5 Must-Read Cricket Biographies
Stories of captains, cult heroes, and the people who shaped Indian cricket.
1. The Dhoni Touch
Author: Bharat Sundaresan
Published By: Penguin
The book offers a peek into the mind and process of M.S. Dhoni. Bharat’s storytelling is rich with anecdotes and insights while deciphering various layers of the former Indian captain.
The book however plays it safe, just like the Neeraj Pandey directorial Biopic M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story. It steers away from the controversies and misses out on talking about life-changing moments of Dhoni’s journey in detail.
An engaging read nevertheless.
2. The Rise of the Hitman
Author: R. Kaushik
Published By: Rupa Publications
The book explores the character, personality and leadership of one of India’s most accomplished cricketers - Rohit Sharma.
Most of the book is a recollection of events and statistics and the storytelling lacks depth and excitement.
You can read my full review of the book here:
3. The Diary of a cricketer's wife
Author: Puja Pujara and Namita Kala
Published By: Harper Collins
A deeply intimate and personal account revealing not only what it takes to be a professional cricketer but also the everyday struggles faced by the family.
This is also the first time we are given a detailed peek into Cheteshwar Pujara. There are quite a few things about him that stood out for me, which you will know when you read the book.
With a strong focus on relationships, the book will appeal to cricket and non-cricket fans alike.
You can read my full review of the book here:
4. Salim Durani: The Prince of Indian cricket
Author: Gulu Ezekiel
Published By: Rupa Publications
Breaks myth and ground with fantastic storytelling. The book is backed with incredible research and makes you revisit cricket of the 60’s and 70’s.
Though Durani remains the epicentre and understandably so, there is much more to know and learn about the highs and lows of Indian Cricket.
5. The Sardar of Spin
Author: Neha Bedi
Editors: Sachin Bajaj and Venkat Sundaram
Published By: Roli Publications
Former cricketers, authors and journalists assemble to unearth various dimensions of the life of Bishan Singh Singh Bedi. The result is an insightful book about one of the most fascinating cricketers, who also happens to be an enigma for the current generation.
Not all essays captivate you equally and sometimes the information gets repetitive.
You can read my full review of the book here.
Let me know which book you enjoyed reading this year, especially if they don’t appear on the list.
I will be back with another review and more book lists and recommendations. Happy Reading!
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In less than a hundred years since making its Test debut, Indian cricket has evolved into a powerhouse.
