From IPL to International : How BCCI choose new players from IPL for Indian Cricket Team
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the apex body that governs cricket in the nation, introduced the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2007. This annual Twenty20 cricket tournament has become the most popular and richest cricket league globally since it was first scheduled in April 2008. It attracts international stars and makes it a global event.
IPL is recognized not only for its exciting and thrilling matches but also for its role in bringing and nurturing new talent. The journey from IPL to the Indian Cricket Team is not just about good performances on the ground. Good performances throughout the IPL tournament don’t secure your chance of selection for the Indian cricket team. In addition to this, consistent performance in domestic cricket’s top tournaments such as Ranji, Vijay Hazare Trophy, is also primarily considered. However, playing in the IPL attracts selectors’ attention.Â
In this blog, we’ll talk about how the IPL plays a key role in selecting new players and also the complexity of how BCCI choose new players from IPLÂ for Indian Cricket Team through a careful selection process.
Scouting the Players:
This process starts with the very complex scouting network put in place by the BCCI. These selectors very carefully and closely observe the player’s performance, temperament, and ability while playing IPL matches. They not only analyse the data but also evaluate the player’s required skills and temperament. In the IPL. it is the player’s consistent performance that catches the selector’s attention.
The BCCI closely monitors the new talent’s batting average, bowling economy rate, fielding skills, and ability to perform under pressure. Consistency, adaptability, and the ability to deliver match-winning performances are the crucial, showcasing how BCCI choose new players from IPL.
Assessing Character and Temperament:
Cricket demands both physical and mental strength. The BCCI acknowledges the importance of evaluating a player’s temperament and character on the field and also places immense importance on qualities such as integrity, consistent performance, positive attitude, discipline, stats and records, as these attributes greatly enhance a player’s suitability for representing the nation. Player’s on field behaviour and how well they handle pressure situations is closely monitored by them.Â
Several factors influence about how BCCI choose new players from IPL for National Indian cricket team:
Form and Fitness-
The form and fitness levels of players are prime consideration for selection. The players who give consistent performance and maintain physical fitness have the most chance to get the attention of the selectors.
Skill Set and Versatility-
In sports, more importance is given to those players who demonstrate excellence even in different circumstances. Be it a player who can adapt to different landscapes or a player who can perform differently, the selectors attention got  in favour of a consistent player with versatility.
Mental Toughness-
 Cricket is not only a physical but also a mental game. Players who have self-control under pressure and make smart decisions in crucial situations are supposed to fit for international cricket.
Domestic Performance-
 While the IPL serves as a prominent stage for talent identification, consistent performances in domestic cricket tournaments are also considered in the selection process. A player who has a good domestic record has a high chance of consideration for national selection.
Age and Experience-
While talent knows no age, selectors often consider a player’s age and experience level while making long-term investments. Youngsters with potential may be groomed for the future, while seasoned campaigners bring invaluable experience to the table.
Case Studies: Success Stories from IPL to Team India:
Numerous players have got tremendous success and selected from the IPL to the Indian cricket team, leaving an enduring impact on the international stage. Let’s talk about some success stories:-
Jasprit Bumrah: One of the finest fast bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah’s journey from the IPL to Team India is truly inspiring. His unique bowling action and accuracy in delivering yorkers captured the attention of selectors.
Hardik Pandya:Â Hardik Pandya has the ability to bat explosively and take crucial wickets that made him one of the best all-rounder in limited-overs cricket.
Shreyas Iyer: Emerging from the IPL, Shreyas Iyer earned his place in the Indian team through consistent performances for Delhi Capitals.
Ravindra Jadeja: Ravindra Jadeja has garnered immense popularity as a cricketer due to his all-around skills. His accurate spin bowling, world-class fielding, and energy on the field have been instrumental in his selection for the Indian cricket team post IPL success.
Ravichandran Ashwin: Following his impressive displays in the IPL 2010, Ravichandran Ashwin earned a spot in the Indian squads. He made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in June 2010, showcasing his potential as a promising talent.
Apart from the above, there are many players who get selected on the basis of IPL but failed in International cricket like karn sharma, sudeep tyagi, Rahul sharma, Manpreet gony, muraly vijay, etc.
Challenges and Criticisms:
The IPL has brought a revolution in identifying talent in Indian cricket. But it has many challenges and criticisms. Let’s discuss the challenges –
Overreliance on T20 Format: Many critics have argued that the IPL is a T-20 cricket format. It can undermine the development of players that are suited for long formats of games like Test cricket and ODI. This can affect the quality of talent available for national selection in Test cricket.
Inconsistency in Performances: While the IPL provides a platform for players to show talent, it’s also characterized by its unpredictability. A few good performances in the league may not be considered sustained success at the international level. It may lead to concerns about the reliability of IPL-based selections.
Player Burnout and Injuries: The continuation of the IPL schedule, with back-to-back matches and extensive travel, increases the risk of player burnout and injuries. This can be a challenge for selectors, who must balance the need for player rest and recovery with the demands of national team commitments.
Talent Overload and Competition: With too many talented cricketers vying for limited spots in the national team, the competition in Indian cricket has never been fiercer. Although this abundance of talent is no less than a boon for Indian cricket, it also creates a dilemma for the selectors to make difficult decisions.
Conclusion:
IPL has brought a huge change in Indian cricket. The BCCI’s smart integration of the IPL into the national team’s talent hunt has given rise to a new era of cricketing excellence. But it is not that easy. As we know the IPL is a Twenty20 tournament so it has some concerns about its impact on long-format cricket like Tests and ODIs.
Good performance throughout the IPL tournament doesn’t secure your chance of selection for the Indian cricket tournament. In addition to this, consistent performance in domestic cricket’s top tournaments such Ranji, Vijay Hazare, Trophy, Duleep Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is also primarily considered. However, playing in the IPL attracts selectors’ attention.
The players go through the tough challenge of playing numerous games within a limited timeframe. The BCCI has to prioritize the player’s health and aid in their development as cricketers so that the IPL can maintain its status as a platform for nurturing future cricketing talents. As we eagerly await each new season, it brings immense joy to millions of cricket fans worldwide. It also brings hope to young players everywhere.
Questions-
The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) chooses a five-member committee. The five-member committee and team management (coaches and captains) select players for the national cricket team according to their consistent performances.
The IPL has brought about various positive impacts on cricket like serving as a platform for selectors to spot talent, develop the ability to handle pressure, elevate fitness standards, ensure financial stability for players, contribute to economic growth, and boost tourism.Â
However, alongside these benefits come some drawbacks. Many Indian cricketers participate in both the IPL and international matches, leading to potential burnout due to the rigorous schedule, which can result in fatigue and injuries, consequently affecting team performance. Moreover, there’s a concern that the IPL’s prominence might divert attention away from the traditional, longer format of the game.
Many players had been selected for the IPL without playing Ranji. However, recent developments, particularly Ishan Kishan’s apparent preference for IPL over first-class cricket, might lead the BCCI to consider enforcing a requirement for players to participate in a minimum number of Ranji Trophy matches to qualify for the IPL’s lucrative contracts.
Anyone can buy an IPL team If the BCCI releases a tender to own and operate an IPL team, an auction will be held for the rights to own a team, or if a team is sold.
BCCI earns money from media rights, broadcasting rights, title sponsorship, team sponsorship, advertisement throughout the event, stadium tickets, percentages of earnings from franchises, etc. The BCCI, 50% of the earnings from title sponsorship, gives to the franchise teams and keeps the remaining 50% for itself.
IPL teams make money through brand sponsorship, ticket sales, merchandise sales, and prize money. The BCCI gives 50 percent of the earnings from title sponsorship to the franchise teams.
Pingback: Every first happenings in IPL - MindMusingRealm