Cricket and Bollywood are two major careers that bring both fame and money to you. For Indians, cricket is has become an important part for their culture. Cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Dravid, MS Dhoni and Virat Kholi are major influencers Indian society.
With 2 ICC World Cups, Indian cricket is one of the successful teams in the world.
It’s obvious that every kid/student dream of having such luxurious life. But, many aren’t aware of how to become a cricketer after completing 12th? What’s the selection procedure, education qualification and salary of Indian cricket players.
Stay here for few more minutes and you’ll queries will be answered in detail.
Before that let me first write few more lines about Indian Cricket. You can skip this section and jump to main topic here.
Interesting: Cricket and Indians
The relation between this British game and Indians dates back from pre independence era. First Indian test team was departed to England in 1932 with C.K. Nayadu as captain.
First Indian team represented the whole country with people from different religions. May be this is why Cricket fans aren’t confined to a religion or state.
Long story short, now, BCCI is the board that looks after all matches and it conducts IPL (Indian Premier League) played by different Indian states. It is one of the biggest sports leagues in the world.
If you’re a cricket lover, then you must read this write-up on BBC about Indian cricket.
Why do teens prefer cricket as career?
Why do youngsters are attracted towards this game, when you’ve other sports too?
Cricket is considered easy game to pass the time at home. Craze of this game started when the Indian team started performing well in international cricket grounds. Thanks to Kapil Dev, Gavaskar and others.
Nevertheless, media attention and commercial ads by cricketers has their share in forging the interest of many teenagers.
Apart from this, Indian government funds and encourages cricketers than other sport persons.
How to Become a Cricketer in India after 12th?
Almost, every teenager dreams of becoming a cricketer, but not all work for it.
Desire to become a cricketer in India isn’t enough. You must work hard and maintain fitness all the time.
Three prerequisites to kick start your career in cricket.
- Practice: Regular practice in early hours help you to unleash the potential sports person in you.
- Know basics of the game: I don’t think any teenager in India have no knowledge.
- Know your strong holds: If you’re playing the game regularly, you already knew in what part of the game you’re perfect. Like batting, bowling or as a wicket keeper.
Bonus: You must be a quick learner from those who play with you.
Also Read: How to Become a Software Engineer After 12th?
Step-by-Step Guide to Become a Cricketer in India
#1 Education Qualification
Though education isn’t a criteria in this game, it’s recommended that you obtain basic education, because you may be offered a State or Central government job on basis of your performance in international cricket.
#2 Join a Cricket Academy
Joining cricket academy in early stages is of the one the main aspect of becoming a cricketer. This way you can be eligible to play for U-15 or get enough time to practice to play for U-19 cricket teams.
Many top and successful cricketers started from below 11 years of age.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t become cricketer if you’re already 18. With right hard work and passion you can join the Indian team even at 28. Check the list of Indian cricketers who joined after 30.
Why Join Cricket Academy?
Though you perform excellent while playing with your friends and stand as a top batsman, you need a professional training to outperform the cricket competition in India.
Can you become a cricketer without joining academy?
A right answer would be no. You must get yourself trained by professional to get a chance to play in U-19 cricket.
Joining academy will help you to maintain timing, punctuality and discipline.
However, there can be some exception. But, it’s not going to be easy without academy.
Also Read: How to Become Food Inspector in India?
#3 Choosing the Right Coach
Selecting coach is the heart of your successful cricket career. Choose wisely.
You’re not choosing a top player; you’re choosing the best coach. You must consider your chemistry with him and do recheck his credibility with reference.
Coaching is a skill and not every good sports man has this skill.
Consider reading this write-up, before selecting a coach.
#4 Play for U-15, U-17, U-19, U-23 and State Level Teams
Establishing yourself as a brand is very important to get noticed by team selectors.
Good performance in runs and number of 100s plays vital role to project you as a good player.
Getting selected in U-15, U-17 or U-19 will help to step towards Indian cricket team.
Based on your performance in these junior cricket matches, you can be selected by National Cricket Academy. Before, BBCI formed a committee Talent Resource Development Wing that used to watch all players around the country to rank and select for Indian cricket team. However, in 2006 this is dissolved.
How to get selected for IPL?
Without even played for Ranji trophy you can get selected in IPL with your U-19 performance.
You must register yourself in IPL auction through online.
Note: Playing state level cricket matches will increase your selection in IPL or India A team. From there you can easily shortlisted to play Indian Cricket Team.
Playing cricket trails conducted by various bodies (domestic) will give your immense experience that can bring in front of BCCI selection committee.
Also Read: How to Become a Jewellery Designer in India?
#5 Physical Fitness
Any game or sport demand fitness to perform well or even get selected.
Cricket is no exception.
Before every tour Indian cricketers had to go through fitness test (Yo-Yo test). Those who fail will be left out of the squad.
With right cricket academy and under super vision of your coach you must make sure you’ll be always fit.
You may need to hit gym regularly and follow a balanced diet to be fit.
Appoint a personal trainer if you can afford to be fit.
Even playing foot ball helps to stay healthy and fit.
In an interview with TOI, Virat Kholi said that Indian cricket team gets inspired by diet, rest period and fitness of foot ball players.
Indian Cricketer Salary
As a cricketer you can expect huge pay cheques. Major earning comes from brand advertisement or promotions.
Apart from that, BCCI pay yearly salary and payment per match depending on the grade A+, A, B & C.
If you perform well and obtain A+ grade then you can expect income in crores.
Conclusion
To become a cricketer in India, you must kick start training in cricket academy right from schooling (under 11). This way you’ll have more opportunities and plenty to mould yourself.
You need to perform well in U-19 cricket to seek attention of cricket selection committee or to get selected in IPL auction.
Work hard, passion towards the game and fitness are key aspects to perform well in cricket.
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