Casteism limits Dalit players' access to Indian cricket

Caste discrimination persists in Indian cricket, with Dalit players significantly underrepresented in the national team despite the sport's popularity. This systemic exclusion highlights the influence of social hierarchies. Only four Dalit players have represented India in Test cricket out of nearly 315, reflecting persistent structural barriers within the sport's selection and advancement processes, which are often shaped by privilege and money. Despite calls for reservations and greater diversity, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) remains largely unaccountable, perpetuating a system where talent alone is often insufficient for marginalized communities to succeed.