Hyderabad – Steps to represent Indian national team from Hyderabad

Every cricketer aspires to play for the Indian cricket team someday in their life. There are players who at times complain about not having the right guidance, lack of direction, not getting the platform to showcase their talent and their dreams die a natural death. Cricketgraph’s Hyderabad representative Sai Pavan got a chance to talk to Mr. Chekuri Venkat , a district representative of Telangana state cricket association. Here are some excerpts of their conversation, which could help a cricketer to understand the way to represent Indian cricket team.

The first step to get noticed is to start playing leagues / tournaments under HCA (Hyderabad Cricket Association). HCA selectors are impressed mainly with the performances under these hca tournaments than any other tournaments. Currently there are 216 cricket clubs in Hyderabad, which means a player should ideally play from one of these 216 affiliated clubs. If a player performs well in these leagues, he gets an opportunity to represent Hyderabad Ranji cricket matches. The best part is there is no age limit! If a player performs consistently well in Ranji matches, he gets promoted to Zonal level. So if the player is from Hyderabad Ranji team, he will get an offer to represent South Zone. This is when the player gets undivided focus from BCCI selectors. BCCI selectors would then select players to represent the ultimate –Indian Cricket Team. Top 2 teams from all zones get selected as the winners and runners up and they end up playing more matches as compared to other zones. This also means the more matches you play, more chances a player gets to perform and get noticed.

There are broadly 3 different types of Ranji matches

1. 4 day matches
2. ODI’s (One Day Internationals)
3. T20 ( recently introduced)

As per the players caliber / performance he will be placed amongst the above 3 types.

Mr. Venkat offered a small piece of advice for a cricketer who wishes to play in IPL team – To wisely select a low rated team in the first place which would ensure the player certainly gets to play maximum matches and prove his mettle.

Article by Sai Pawan

South Zone Representative – CricketGraph.com