Click to play videoNew Delhi: One of the most British things India is obsessed with is cricket. But there's nothing English about the street game—galli cricket. It's Hindustani through and through.
Once upon a time, the English game of cricket had a stiff upper lip. Rules were sacrosanct. But, when the national sport of England came to India, it became Indian. Every one of the 42 laws was broken. And new ones made.
"The boundary is from that lamp post to my left, to this lamp post to my right, and if it goes beyond that bush, it's a six," says Rajesh, who plays with his friends at the grounds surrounding the India Gate in the Capital.
This is galli cricket, India's modified version of the Gentleman's Game. No pitch, no stumps, not even 22 players. Just an old cricket bat, a tennis ball, and the ingenious Indian way of making the most of everything.
"We love cricket, we love playing it. That's why we never miss a game here," says Harish.
In true Indian style, even here, there's a power hierarchy. Batting is only for the oldest, strongest, or the owner of the bat. Bowling is a lower calling, but you can save it with style by doing a Zaheer Khan or a Kumble. Then comes the worst role—fielding. This is reserved only for the weakest players, and girls.
Girls don't usually play a part in galli cricket. But if you're earnest enough, they're willing to teach you.
This daily ritual is part of every boy's plan of action to, one day, join the Indian cricket team. They're driven by undying optimism—an emotion that makes galli cricket as Indian as it can be. Move over flannel fellows!
(With inputs from Aarti Nagraj in Chennai)
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