Archive · 15 Aug 2026
India Breaks 'Poor Traveller' Tag to Become Cricket Rulers
A long time ago, when India played cricket in other countries, the team often lost.
The pitches in places like England and Australia were faster and bouncier than the ones at home, and Indian players were not used to them.
India also did not have enough money to give players comfortable travel, so the team struggled on overseas trips.
In 1971, captain Ajit Wadekar led India to its first big away victories in England and the West Indies.
In 1983, Kapil Dev's team won the Cricket World Cup for the first time by beating the mighty West Indies.
In 2007, MS Dhoni won the first T20 World Cup in South Africa, which helped create the Indian Premier League, a rich tournament that brought money and famous stars to India.
With more money, the cricket board could give players better travel, recovery and support staff.
Later, Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri built a strong group of fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.
Under them, India won two series in Australia, including the famous 2020-21 victory at the Gabba.
Today, India is seen as one of the strongest cricket teams in the world.
From 1947 to 1970, India lost heavily on away tours due to unfamiliar bouncy pitches and inadequate player allowances.
In 1971, Ajit Wadekar's team won Test series in England and the West Indies, with Sunil Gavaskar and BS Chandrasekhar starring.
Kapil Dev's India clinched the 1983 ODI World Cup against the mighty West Indies on foreign soil.
MS Dhoni's 2007 T20 World Cup win in South Africa gave birth to the cash-rich Indian Premier League.
Under Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri, India won two tours of Australia, including breaching the Gabba in 2020/21.
- Who
- Indian cricket captains and players including Ajit Wadekar, Kapil Dev, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli
- What
- India transformed from a team that struggled abroad into dominant match-winners across all formats and continents
- When
- From independence in 1947 through the 2020/21 tour of Australia
- Where
- Overseas venues including England, Australia, the West Indies, South Africa and New Zealand
- Why
- The BCCI's growing financial power from the IPL, world-class support staff and a new pace-bowling culture erased India's 'poor traveller' tag
- First overseas Test series wins
- 1971, in England and the West Indies
- 1983 ODI World Cup
- Won by India, beating the West Indies
- 2007 T20 World Cup
- Won by India in South Africa
- Away tours won under Rahul Dravid
- 3
- Australian tours won under Kohli/Shastri
- 2, including the 2020/21 Gabba victory
- Key fast bowlers
- Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Siraj
- Catalyst for financial power
- Indian Premier League (IPL)