Against Every Odd: How The Miracle Makers Captures One Of Cricket's Greatest Upset
Book Review.
Whenever I think of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21, certain images come flooding back - early morning viewings, a David vs Goliath narrative, the triumph of the human spirit. But alongside the memories has always lingered a deeper curiosity: how did these men go so far beyond their call of duty to produce a cricket tour that will be remembered as one of the greatest ever played? The Miracle Makers by Bharat Sundaresan and Gaurav Joshi sets out to answer exactly that.
The book offers a first-hand account of those three fateful months when India toured Australia. When Bharat announced he was writing about this tour, I knew I was in for a joyride - for two reasons. I had read his previous works and found his writing candid, humorous, and refreshingly honest. And the fact that he and Gaurav had covered the entire tour on the ground made the prospect all the more exciting.
Inside the Bubble
Their proximity to the team and coaching staff has allowed the writer-duo to build a genuinely compelling narrative. The early chapters, which detail the extraordinary challenges posed by the pandemic, are particularly fascinating.
Learning about what these players had to endure quietly and without complaint was eye-opening.
Bridging the Gap
This is, in many ways, the hallmark of Bharat’s writing. He reminds you that your favourite player, however celebrated, is also a human being - one who feels vulnerable, who wrestles with doubt, and who carries the same emotions as anyone else.
He is a master at effortlessly bridging the distance between a player and a fan.
The Rahane Chapter
My personal favourite is the chapter on Ajinkya Rahane. That Rahane led the side with compassion and quiet authority following the Adelaide debacle is no secret. But this chapter goes further, illuminating the lesser-known contours of his personality through anecdotes from his career and life — each one revealing a man who values character above performance. It left me eagerly hoping he tells his full story someday.
Beyond the Boundary
And stories, it turns out, are what this book does best. They are not limited to the players alone. The coaching staff, net bowlers, physios, throw-down specialists - the men who worked in the shadows all find their place here.
Some of these accounts, particularly those touching on strategy and preparation, make for riveting reading. The authors have also woven in a few personal stories of their own, offering a glimpse into everything that went into making the book itself. A nice touch.
Final Take: Must Read
Barring a few typos scattered across some chapters, The Miracle Makers is a breezy and absorbing read. The descriptions of players’ skill sets, performances, and landmark moments are handled with real craft.
Crucially, the book does not confine itself to the Test series. The ODI and T20 legs receive ample and deserved attention, something that is all too rarely the case. Cricket fans will find it deeply enjoyable. For everyone else, it serves as the perfect entry point into a unique and once-in-a-lifetime series.
The series has inspired many artistic works including books by other authors and a documentary series as well. But The Miracle Makers remains my most favourite celebration.
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