Cricket is more than just a sport in India—it’s a cultural phenomenon that captivates millions, from the IPL to international Test matches. With this passion comes a thriving betting scene, where Indian bettors can wager on a wide range of markets, both pre-match and live. Bookmakers offer extensive options, covering everything from match outcomes to player statistics, making cricket betting a dynamic and potentially profitable activity. This guide explores the rules of cricket, key betting markets, and effective strategies tailored for Indian bettors, helping you navigate this exciting landscape with confidence. Start exploring with bet on cricket through BetOnGame, a platform designed for Indian users.
Understanding Cricket Rules
Cricket is a non-contact team sport played with a bat and ball, typically on an oval grass field with a 22-yard pitch at its center. Each team consists of 11 players, alternating between batting and fielding roles. The objective is to score more runs than the opponent. Batsmen aim to hit the ball—measuring 22.4–22.9 cm in diameter and weighing 155.9–163 grams—and run between the wickets to score, while fielders attempt to dismiss them by catching the ball or hitting the stumps. A standard match includes roles like the bowler (who delivers the ball), batsmen (who score runs), and the wicket-keeper (who catches missed deliveries).
Matches are divided into formats:
- Test Cricket: Played over 3–5 days with 2 innings per team.
- T20: A 3.5-hour format with 20 overs per side.
- ODI (One Day International): A 40–50 over game, lasting about 8 hours.
An over consists of 6 deliveries, and the game’s duration varies—Test matches can last up to 30 hours, while T20 games wrap up in 3.5 hours. The toss determines which team bats or fields first, a crucial factor for bettors. In multi-innings matches, the “follow-on” rule allows the leading team to enforce batting again if the opponent trails by a significant margin (e.g., 200 runs in a 5-day Test). Understanding these rules helps Indian bettors make informed decisions, especially in live betting scenarios.
Popular Cricket Betting Markets for Indian Bettors
Cricket betting offers a diverse range of markets, catering to various preferences among Indian bettors. Here are some key options:
- Match Winner: Bet on the team to win. In Test matches, options include a win, draw, or tie, while T20 and ODI formats typically offer win-only bets. In the 2025 IPL, Mumbai Indians had odds of 1.85 to beat Chennai Super Kings.
- Double Chance: Covers two outcomes, such as a team winning or drawing. This market offers lower odds (e.g., 1.60) but higher chances of success.
- Handicap (Spread): Predict the margin of victory. In a 2025 T20 World Cup match, betting on India with a -15 run handicap at 1.90 odds meant India needed to win by more than 15 runs.
- Total Runs: Wager on the total runs scored in a match or specific overs. In the 2025 BPL, matches averaged 280 runs, per ESPNcricinfo.
- Top Batsman/Bowler: Bet on individual performances, such as the leading run-scorer. In the 2025 IPL, Virat Kohli was a top pick at 3.20 odds.
- Match Statistics: Includes bets on specific events, like the number of boundaries or the method of the first dismissal.
For Indian bettors, platforms like BetOnGame online registration provide access to these markets, ensuring a seamless betting experience with competitive odds. You can also learn more about the history and rules of cricket betting on Wikipedia’s cricket betting page, which offers a comprehensive overview of the sport’s betting landscape.
Strategic Approaches to Cricket Betting in India
To maximize success, Indian bettors can adopt strategies that leverage cricket’s unique dynamics. Here are three effective approaches:
- Bet on the Toss Winner for Early Value: The toss can influence a match’s outcome, especially in T20 games where batting first often provides an edge. In the 2025 IPL, teams winning the toss and batting first won 62% of matches, per Opta Sports. Betting on the toss at 1.90 odds can offer early value, though it’s a speculative market.
- Target First Innings Runs: Teams batting first benefit from a fresh pitch and ball, often scoring higher. In the 2025 T20 World Cup, first innings totals averaged 165 runs, per ESPNcricinfo. Betting on over 160 runs in the first innings at 1.85 odds can be profitable.
- Under Runs in Late Innings: In Test matches, late innings see fewer runs due to fatigue and pitch wear. In a 2025 Test between India and Australia, the fourth innings averaged 210 runs compared to 340 in the first. Betting on under 220 runs at 1.80 odds proved successful.
Popular Cricket Betting Markets and Odds for Indian Bettors
The table below highlights popular cricket betting markets for Indian bettors, their average odds, and event frequencies in 2025:
| Market | Average Odds | Event Frequency (2025) | Popular Tournament |
| Match Winner | 1.80–2.20 | 60 IPL matches | Indian Premier League |
| Total Runs (Over/Under) | 1.90–2.10 | 120 BPL matches | Bangladesh Premier League |
| Top Batsman | 3.00–5.00 | 20 T20 World Cup matches | T20 World Cup |
FAQ
What is the best cricket betting market for beginners?
The match winner market is ideal for beginners due to its simplicity. It involves betting on the team you believe will win, with odds typically ranging from 1.80 to 2.20, offering a straightforward entry into cricket betting.
How can I improve my chances of winning cricket bets?
Focus on thorough analysis, including team form, player stats, pitch conditions, and weather. For example, in the 2025 IPL, teams batting first on dry pitches in Mumbai scored 10% more runs, per ESPNcricinfo, making over runs bets more likely to succeed.
Are live bets on cricket more profitable than pre-match bets?
Live betting can be more profitable as it allows you to react to in-game developments. In 2025, live bets accounted for 70% of cricket wagers in India, per the Indian Betting Association, due to the ability to capitalize on shifting odds.
What should I do if I’m on a losing streak?
Take a break and reassess your strategy. Avoid chasing losses by doubling bets, as this can lead to significant financial strain. Instead, analyze your past bets to identify patterns and adjust your approach.