How to Bet on Cricket in India: A Complete Guide

Cricket betting has become one of the most popular forms of online betting in India. With the IPL drawing millions of viewers and international matches creating constant excitement, more fans are looking to add an extra dimension to their cricket experience.

This guide covers everything you need to know about betting on cricket online - from understanding markets and odds to developing a data-driven approach that actually works. Whether you’re new to cricket betting or looking to sharpen your strategy, we’ll show you how to bet smarter.

Cricket Betting Markets Explained

To place a smart bet, you need to understand the markets. While most guides only cover the basics, we cover the specific markets Indian bettors use to find value.

1. Match Winner

The simplest bet. You back which team will win the match. In Test cricket, you can also bet on the Draw.

• Draw No Bet: This removes the draw option, refunding your stake if the match ends in a stalemate.

2. Session Betting (The Indian Favourite)

Unique to the Indian market, Session Betting focuses on runs scored in a specific block of overs.

• 6 Over Session (Powerplay): The bookie sets a line, e.g., “45-47 Runs”. You bet “Yes” (Over) or “No” (Under).
• 10 / 20 Over Sessions: Similar logic applies to longer blocks.
• Strategy: Our VS-Probability Engine analyses pitch abrasion to predict these session scores with high accuracy.

3. Fancy Markets

“Fancy” bets are specific prop bets that settle quickly.

• Top Batsman / Top Bowler: High risk, high reward. Predicting who scores the most runs or takes the most wickets.
• Total Fours / Sixes: Betting on boundary counts.
• Fall of Next Wicket: Predicting the score at which the next wicket will fall.

4. Toss Winner

A 50/50 market that is often undervalued. We publish toss predictions because understanding the toss (batting vs bowling first) is key to predicting the match winner.

5. Live Betting (In-Play)

Place bets while the match is in progress. Odds shift ball-by-ball. If a favourite loses two early wickets, their odds drift - creating a “market inefficiency” that smart punters exploit.

Understanding Cricket Betting Odds

Most Indian betting sites display decimal odds. They are simple to understand:

Your potential return = Stake x Odds

The key concept is value. If you believe a team has a 60% chance of winning but the odds imply only 50%, that is a value bet. Finding these edges consistently is what separates profitable bettors from the rest.

Key Factors for Cricket Betting

Successful cricket betting requires analysing multiple variables. Here is what matters most:

Pitch Conditions

Pitches behave differently across venues. The Wankhede in Mumbai typically favours batsmen, while Chennai’s Chepauk offers turn for spinners. Always check pitch reports before betting.

Weather and The “Dew Factor”

In T20s played in the evening, dew is critical. Wet outfields make bowling difficult and the ball skids onto the bat.

• Pro Tip: In high-dew venues, chasing teams often have a significant statistical advantage. Our models heavily weight this factor.

Team Form and Head-to-Head

Recent form matters more than reputation. We analyse “matchups” - how a specific batsman handles a specific type of bowling (e.g., Kohli vs. Left-arm spin).

Player Availability

Late injury news and squad announcements can shift odds dramatically. Knowing that a key bowler has been rested gives you an edge over bettors relying on outdated information.

Our Data-Driven Approach

Most cricket predictions rely on gut feeling. We take a different approach.

Our founder, Vikram Sharma, is a quantitative analyst with an M.Sc. in Applied Statistics from IIT Bombay. He built the VS-Probability Engine - a Python-based system that processes multiple variables for every match:

• Pitch deterioration patterns
• Real-time dew point analysis
• Historical player matchup data

The result? A verified strike rate above 70% across major leagues including IPL, BBL, and PSL. This is not guesswork. It is mathematics.

Getting Started with Cricket Betting

Ready to place your first bet? Here is a simple approach:

1. Choose a Trusted Bookmaker

Not all betting sites are safe. We have reviewed the best cricket betting sites in India based on odds quality, payment options, and reliability.

• Dafabet: Best for exchange betting.
• 1xBet: Best for market variety.
• Stake: Best for crypto and instant withdrawals.

2. Start with Match Winner Bets

Do not overcomplicate it. Match winner is the easiest market to understand. Once you are comfortable, explore totals and player props.

3. Manage Your Bankroll

Set a budget and stick to it. A common approach is to never stake more than 5% of your bankroll on a single bet. This protects you from losing streaks.

4. Follow Data, Not Emotion

Your favourite team is not always the best bet. Check our daily predictions before placing any wager. We publish free tips for every major match with clear reasoning and win probability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cricket betting legal in India?

Online betting through international sites is not explicitly prohibited under central law. Millions of Indians bet safely on offshore platforms that accept INR. Always use sites with proper licensing.

What is the best cricket betting site for Indians?

It depends on your needs. For exchange betting, we recommend Dafabet. For fast payouts, Stake. See our full betting sites comparison.

How do I deposit in INR?

Most international betting sites accept Indian payment methods including UPI, Paytm, Google Pay, PhonePe, and bank transfers. Deposits are usually instant.

Can I bet on IPL matches?

Yes. The IPL is the most popular cricket betting event globally. All major bookmakers offer extensive markets for every IPL match - from match winner to session runs.

Bet Responsibly

Cricket betting should be entertaining, not stressful. Set limits, never chase losses, and take breaks when needed. If betting stops being fun, step back.

For support and resources, visit our Responsible Gambling page.