Lesser: Cricket is not just a sport in India; it’s a religion. While fans are well-versed with the iconic moments and records of players like Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli, the game also holds countless hidden stories and fascinating facts that are often overlooked. This article dives into some lesser-known yet intriguing aspects of cricket in India, with tables to provide structured insights.
1. India’s First International Cricket Match
India’s first-ever international cricket match was not a Test match. It was a First-Class game played in 1911 by an all-Indian team against the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in England. This game marked the beginning of India’s journey in international cricket.
| Year | Match Type | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1911 | First-Class Match | Marylebone Cricket Club | London, England |
2. India’s First Test Captain
India’s first-ever Test captain was CK Nayudu, who led the team in its debut Test match against England in 1932 at Lord’s. This match marked the beginning of India’s Test cricket history.
| Captain | Opponent | Match Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| CK Nayudu | England | June 25, 1932 | Lord’s, England |
3. First Indian Cricketer to Score a Triple Century
The first Indian cricketer to score a triple century in Test cricket was Virender Sehwag. He achieved this feat against Pakistan in 2004 in Multan, earning the nickname “Sultan of Multan.”
| Player | Runs Scored | Opponent | Year | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virender Sehwag | 309 | Pakistan | 2004 | Multan, Pakistan |
4. India’s Only Tied Test Match
India has participated in only one tied Test match in its cricketing history. This happened in 1986 against Australia in Chennai (then Madras), making it one of only two tied Tests in the history of cricket.
| Teams | Year | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| India vs Australia | 1986 | Chennai | Tied |
5. Shortest Test Match Involving India
India played one of the shortest-ever Test matches in 2008 against South Africa in Ahmedabad. The match ended in just three days, with South Africa winning by an innings and 90 runs.
| Teams | Year | Venue | Duration | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India vs South Africa | 2008 | Ahmedabad | 3 Days | South Africa won by innings |
6. First Indian Player in County Cricket
The first Indian player to play in English county cricket was Ranjitsinhji, often regarded as the pioneer of Indian cricket. He played for Sussex in the late 19th century and was instrumental in popularizing the sport among Indians.
| Player | County Team | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Ranjitsinhji | Sussex | 1895 |
7. India’s First ODI Match
India played its first-ever One-Day International (ODI) match against England on July 13, 1974, at Headingley, Leeds. Unfortunately, India lost the match by four wickets.
| Opponent | Match Date | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | July 13, 1974 | Headingley, Leeds | England won |
8. The First Indian Hat-Trick
The first Indian bowler to take a hat-trick in Test cricket was Harbhajan Singh, who achieved this milestone against Australia in 2001 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. His hat-trick played a key role in India’s historic comeback victory.
| Player | Opponent | Year | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harbhajan Singh | Australia | 2001 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
9. The Ranji Trophy Origin
The Ranji Trophy, India’s premier domestic cricket competition, was named after Ranjitsinhji, one of the earliest cricketing legends. It was first held in 1934, with Bombay (now Mumbai) winning the inaugural edition.
| Year of Inception | First Winner | Named After |
|---|---|---|
| 1934 | Bombay | Ranjitsinhji |
10. First Indian Century in Test Cricket
| Player | Opponent | Runs Scored | Year | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lala Amarnath | England | 118 | 1933 | Bombay Gymkhana Ground |
11. India’s First World Cup Win
India’s first World Cup victory came in 1983 under the captaincy of Kapil Dev. They defeated the mighty West Indies at Lord’s to lift the trophy, a moment that changed Indian cricket forever.
| Year | Winning Team | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | India | West Indies | Lord’s, England |
12. The IPL’s Unbelievable Popularity
The Indian Premier League (IPL), launched in 2008, became the richest T20 league globally within just a few years. The IPL’s brand value was estimated to be $11 billion in 2023, making it a financial powerhouse.
| Year of Inception | Brand Value (2023) | Top Team (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | $11 billion | Chennai Super Kings (CSK) |
13. Unique Record of MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni is the only captain in cricket history to have won all three ICC trophies:
- ICC T20 World Cup (2007)
- ICC ODI World Cup (2011)
- ICC Champions Trophy (2013)
| Captain | ICC Trophies Won | Years |
|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | T20 WC, ODI WC, Champions | 2007, 2011, 2013 |
14. First Pink-Ball Test in India
| Opponent | Match Date | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | November 2019 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | India won |
Conclusion
Cricket in India is more than just a sport—it’s a way of life. These lesser-known facts about Indian cricket provide a glimpse into the game’s deep and fascinating history in the country. From pioneering moments like CK Nayudu’s captaincy to modern marvels like the IPL, India has continuously contributed to the global cricketing landscape. As cricket continues to evolve, these stories remain a testament to the game’s enduring legacy in India.