Top 10 Best Cricket Academy in India [Every Major City]

by Jack — July 10, 2025 in Cricket

Cricket is not just a sport in India – it’s a religion, a passion, and a dream for millions of young kids across the country.

From busy street corners in Mumbai to quiet parks in small towns, you can see children playing cricket with nothing but a tennis ball and a wooden bat.

But turning this love for cricket into a professional career requires proper training, world-class coaching, and the right guidance. This is where the best cricket academy in India comes into the picture.

Finding the right cricket academy can make or break a young cricketer’s career. These academies don’t just teach you how to hold a bat or bowl a ball – they shape your entire approach to the game.

They help you understand the mental aspects of cricket, improve your fitness levels, and most importantly, give you the platform to showcase your talent.

The best cricket academy near me offers more than just coaching sessions. They provide modern facilities, experienced coaches who have played at the highest level, and a structured curriculum that covers every aspect of the game.

Whether you want to become the next Virat Kohli or just improve your local club performance, these academies have programs designed for every skill level and age group.

Best Cricket Academy in India

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the top 10 cricket academies across India’s major cities. Each of these institutions has produced international cricketers and has a proven track record in developing talent.

From the famous MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai to the legendary Sonnet Cricket Club in Delhi, we’ll cover everything you need to know about these academies – their fees, facilities, training programs, and what makes them special.

Top 10 Best Cricket Academies in India

S.No	Academy Name	City	Established	Famous Alumni	Specialization
1	MRF Pace Foundation	Chennai	1987	Zaheer Khan, Javagal Srinath	Fast Bowling
2	Karnataka Institute of Cricket	Bengaluru	–	Multiple State Players	All-Round Training
3	National Cricket Academy	Bengaluru	2000	Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma	Elite Development
4	Sehwag Cricket Academy	Jhajjar	2011	Upcoming Talent	Batting & All-Round
5	Madan Lal Cricket Academy	Delhi	–	Various Junior Players	Junior Development
6	Sonnet Cricket Club	Delhi	1969	Virender Sehwag, Rishabh Pant	Complete Development
7	Jaipur Cricket Academy	Jaipur	–	State Level Players	Structured Programs
8	National School of Cricket	Dehradun	2008	Regional Players	Indoor Training
9	Vengsarkar Cricket Academy	Mumbai	1994	Multiple Players	Technical Skills
10	L.B. Shastri Cricket Academy	Delhi	–	Gautam Gambhir, Amit Mishra	Championship Training

MRF Pace Foundation Academy, Chennai

The MRF Pace Foundation is probably the most famous cricket academy in India when it comes to fast bowling training. Established in 1987 by the legendary Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee, this academy has been the breeding ground for India’s finest pace bowlers.

What makes MRF special?

World-class coaching by former international players
Focus specifically on fast bowling techniques
Modern facilities, including different pitch conditions
Residential facilities for outstation students

Key Features:

Training by Dennis Lillee and other international coaches
Specialized equipment for pace bowling development
Medical support and injury prevention programs
Performance analysis using modern technology

The academy has produced legends like Zaheer Khan, Javagal Srinath, Irfan Pathan, and many others who have represented India at the highest level. The annual fee is around INR 1 lakh, but the quality of training justifies every penny.

Students here don’t just learn bowling techniques – they understand the science behind fast bowling, including biomechanics, fitness training, and mental preparation. The academy also provides international exposure through exchange programs with other cricket boards.

Karnataka Institute of Cricket, Bengaluru

Located in the cricket-loving city of Bengaluru, the Karnataka Institute of Cricket is one of the most comprehensive cricket academies in South India. This academy operates 365 days a year and provides training for 15 hours daily.

Standout Features:

40+ professional coaches available
Modern technology integration, including video analysis
Virtual training programs alongside physical coaching
Accommodation facilities for outstation students

The academy focuses on the holistic development of cricketers. They don’t just work on your cricket skills but also your fitness levels, mental toughness, and game understanding. The coaching staff includes former first-class cricketers who bring real match experience to the training sessions.

Training Programs Include:

Individual coaching sessions
Group training programs
Specialized skill development (batting, bowling, fielding)
Fitness and conditioning programs

The academy also has modern equipment, including bowling machines, video analysis tools, and state-of-the-art gymnasium facilities. Students get exposure to different playing conditions, which helps them adapt to various match situations.

National Cricket Academy, Bengaluru

The National Cricket Academy (NCA) is the official cricket development center of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Established in 2000 and located near the famous M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, this academy represents the highest level of cricket training in the country.

Why NCA is Special:

BCCI’s official academy – the highest recognition in Indian cricket
World-class infrastructure with international standards
Rehabilitation center for injured cricketers
Direct pathway to national team selection

Notable Alumni:

Virat Kohli (Former Indian Captain)
Rohit Sharma (Current Indian Captain)
Hardik Pandya (All-rounder)
Jasprit Bumrah (Fast Bowler)

The academy runs age-group programs for Under-15, Under-17, Under-19, and Under-23 categories. Getting selected for NCA camps is extremely competitive and requires outstanding performance in state and zonal level tournaments.

Training Includes:

Technical skill development
Sports science and fitness programs
Mental conditioning with sports psychologists
Match simulation exercises

The Border-Gavaskar Scholarship program allows the top three performers to train at Australia’s Centre of Excellence, providing international exposure to promising cricketers.

Sehwag Cricket Academy, Jhajjar

Founded by the explosive former Indian opener Virender Sehwag in 2011, this academy brings the Sehwag style of aggressive cricket to young players. Located in Jhajjar, Haryana, the academy sits on a 23-acre eco-friendly campus.

Sehwag’s Vision:

Aggressive batting techniques and mindset
Entertainment-focused cricket approach
Creative training methods that keep players engaged
Regular tournaments for practical experience

Academy Features:

Multiple training centers across Delhi NCR
International standard facilities
Age-appropriate programs (6-18 years)
Special programs for girls with a 50% fee discount

Fee Structure:

Annual fees: INR 27,000
Half-yearly: INR 15,000
Quarterly: INR 8,000
Monthly: INR 2,500

The academy organizes international tours and brings international cricketers for guest coaching sessions. Students also get opportunities to play in competitive tournaments throughout the year, gaining valuable match experience.

Training Days: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

Madan Lal Cricket Academy, Delhi

Run by former Indian cricketer Madan Lal, this academy is known for its exclusive selection process and high-quality training standards. Only players with exceptional talent are accepted, making it one of the most prestigious cricket academies in Delhi.

What Makes It Exclusive:

Highly selective admission process
Australian coaches Andrew Dawson and Blake Moore
Focus on elite player development
Small batch sizes for personalized attention

The academy is particularly famous for junior-level cricket development. The coaching staff focuses on building strong fundamentals while also working on advanced techniques required for higher-level cricket.

Training Philosophy:

Individual attention to each player
Technical perfection in all aspects of the game
Mental toughness development
Professional approach to cricket

Students here receive comprehensive training that covers batting, bowling, fielding, fitness, and game awareness. The academy also provides nutritional guidance and injury prevention programs.

Sonnet Cricket Club, Delhi

Established in 1969 by the legendary coach Tarak Sinha, Sonnet Cricket Club is one of the oldest and most respected cricket institutions in India. The academy has produced more international cricketers than any other private academy in the country.

Hall of Fame:

Virender Sehwag (Former Indian Opener)
Rishabh Pant (Current Indian Wicket-keeper)
Ashish Nehra (Former Indian Fast Bowler)
Shikhar Dhawan (Indian Opener)

Tarak Sinha’s Philosophy:

Discipline and hard work above everything
Academic education alongside cricket training
Character building and personal development
Equal opportunities for players from all backgrounds

Training Approach:

Personalized coaching based on individual strengths
Technical analysis and improvement programs
Mental conditioning and game awareness
Regular competitive matches

The academy has a rich culture where seniors help juniors, creating a family-like environment. Coach Tarak Sinha (who passed away in 2021) was known for his fatherly approach and emphasis on education as Plan B.

Location: Currently based at Sri Venkateswara College, University

Jaipur Cricket Academy, Jaipur

Founded by former Indian cricketer Shamsher Singh, the Jaipur Cricket Academy has established itself as the premier cricket training center in Rajasthan. The academy is known for its structured programs and comprehensive development approach.

Program Offerings:

Age-specific training programs
Fitness and conditioning sessions
Exposure to national tournaments
High-performance training camps

Special Programs:

Weekend training camps
Summer and winter camps
Tournament preparation programs
Skill-specific workshops

Academy Features:

Experienced coaching staff
Modern training facilities
Regular talent assessment
Performance tracking systems

The academy follows a rigorous selection process to ensure only committed and talented players are enrolled. They also provide scholarship programs for deserving students who show exceptional promise but face financial constraints.

Training Focus:

Technical skill development
Tactical game understanding
Physical fitness and agility
Mental strength building

National School of Cricket, Dehradun

Established in 2008 by former India player Abhimanyu Easwaran Sr., this academy represents a collaborative effort between Abhimanyu Cricket Academy and Asian School. Located in the beautiful hill station of Dehradun, it offers a unique training environment.

Unique Features:

Indoor facilities with three practice pitches
Weather-independent training throughout the year
State-of-the-art gymnasium for physical conditioning
Academic integration with regular schooling

Training Infrastructure:

Multiple indoor pitches for continuous practice
Modern equipment and training aids
Video analysis facilities
Medical and physiotherapy support

The academy’s location in Dehradun provides a pollution-free environment that’s ideal for young athletes. The indoor facilities ensure that training continues regardless of weather conditions, giving students year-round practice opportunities.

Development Programs:

Age-group specific training
Skill enhancement workshops
Fitness and nutrition guidance
Mental conditioning sessions

Vengsarkar Cricket Academy, Mumbai

Started by former Indian captain Dilip Vengsarkar in 1994, this academy has been Mumbai’s premier cricket institution for over three decades. Known for attracting international-level coaches and providing world-class training facilities.

Academy Highlights:

International coaching staff
Multiple practice pitches with varied conditions
Scholarship programs for talented players
Advanced fielding and fitness training modules

Training Excellence:

Technical perfection in all cricket skills
Match simulation exercises
Professional approach to cricket development
Career guidance and mentorship

Facilities Include:

Modern practice nets
Bowling machines for different types of bowling
Fitness center with the latest equipment
Video analysis room for technique improvement

Fee Structure: Above INR 50,000 annually, but the quality of training and facilities justify the investment.

The academy has a tough selection process, ensuring only serious and talented cricketers are enrolled. Students receive comprehensive training that prepares them for competitive cricket at all levels.

L.B. Shastri Cricket Academy, Delhi

This academy has earned its reputation by producing world-class talents, including Gautam Gambhir and Amit Mishra. Known for its championship-winning approach and focus on developing complete cricketers.

Success Stories:

Gautam Gambhir (Former Indian Opening Batsman)
Amit Mishra (Indian Leg Spinner)
Multiple first-class cricketers

Training Programs:

Specialized summer camps for batting and bowling
Junior-level sessions for school students
International tours for exposure
Different pitch conditions training

Academy Philosophy:

Transform potential into performance
Long-term career development
Character building alongside skill development
Professional cricket preparation

Features:

Experienced coaching staff
Modern training methods
Regular performance assessment
Pathway to professional cricket

The academy provides international exposure through tours and exchanges, helping students understand different playing conditions and cricketing cultures.

FAQs

Which school is best for cricket in India?

The National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru is considered the best institution for cricket development in India as it’s run by the BCCI and has direct pathways to national team selection.

In which academy did Virat Kohli play?

Virat Kohli trained at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and also received coaching at various Delhi-based academies during his junior career.

What is the fee of the Sehwag Cricket Academy?

The Sehwag Cricket Academy charges approximately INR 27,000 annually, INR 15,000 for half-yearly, and INR 8,000 for quarterly programs.

Which academy did KL Rahul play?

KL Rahul primarily trained at Karnataka state academies and the National Cricket Academy during his development years in Bengaluru.

At what age should a child join a cricket academy?

The ideal age to join a cricket academy is 6-8 years, as this allows for proper foundational skill development and technical training from an early age.

How much does it cost to join a cricket academy in India?

Cricket academy fees in India range from INR 8,000 to INR 1 lakh annually, depending on the academy’s reputation, facilities, and coaching quality.

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Conclusion:

Choosing the best cricket academy in India depends on your specific goals, budget, location, and current skill level.

Each of these top 10 academies offers something unique – whether it’s MRF’s specialized pace bowling training, NCA’s direct pathway to national cricket, or Sonnet Club’s holistic development approach.

Key Factors to Consider:

Your specific cricket goals (recreational vs professional)
Academy’s track record in producing successful cricketers
Quality of coaching staff and their experience
Infrastructure and facilities available
Fee structure and value for money
Location and accessibility

Remember that talent alone is not enough – you need dedication, hard work, proper guidance, and the right platform to showcase your skills. These academies provide all of that and more.

Whether you dream of playing for India or just want to improve your local club performance, the right academy can make all the difference.

Start your cricket journey today by choosing an academy that aligns with your aspirations and commit yourself completely to the process.

Success in cricket requires patience, persistence, and the willingness to learn continuously.

With the right academy supporting your journey, your transformation from a backyard cricketer to a professional player can become a reality.

Top 10 Best Cricket Academy in India [Every Major City]