Cricket in India is not just a sport; it has transcended into a religion. Every child who plays gully cricket in the streets of India aspires to become the next Virat Kohli or Steve Smith. Because cricket is so passionately followed in the country, becoming a world-class cricketer by rising above your peers is no doubt challenging. Despite the challenges, the reward of finally seeing your dream come to life is immeasurable.
You need to take the right steps from a young age to begin your career. You will encounter obstacles, but pushing forward despite setbacks is what will make you stronger and more resolved in your goal.
Mind your age
Age holds great importance in cricket. Cultivating an understanding of the game early in your life through proper practice and training is essential to keep your head focused in the game. There are a number of age groups in cricket, beginning from the age of 12. If you want to take cricket seriously, join an academy from the age of 8-9, just like cricketing greats Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli did. Once you exhibit the required potential, you will rise through the ranks easily.
Cultivate strong roots in the game
You need the right direction to mold your passion into a career. For this purpose, ensure that you have a good coach from an excellent cricket academy. Excellence in any field requires expert guidance, and the same holds true for cricket. You cannot reach your full potential unless you have a coach who is invested in making you the best you can be by pointing out your flaws and smoothening your jagged edges. Find the best cricketing academy in your area and make all efforts to get into it, as it will spur on dreams of becoming a world-class cricketer.
Be mindful of your body
Cricket is a physically taxing sport, and you cannot play the game unless you are at peak physical form. In Test matches, you will be required to be on the field for 5 days at a stretch. To stay on the field and give your best without wearing yourself out requires you to give your all when it comes to fitness. A balanced diet and a well worked out gym routine are essential in keeping you at the top of the game.
Athletes follow strict rules and extensive gym routines to get and maintain the perfect body required for cricket, even if it means giving up on junk and oily food. Most commonly, Indian skipper, Virat Kohli is known to give up his favourite butter chicken to keep himself focused on the game.
Be Patient
Patience is key in determining your success for a career in cricket. Unless you instantly stand out from the crowd as someone indispensable to the team, you will have to wait years to make your mark. Indian batsman Mayank Agarwal, who made his international debut at 26, is a shining example of someone who made a late, but nonetheless impactful debut in the team.
When competing for the selections, you have to remember that you will be competing against people who have more experience than you. For example, if you are participating in the under-14 category, there will be someone in the under-16 segment who has more experience and on-the-field training than you. You just have to remember to do your best, and not focus on the competition. The moment you start comparing your performance with others, you will lose motivation and slide down the ranks.
Anyone can play for team India. All you need is some motivation, small sacrifices, and a lot of training. MS Dhoni was formerly a ticket collector with a dream, just like Umesh Yadav the son of a coal miner. You do not need power or money to play for India; all you need is the perseverance to chase your dream.
