Overpowered Cricket system

The story of Indian cricket is one of glory, grit, and resilience. From Kapil Dev lifting the World Cup in 1983 to MS Dhoni's iconic six in 2011, cricket in India has been a tale of heroes rising to the occasion. Yet, beneath the surface of this celebrated narrative lies another story—one of underrated cricketers who never got their due, especially those from South India. While players from the North have often dominated the spotlight, many talented cricketers from states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala have been overshadowed, despite their remarkable contributions to the game.

In cricket circles, discussions about overlooked talent often begin with a name: Karun Nair. Hailing from Karnataka, Karun achieved a rare feat in Indian cricket history by scoring a triple century in a Test match against England in 2016. He became only the second Indian after Virender Sehwag to achieve this milestone, and for a brief moment, it seemed as though India had found its next middle-order stalwart. But just as quickly as Karun rose to prominence, he faded away. Despite his historic performance, he was dropped after a few modest outings, and the selectors seemed to forget him.

"Scoring 300 in a Test isn't just talent," one fan argued in a discussion at a Bengaluru café. "It's a statement. But somehow, Karun wasn't given enough chances. If he were from Mumbai or Delhi, things might have been different."

Others nodded in agreement, their frustration evident. "It's not just Karun," another added. "Look at players like Mayank Agarwal and Vijay Shankar. They've had their moments, but they were never backed like some of the players from the North."

Mayank Agarwal, another Karnataka stalwart, is a prime example of a player who had to fight tooth and nail for recognition. Despite consistently scoring runs in domestic cricket and topping the charts in tournaments like the Ranji Trophy, Mayank had to wait years for his India debut. When he finally got his chance, he impressed with his grit and determination, scoring centuries in Tests and forming a solid opening partnership with Rohit Sharma. Yet, despite his contributions, Mayank often found himself on the sidelines, replaced by players with seemingly lesser records but stronger backing.

"Mayank is the kind of player every team needs," said a commentator during a domestic match. "He's disciplined, hardworking, and technically sound. But in Indian cricket, sometimes talent alone isn't enough. It's about timing, politics, and the narrative."

Then there's Vijay Shankar, a player who epitomizes the struggles of South Indian cricketers trying to find their footing in the Indian team. Dubbed a "three-dimensional player" by the selectors, Vijay was included in the 2019 World Cup squad amid much fanfare. But the immense pressure and limited opportunities meant he couldn't live up to the expectations. The backlash was swift and brutal, with fans labeling him a "failure" despite his all-round potential.

"Vijay was set up to fail," said a Tamil Nadu cricket enthusiast during a debate in a Chennai tea shop. "You can't expect a player to perform when he's thrown into high-pressure situations without proper preparation. He needed time, but instead, he was written off."

Another name that often comes up in such discussions is Barinder Sran, a left-arm pacer from Punjab who found himself caught in the web of regional biases. Though not from South India, his story resonates with many players from the South. Barinder made an impressive debut, showing promise with his pace and swing. However, like many others, he wasn't given a consistent run, and injuries further derailed his career.

"Regional bias is real in Indian cricket," argued a former domestic player during a panel discussion. "It's not official, but it exists. Players from North India, especially Delhi and Mumbai, often have better access to resources, coaching, and opportunities. Meanwhile, talented cricketers from the South have to work twice as hard to get half the recognition."

T Natarajan, the left-arm pacer from Tamil Nadu, is a rare success story but also a reminder of the struggles faced by South Indian cricketers. Natarajan's rise from a humble background to representing India in all three formats is nothing short of inspirational. His yorkers in the IPL caught the attention of fans and selectors alike, and he quickly became a household name. But even his journey wasn't without hurdles.

"Natarajan is a gem," said a cricket analyst during an IPL broadcast. "But let's not forget, it took him years of grinding in domestic cricket to get noticed. If he were from a bigger cricketing state, he might have been fast-tracked much earlier."

Dinesh Karthik, another Tamil Nadu cricketer, is a tale of perseverance. Despite making his debut before MS Dhoni, Dinesh never got the same opportunities. Over the years, he reinvented himself multiple times, excelling as a finisher in T20s and earning accolades for his composure under pressure. Yet, he has always been in Dhoni's shadow, his contributions often overlooked.

During a heated Twitter debate, fans argued about Karthik's legacy. "DK is a legend in his own right," one fan tweeted. "If he were given half the chances Dhoni got, he would've been a mainstay in the Indian team."

Another replied, "That's the problem with Indian cricket. Once you're labeled as a backup, it's hard to shake off that tag."

The issue isn't just limited to players. Even cricketing infrastructure in South India has often been sidelined. While cities like Mumbai and Delhi boast world-class facilities and consistent support from state associations, many South Indian states struggle with underfunded academies and poorly maintained grounds.

In a cricket documentary, a coach from Kerala highlighted these challenges. "We have the talent," he said. "But talent needs nurturing. If a player from Mumbai gets 10 nets a week, a player from Kerala might get 4. That gap makes a huge difference."

The biases aren't always deliberate, but they are systemic. For decades, the narrative of Indian cricket has been shaped by players from certain regions. While legends like Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, and VVS Laxman broke through these barriers, many others weren't as fortunate.

However, things are slowly changing. The IPL has been a game-changer, giving players from smaller states and less-celebrated regions a platform to showcase their skills. The rise of cricketers like Washington Sundar, Devdutt Padikkal, and Ruturaj Gaikwad signals a shift in the dynamics of Indian cricket.

But the journey is far from over. For every Natarajan or Sundar, there are dozens of players whose potential remains untapped, their dreams curtailed by a system that still favors certain regions and narratives.

As fans, it's essential to celebrate the diversity of Indian cricket and support players regardless of where they come from. The game thrives on talent, passion, and opportunity, and it's time the system reflects that.

In a crowded café in Hyderabad, a group of fans debated the issue over cups of Irani chai. "We can't change the past," one fan said. "But we can demand a better future. South India has produced some of the greatest cricketers in history, and it's about time they get the recognition they deserve."

The others nodded, raising their cups in agreement. For them, and for millions of fans across the country, cricket isn't just a game—it's a story of hope, struggle, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. And in that story, every player, no matter where they come from, deserves a chance to shine.