The noticeable shift in an Indian international cricket player’s life is the result of the transition that has occurred in Indian cricket. Three tenacious Indian cricketing titans played a crucial role in the struggle for cricket players’ recognition and rights. Sunil Gavaskar, the living great, Bishan Singh Bedi, and the late Tiger Pataudi.

They battled valiantly with the BCCI to bring about this amazing development. Their perseverance has paid off, as the Indian international cricket players are now princes rather than impoverished, miserable individuals! Since they are the ones who get the ringing of the till, they now have a voice and the wealth they so well deserve. It has taken many years for cricket administrators to realize that without them, the game loses its allure and glitz.

In the past, players received a daily stipend, travel expenses, and lodging, for which they were thankful. It was forbidden to display one’s complaints or face reprimands. One may read about Kapil Dev’s request for an additional serving of food as a young cricket player and his denial of it in books like Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist.

In those days, cricket players had no say or autonomy and were subject to the guys who controlled the sport in India in every way. All it needed to be exiled and permanently forgotten was a negative check mark.

It is nice to see the degree of luxury lavished onto an Indian cricket player throughout their stay and travels. Five-star hotels and business-class travel are now commonplace. a knowledgeable group of support personnel and personal coaches to attend to all of their needs both on and off the field. When necessary, they are granted time off to be with their family. a time of relaxation and leisure during which they experience physical and mental fatigue. Although these are admirable actions on the part of the BCCI, it seems that the pride in representing one’s nation and its ultimate purpose is eroding.

Therefore, it is amusing to see the changes in the life of an Indian international cricket player. I recall that when we returned from the 1979 World Cup and the next three-month tour of England, the rupees 10,000 we were supposed to earn were reduced by rupees 3,500 for extra luggage. That was accepted without protest.

The BCCI skillfully put an end to the players association’s attempt to develop a voice. Finally, the Indian Cricketers Association has made it a reality as well.

In the past, it was thrilling to be part of an Indian cricket team as they set off on a joint international tour. There was a sense of pleasure and achievement in the group shot, which was well dressed and only included the manager and treasurer as formal employees. Being selected stirred one’s emotions, and being among one’s comrades made one happy. It seemed like a huge accomplishment just to stand together.

While some athletes were rivals and competitors who fought on the field, they are now going to serve the nation as a team. There was no five-star luxury or business class travel. Most of the time, one was content to be sitting next to the other, sharing a room and enjoying each other’s company while looking for a reasonably priced restaurant.

One wonders whether the Indian squad that was chosen for Australia still shares this kinship. Virat Kohli and a few other players have already traveled to Perth. Due to the lack of business class seats, Jasprit Bumrah and his family departed a few days later, and the other passengers would go in groups.

The first stage of concentrating on a goal is prompted by the excitement and emotional connection of flying as a team. This is what made previous successful teams outstanding. One can wonder whether India has made a mistake in this regard for a significant trip of Australia.

The stories and anecdotes that happen off the cricket pitch instead of on it have always been the highlights of a cricket trip. In earlier times, it was forbidden to take a journey with one’s spouse together. As a result, players were forced to support one another during both good and difficult times. At this point, strong bonds of friendship and companionship developed. As former cricket players, we still experience a sense of warmth, camaraderie, and enduring memories whenever we cross paths.

To experience the same sense of unity, one may imagine the difficulties that an Indian cricket player could encounter today. The camaraderie that one enjoyed with their teammates in their younger years would never be the same with a support staff that is as many as the players and families at their sides.

More responsibility and strain accompany the royal elevation. Coach Gautam Gambhir may believe that winning the series is more essential than making it to the Test World Championship. How incorrect he is, for the princelings would love to be declared the World Champion.