The BCCI has always been one step ahead of the rest of the cricket boards…
The Indian Cricket team is on a roll, stocking one winning streak next to an even longer one. Since the captaincy of M.S. Dhoni and now Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket team continues to push its limits, breaking all barriers and stigmas attached to it. The team which was once dubbed as ‘ghar ke sher’ (lions only at home), now easily challenges England on British soil regardless of the format. In short, India is proving to be one of the top teams in modern day cricket and a lot of credit goes to the BCCI for making the right decisions at the right time.
In the past few years, we have seen how different teams have faced difficulties for prolonged periods as they ‘rebuild’. For example, the ranking of the Sri Lankan cricket team has been in free-fall ever since the departure of Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara. Similarly, the Aussies have been unable to match their former selves as they desperately try to regain their respect.
And yet, compared to these teams, the Indian team experienced a highly smooth transition thanks to the decision of the BCCI to promote Kohli to the role of captaincy while Dhoni still had a few years left in his career. This move allowed Dhoni to guide Virat through tough times which fell both on and off the field and share with the him the tips and tricks of the demanding role. Through this decision, unlike other teams who have to adjust to a new captain and the absence of a highly valuable player of the team, the Indian team just had to bear the latter.
How can the IPL become a global sports giant? ▶️ https://t.co/gnXnN2qQsL pic.twitter.com/grGnR6IfvV
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 29, 2018
Another outstanding initiative of the BCCI has been the IPL, which recently finished its tenth edition and has created its own legacy in the world of cricket – so much so that cricket boards all over the globe try to avoid playing any bilateral series during the time the IPL is scheduled so that their players can participate and gain experience. Not only has the IPL been the trendsetter for other leagues to follow, but It has also highly benefited both the players and the BCCI, especially economically. Another beneficiary of the IPL has been the Indian cricket team.
Whatever objections one may have with IPL, the fact remains that the experience of playing with world-class players from all over the world has had a positive effect on the new generation of Indian cricketers and hence, indirectly on the Indian cricket team. It has also been instrumental in providing India with a good stock of bowlers, especially pacers which all them to shore up their defences. The Indian bowling attack is stronger today than it has ever been, playing a key role in the success of the Indian team.
In conclusion, despite having its fair share of controversy, the BCCI must be appreciated for its positive initiatives, and the rest of the boards must do their best to be as forward thinking as they can so that this wonderful game continues to grow.