Dream of Playing IPL? Here’s What You Need to Know
Every cricket-loving kid in India has dreamed of hitting sixes in front of packed stadiums, wearing their favorite IPL team jersey. But how do normal players like us actually make it there?
Let me tell you the truth, nobody just walks into the IPL overnight. But thousands of Indian boys have made it, and if you’re serious about cricket, you can too.
Here’s exactly how it works.
Step 1: Get Proper Cricket Training First
You cannot reach the IPL by just playing gully cricket with friends. That’s fun, but IPL needs much more.
What you must do:
Find a good cricket academy near your home Look for academies with proper coaches and facilities. Ask around people and you will know which ones are best in your area.
Train with qualified coaches These coaches know what selectors look for. They will fix your technique and teach you match situations.
Work on fitness every single day IPL players are super fit. Start running, gym work, and flexibility exercises now.
Practice daily – no excuses Even 2-3 hours daily practice is better than playing once a week for the whole day.
Real example: Ruturaj Gaikwad (Chennai Super Kings captain) trained for years at Vengsarkar Academy in Mumbai. He didn’t become a star overnight – he worked hard every day until he got his chance.
Step 2: Start Playing in Real Matches
Playing with friends is different from playing real competitive matches. Selectors only notice players who perform in official tournaments.
Start from here:
School cricket tournaments If you’re still in school, play every tournament possible. Many IPL players started here.
District level matches Contact your district cricket association. They conduct regular tournaments.
State level team trials This is a big step. If you make the state team, scouts will definitely notice you.
Local club cricket Join cricket clubs in your city. They play regular matches and leagues.
When you perform well in these matches, local cricket officials start remembering your name. That’s how it begins.
Step 3: Reach Domestic Cricket This is Most Important
Almost every IPL player has played domestic cricket first. This is where IPL scouts watch most carefully.
Main tournaments you should target:
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (T20 format) This is perfect for IPL preparation. Same format, similar pressure.
Vijay Hazare Trophy (50 over matches) Good for learning longer format skills.
Ranji Trophy (4-day matches) The most prestigious domestic tournament in India.
If you perform consistently in these tournaments, IPL teams will definitely notice.
Success story: Hardik Pandya was playing for Baroda in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy when Mumbai Indians scouts spotted him. One good tournament changed his entire life – now he captains Gujarat Titans and plays for India.
Step 4: Register for IPL Player Auction
Once you’re doing well in domestic cricket, you can apply to be part of the IPL auction.
Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Need permission from your state cricket board
- Should have good domestic cricket record
IPL officials will check your performance statistics. If they think you’re good enough, your name goes into the auction list.
During the auction, all IPL team owners sit together and bid for players. If any team likes you, they will buy you for their squad.
Step 5: Other Ways to Get IPL Chance
Auction is the main way, but not the only way. Here are other options:
IPL Team Trials Sometimes IPL teams conduct their own trials. Keep checking their official websites and social media.
India Under-19 Team If you play for India U-19, every IPL team will know about you. This is the fastest way to get noticed.
National Cricket Academy (NCA) Getting selected for NCA programs puts you directly in front of selectors.
State T20 Leagues Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), Karnataka Premier League (KPL), Mumbai T20 League – perform well here and IPL scouts might call you.
Step 6: Stay Ready All the Time
Getting an opportunity is one thing, being ready for it is a different thing.
What you must do:
Stay injury-free Take care of your body. Eat healthy food, sleep properly, and avoid risky activities.
Keep track of your performance Maintain record of your runs, wickets, catches. Selectors love players with good statistics.
Watch IPL matches carefully. Study how top players play different situations. Learn from them.
Stay mentally strong. Cricket has many ups and downs. Don’t lose confidence after bad matches.
Your IPL Journey Checklist
Join a proper cricket academy with good coaches .
Play school, district and state level matches regularly.
Work hard to reach domestic cricket tournaments .
Apply for IPL auction when you’re performing well.
Attend any trials that come your way .
Stay fit and ready throughout the year.
Final Truth: Hard Work Always Pays Off
Getting into the IPL is not easy but it’s definitely possible for dedicated players. You need patience, hard work, and a little bit of luck.Start your journey today. Train properly. Play every match like it’s your IPL debut. And when your chance comes, grab it tightly.
Remember this: Every IPL superstar was once an unknown player practicing in some academy. MS Dhoni was a small town boy from Ranchi. Virat Kohli started from Delhi cricket academy.
