Cricket Needs Its Superstars: The Legends Who Make the Game Bigger

– Alok Gupta

There is an age-old sporting belief that no individual player can ever be bigger than the game itself. It is an argument that is difficult to dispute. The game is supreme, its traditions transcend generations, and its existence does not depend on any one individual. Yet, there is another equally important dimension to this argument: it is the extraordinary players, the superstars and the legends who make a sport bigger, more popular and more commercially attractive.

The game provides the platform, but it is the great players who turn it into a global spectacle.

Cricket is perhaps one of the finest examples of this relationship. People follow the sport for its history, traditions, rivalries and unpredictable nature. But millions also come to the stadiums, switch on their televisions and follow matches around the world because they want to watch particular players. They want to witness greatness, see extraordinary performances and experience those special moments that only exceptional talent can deliver.

Consider Virat Kohli. His presence on a cricket field is an attraction in itself. His enormous global following, competitive intensity and remarkable consistency have made him one of the most recognisable sporting personalities in the world. Similarly, Rohit Sharma, with his effortless stroke play and ability to dismantle bowling attacks, has become a major attraction for cricket lovers across continents.

These are not merely outstanding cricketers; they are global ambassadors of the game. Their popularity extends far beyond the boundaries of India and brings millions of additional eyes to cricket.

However, the future of the sport will depend equally on the emergence of new stars who can capture the imagination of the next generation.

Abhishek Sharma is already demonstrating what an explosive, fearless brand of modern batting can do for T20 cricket. His extraordinary ability to dominate bowling attacks and change the complexion of a match within a few overs makes him one of the most exciting players to watch. He represents the entertainment-driven appeal that has become such an important part of the shortest format.

Then there is Vaibhav Suryavanshi, whose extraordinary emergence at such a young age has captured the imagination of cricket followers. His fearless approach, remarkable hitting ability and apparent comfort on the biggest stages suggest that he could become one of the game’s most exciting future attractions.

The journey from promising youngster to global sporting icon is never guaranteed. Nevertheless, players such as Abhishek and Vaibhav represent the next generation of talent capable of taking cricket to new audiences and inspiring millions of young followers.

This is particularly significant at a time when cricket is undergoing a major transformation. T20 cricket has changed the way audiences consume the sport. Entertainment competes fiercely for people’s attention, and cricket administrators are constantly looking for ways to expand the game’s commercial reach and international footprint.

In this environment, superstar players are among cricket’s most valuable assets.

A packed stadium, enormous television audiences and global digital engagement are not generated by a format alone. They are driven by personalities, performances and the anticipation of witnessing something extraordinary. A match becomes an event when spectators believe they might see a Kohli masterclass, a Rohit Sharma exhibition, an Abhishek Sharma assault or another breathtaking display from a young Vaibhav Suryavanshi.

Of course, this does not mean that individual popularity should take precedence over the team, sporting integrity or the traditions of the game. Cricket must always remain bigger than any individual. But equally, administrators must recognise and celebrate the extraordinary contribution that great players make towards growing the sport.

There is a fundamental difference between claiming that a player is bigger than the game and acknowledging that a great player makes the game bigger.

Ultimately, cricket needs both: a strong institution and extraordinary individuals. One provides the foundation; the other inspires generations to follow it.

The game will always remain supreme. But it is the legends and the superstars who make millions fall in love with it.

The game creates the legends, but it is the legends who create a larger game.