World Cup 2023: 7 books about cricket by popular Indian writers

Cricket is a dynamic sport cherished globally. It transcends boundaries by uniting nations in a shared passion for the game. As a sport, it blends strategy, skill and teamwork, captivating fans with thrilling moments. Beyond the pitch, cricket is a symbol of national pride, stirring deep-rooted patriotism and fostering a sense of belonging. Matches between rival nations ignite fervor, fostering unity and pride in one's homeland. Cricket for sure has a special ability to evoke strong emotions and unite people as both a game and a cultural phenomenon. As much famous is the sport, so are the players and people can never have enough of the inside talks, the secret planning, the party after a win and a new strategy after a loss.

Here we list 7 books about cricket by Indian writers.

'The Commonwealth of Cricket' begins with Ramchandra Guha's cricketing roots, progressing from childhood fandom to active participation during school and college. Guha eloquently explores cricket's history, idolizing legendary players and recalling personal encounters. Transitioning to the present, he reflects on a stint as a cricket administrator, unraveling intriguing tales and controversies. This memoir embodies Guha's profound love for cricket, along with personal experiences, historical narratives, and a glimpse into the administrative sphere, providing a captivating journey through the diverse facets of the sport.

(Image: Fourth Estate India)

In 'Shadows Across the Playing Fields: 60 Years of India-Pakistan Cricket', Shashi Tharoor meticulously recounts the Indo-Pak cricket saga over six decades, drawing from extensive research and historical records. Nawabzada Shaharyar Khan, former Pakistan Foreign Secretary and Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, reflects on his cricket journey, kindled in Bhopal amidst a hockey-centric backdrop. He emphasizes how cricket can be a catalyst for peace, narrating the challenges and triumphs of organizing cricket tours between the two nations from 2003 to 2006.

(Image: Roli Books)

The book by Boria Majumdar recounts how in 1971, Indian cricket took a remarkable turn. Previously, India had a talented but inconsistent team that often faced defeats. However, things changed dramatically. India achieved a significant milestone by defeating the West Indies in a Test series on their home ground. This success was followed by another impressive victory against England, even on English turf. Suddenly, India became a strong contender in international cricket, leaving a lasting mark.

(Image: Harper Sport India)

Ravi Shastri, team India's head coach, offers a unique perspective in 'Stargazing: The Players in My Life'. Reflecting on his extensive cricket journey, Shastri shares anecdotes about talented players, including an under-utilized former Indian captain and a bowler turned close friend. He imparts crucial lessons learned from Clive Lloyd and illuminates how he balances his personal relationship with Virat Kohli in his coaching role. Co-authored with Ayaz Memon, the book unveils untold stories, showcasing how global champions influenced a celebrated ODI player and Team India's successful Test cricket coach.

(Image: HarperCollins India)

'Sunny Days' chronicles the remarkable evolution of Sunil Manohar Gavaskar, India's cricketing maestro. This narrative unfurls the beginnings, tracing back to childhood antics and his cricketing progress through school, college, and university. Venturing into international cricket at Port of Spain in 1971, he commenced a glorious era for Indian cricket. By the 1975-76 season, Gavaskar had already etched impressive milestones, foretelling his eminent future in the sport. The book, written with eloquence and Gavaskar's humility, provides a captivating glimpse into a cricketing legend's formative years.

(Image: Rupa Publcations India)

Harsha Bhogle, a renowned sports commentator and writer, collaborates with Anita Bhogle to delve into the world of sports and draw upon various examples from the realm of sports to elucidate how insights can be valuable for managers. Bhogle adeptly draws connections between the realms of business and cricket. One notable aspect is his emphasis on analyzing successes, not merely failures. In our rapidly changing world, triumphs receive accolades while failures undergo exhaustive scrutiny. Bhogle challenges conventional views on success while underscoring the enduring principles of teamwork, leadership, and adaptation.

(Image: WESTLAND)

The book steps into a journey through time, where the improbable dream of India clinching a World Cup victory in 1983 evolved into an absolute necessity by 2011. "The Lords of Wankhede" is a captivating tale that unfolds the narrative of Indian cricket's transformation during those pivotal 28 years, bridging the two iconic World Cup triumphs. The book lays bare the highs, lows, trials, and tribulations that defined Indian cricket during this remarkable period.

(Image: Rupa Publications India)