1987 and then again in 2011. The 2011 World Cup was particularly memorable for India as it won the tournament on home soil, defeating Sri Lanka in the final. This victory was celebrated by millions of cricket fans across India, and it marked a new chapter in the country’s cricketing history.
9. The Indian Premier League is one of the richest cricket leagues in the world
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a professional Twenty20 cricket league that was launched in 2008. It has since become one of the richest cricket leagues in the world, attracting many of the best players from around the globe. The league has also provided a platform for young Indian players to showcase their talent and earn lucrative contracts.
10. ‘Never again mate’
This incident happened in Hyderabad in 2007 during an ODI game. Brad Hogg dissed Sachin Tendulkar, a legend. Hogg approached the Master Blaster with a picture after the game. In the chinaman bowler’s own words: “I was rejoicing ecstatically as though the wicket had saved my career. It had the stumps in the frame with the bails on the ground, he was walking off.
With the words “Never again mate,” Sachin Tendulkar joyfully autographed this photo.
After this incident, they played together in 7 ODIs and 3 Tests, totalling 13 innings over the course of the following two years. Yet Brad Hogg was unable to dismiss Sachin on any occasion. Hogg termed this as: ‘Never a truer word said!’. The Western Australian picked up 157 wickets in his ODI career.
Indian cricket has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the colonial period, and it has become a source of national pride for millions of people across the country. The sport has produced many legendary players and memorable moments, and it has played a significant role in shaping India’s cultural identity. As cricket continues to evolve and grow in popularity, it is certain that India will remain at the forefront of the sport, and that its contributions to the game will be remembered for generations to come.
