First-class cricket in India is over forty years old. During this period it has developed in various ways in technique, personality and popularity. For long years Indian cricket was unable to hold its own in international competition. It had to be satisfied with occasional victories. But it asserted itself I 1971. Though its record after 1973 has been chequered, it can no longer be despised. This book traces the development of Indian cricket, confining itself to the first-class game, season by season according to the category of competition. It also pays some attention to the aesthetics of the game.