The Lords of Wankhede by W.V. Raman and R. Kaushik documents the transformative journey of Indian cricket between the two World Cup victories of 1983 and 2011. The authors have meticulously chosen events and stories that contributed towards the growth of Indian cricket in these 28 years.
The 264-page book is spread across 28 chapters. Each chapter focuses on a landmark event and associated stories, many of which the current generation of readers might not be aware of. It is difficult to cover three decades in a single book but the authors do a rather splendid job.
You feel a range of emotions as you go through the book. The sense of pride in the 1985 World Championship win, nostalgia reading about Kumble’s ten-wicket haul at the Kotla and Sehwag’s triple century in Multan and disappointment on the many instances of Board-Player conflict. The book places things in perspective and makes you realize how drastically the game has changed in India.
One thing worth appreciating is that the authors are not afraid to chart into uncomfortable territories. Be it the match-fixing fiasco or the Chappell-Ganguly spat, ample space is given to these events. The experience and insider account of the authors make it a compelling and enlightening read.
I particularly enjoyed the chapters on Pace Revolution (MRF Pace Academy) and the functioning of the NCA. Very little literature is devoted to these silent contributors and it was fascinating to read the stories about the two.
Backed with impeccable research and fluid writing, the authors successfully draw you in. But this is not a book which can be finished in a single read. Also lack of coherence in the narrative comes as a hindrance. If you are looking to enlighten yourself about Indian cricket, pick this one up.
My Rating:
3.5/5
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