I Have the Streets: Ashwin’s Childhood, Cricket and Character
The R. Ashwin Autobiography.
Tennis-ball cricket is the heartbeat of our country. The friendships and the bonds we make. The custom rules we designed to suit our playing area. Or the unique ways invented to find the lost ball. In “I Have The Streets”, Ashwin takes us on a journey into our childhood where our evening cricket playing time was the most cherished time.
Many autobiographies tend to rush and skip to the part where the cricketer is already established or has achieved some sort of recognition. But Ashwin goes the unconventional way. He gives his childhood due acknowledgement. You get to know about his health struggles. He also talks about the relationship with his Appa, which is endearing.
He fondly remembers his childhood friends with whom he has grown up playing cricket on the streets. Just like all of us, each one of his friends has a unique characteristic which Ashwin has beautifully narrated, adding an element of humor and relatability.
The writing is simple, concise & to the point. Collaborating with Sidharth Monga is a winning move.
Ashwin has a reputation of being raw and brutally honest. He is known to stand for what he thought was right, even if it meant a professional setback. These traits have been inculcated in him from his childhood, which you get to know through various instances shared in the book.
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Cricket anecdotes are plenty as you would expect from an autobiography. He talks in detail about his relationship with MSD and how it has evolved over time.
The writing is characterized by an equal respect and acknowledgement for other art forms in the game, particularly bowling. He writes:
“Then Irfan errs, as bowlers do because they are not machines”.
This is a work of a writer who looks at the game objectively and is keen on maintaining the balance which is quickly loosing its sheen. Such thoughts will give the upcoming generation a balanced and contrary perspective towards the game, which is the highlight of the book for me.
Final Take
The book ends with the 2011 World Cup win. We don’t get much to read on Ashwin’s journey as a Test cricketer. Neither do we get to know about his process and preparation for famous tours such as the BGT. This is my only grievance from the book. I hope Ashwin has a second edition planned for us.
This one is a must read though.
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Cricket in India owes its robust foundation and unwavering popularity largely to the efforts of the rulers of the princely states. Under their patronage, cricket prospered and emerged as a unifying force. The Maharajas would scout and hone talent, organize local tournaments and even sponsor foreign tours.