An Indian Cricket Fan Journey From 1983 To The New Millennium

Cricket has always been more than just a sport in India. It is a religion, a way of life, and a unifying force that transcends geographical boundaries. For an Indian cricket fan, the journey has been nothing short of a roller coaster ride, filled with unforgettable memories, triumphant victories, and heartbreaking losses.

1983 World Cup: The Birth of a Cricketing Nation

It all started in 1983 when Kapil Dev's Indian cricket team lifted the World Cup trophy at Lord's, England. The victory marked a new era for Indian cricket, igniting the passion of millions of cricket fans across the nation. India had finally announced their arrival on the international cricketing stage, and the fans became an integral part of the team's success story.

From that day onwards, Indian cricket fans embarked on a journey that would witness numerous highs and lows, unforgettable moments, and a plethora of legendary cricketers who would etch their names in the history books.

The 12th Man: An Indian Cricket Fan’s Journey from 1983 to the new millennium

by Sourav Sinha(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1362 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	230 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Rise of Sachin Tendulkar - A Demigod in Blue

If the 1983 World Cup victory laid the foundation for Indian cricket's growth, then Sachin Tendulkar was the architect who shaped its destiny. From 1989 to 2013, for almost a quarter of a century, Tendulkar mesmerized the cricketing fraternity with his impeccable batting skills, breaking records after records and becoming the epitome of dedication and determination.

Indian cricket fans lived and breathed every innings played by Sachin Tendulkar. His sublime cover drives, scintillating straight sixes, and the sheer grit displayed while facing some of the toughest bowling attacks made him a hero in the eyes of millions.

The 'Little Master' as he was fondly called, broke numerous records throughout his career, including being the highest run-scorer in both Test and One-Day Internationals. Time and again, he delivered when the team needed him the most, single-handedly winning matches and uplifting the spirits of billions of fans.

Cricketing Rivalries and Memorable Battles

Indian cricket history is not just about individual brilliance; it is also defined by the intense rivalries and memorable battles witnessed over the years. Whether it was the historic clash against Pakistan in Sharjah in 1986, the nerve-wracking contests against Australia in the 2000s, or the epic encounters with England during the Ashes series, each contest left an indelible mark on the minds of fans.

The rivalry between India and Pakistan, on and off the field, is like no other. Whenever these two cricketing giants collide, the atmosphere is electric, tensions run high, and emotions overflow. From Javed Miandad's last ball six against Chetan Sharma to Sachin Tendulkar's monumental innings in the 2003 World Cup, both teams provided spectators with unforgettable moments that would go down in cricketing folklore.

The Era of Indian Premier League (IPL)

If the 1983 World Cup victory and Sachin Tendulkar's heroics defined Indian cricket in the past, then the advent of the Indian Premier League (IPL) revolutionized the game in the new millennium. The IPL brought together international stars and domestic talents under one roof, creating a cricketing spectacle like no other.

The IPL not only provided a platform for budding cricketers to showcase their skills but also gave fans an opportunity to witness high-octane clashes, breathtaking chases, and last-ball thrillers. The tournament transcended boundaries and attracted fans from not only India but all around the world, creating a global cricketing carnival that captivated millions.

The league became a breeding ground for young talents, producing exceptional cricketers like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya, who would go on to become integral parts of the Indian national team. The IPL also became a catalyst for economic growth, generating revenue, creating job opportunities, and revolutionizing the way cricket is played and perceived in the country.

The Future of Indian Cricket

As Indian cricket stepped into the new millennium, the future looked brighter than ever. With a young and talented team, steered by the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Indian cricket gained recognition as one of the most formidable forces in the world. Winning major tournaments like the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013 and reaching the pinnacle of Test cricket rankings set new benchmarks for Indian cricket.

The journey of an Indian cricket fan from 1983 to the new millennium has been extraordinary. It is a testament to the undying passion, unwavering support, and relentless love for the game that unites millions of fans across a diverse nation like India. The journey is far from over, and the excitement continues as newer talents emerge, fierce rivalries are renewed, and cricket remains an integral part of the Indian way of life.

The 12th Man: An Indian Cricket Fan’s Journey from 1983 to the new millennium

by Sourav Sinha(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1362 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	230 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

For more than 35 years now, I have been a die-hard cricket fan. Cricket is a celebration in India. As a kid, I started learning the nuances of the game by listening to radio commentary and newspapers. People in India love the game and it is these fans who have kept the game alive. When Bollywood superstar, Shah Rukh Khan launched the cricket kit for his newly acquired Indian Premier League (IPL) team, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2008, the jersey number that he wore was 12 with his name printed on the back. He called himself the 12th man of Team KKR and rallied all supporters to call themselves the same. The fans are the real "12th Man" of any team and here is my journey as one such 12th Man of Team India from 1983 to the turn of the new millennium. This is Volume I of the book and Volume II which will follow later this year will chronicle my journey as a cricket fan from the year 2000 till 2013. So here goes my journey as a cricket fan which started in Asansol, moved to Bangalore, and then came back to Kolkata. If you love cricket, you will enjoy reading the book. If you are very young who have not seen the game live during the '80s and '90s, then you will learn many things that happened with Team India in that period. If you are old enough to have seen that period then you will be able to go back to your younger days and reminiscence on the same.