In a country so full of diversity, cricket has long been a uniting force. Those from different races, creeds, classes and economic backgrounds can come together in unity to worship this common religion.
Unifying force
Cricket players are heroes to youngsters and bats and balls are must-have possessions for even the poorest families. Children will keep their bats for years, repairing them when they break and decorating them in bright colours for easy identification. If you have little else in life, you can always have cricket in India. It is the glue that connects the nation and brings it together in moments of solidarity.
The 2019 World Cup may have ended in disappointment for India as they were edged out by New Zealand in the semi-finals but the whole country was united in hope and anticipation. And there have many moments over the years when the nation has been united in joy following famous wins. Fans will soon turn their attention to the T20 World Cup in Australia where India will start as second-favourites behind the host on odds and free bet comparison site Oddschecker.
A game for everyone
Every piece of space in the country is a potential cricket pitch. Back streets, industrial estates, fields, deserts and beaches are all places you might see a cricket game taking place on a Sunday afternoon in India. And best of all: anyone can become a cricketer. Your family name, social status or education level is irrelevant if you are adept with the ball or bat. Cricket is the country’s great leveller.
In a country of over a billion people, there are few who do not get caught up in the frenzy that accompanies a big match involving India. Fans dress up, paint their faces and even get special haircuts to show their support for their team.
“Indian Cricket Fan” (CC BY 2.0) by Matt Dawson Photography
International ties
Beyond the borders of the country, cricket also connects India to the rest of the world. The “gentleman’s game” may have been born in England but nothing compares to the experience of playing the sport on Indian soil and the national team remains one of the most feared on the planet. For Indians dispersed across the world, cricket helps to retain their sense of identity and keeps them connected to their homeland.
India’s identity
Cricket in India is a community. It does not discriminate. If you love cricket, you are part of a collective – you are never alone. In the absence of any other connecting national identity, cricket has become symbolic as a unifier.
