Cricket is often referred to as the “gentleman’s game,” but it’s nothing short of a religion in India. The frenzy around the sport is unparalleled, and the fans’ passion knows no bounds.
“Cricket is not just a sport, it’s a matter of life and death for some people in India.”
This quote highlights the intense passion and dedication that many Indians have for the sport of cricket. It speaks to the extent to which cricket is woven into the fabric of Indian culture and how deeply it is valued by fans.
With a rich history and a thriving cricketing culture, India is a cricket-crazy nation that lives and breathes the sport. Whether it’s the electrifying atmosphere of a packed stadium or the excitement of a nail-biting match, cricket in India is an experience like no other.
In this blog post, we explore the autobiographies of 6 of the most renowned cricketers, offering a glimpse into their lives, on and off the field, and the “madness” that makes this sport so special in India.
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6 Inspiring Autobiographies of Cricketers:―
1. Playing It My Way by Sachin Tendulkar
The balance between aggression and caution was crucial.
“Playing It My Way” is a must-read for any cricket enthusiast. Written by the God of cricket himself, this book is an intimate account of Sachin’s journey from childhood to the peak of his cricketing career. It covers his personal and professional life, including iconic moments, behind-the-scenes stories, and personal anecdotes.
Fans get an insider look at his journey, his love for food, and the role of his family and loved ones in his career. The book is a statistical marvel, covering every aspect of Sachin’s international career match by match and series by series. This book is a tribute to one of the greatest cricketers of all time and a must-read for any cricket lover.
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2. AB: The Autobiography Paperback by A B de Villiers
I demand a DNA Test of AB de Villiers, this game is only for Humans.
― Aakash Chopra
AB: The Autobiography dives into the life and career of AB de Villiers, one of the greatest batsmen to ever grace the game.
It covers his journey from his humble beginnings in Warmbaths, to his rise to international stardom, his redefining of the art of batting, and his consistent performances. It also highlights his 31-ball century, a testament to his unparalleled skill and one of the greatest moments in ODI history.
The book also gives an insight into his humility, sportsmanship, and dedication to the game, making it a must-read for cricket fans who want to relive some of his greatest moments on the field and get an inside look into the life of a modern sporting phenomenon.
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3. KP: The Autobiography by Kevin Pietersen
I don’t enjoy being ordinary. I think that me confronting mediocrity throughout my career has earned me this reputation of being destructive.
KP: The Autobiography is an emotionally charged, candid account of Kevin Pietersen’s journey from a young boy in South Africa to one of the greatest cricketers of his generation.
The book takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster, exploring the highs and lows of his career with brutal honesty and raw emotion. From his decision to leave South Africa, to the challenges of fitting in and building a new career in England, Pietersen bares his soul in this candid account of his life.
KP also talks about the controversies of the dressing room and his relationship with his teammates and the cricket board, which ultimately led to his early retirement from international cricket. It’s an absolute must-read for any cricket fan, providing an unrivaled perspective on the game.
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4. The Test of My Life: From Cricket to Cancer and Back by Yuvraj Singh
I was not going to feel sorry for myself.
No, why should I?
When my form came back, or when I picked up wickets, or when I got the big scores, or when I got player of the match, or hit six sixes, had I ever asked God, “why me?”
Yuvraj Singh takes us on a journey through his unforgettable story in “The Test of My Life.” In this emotional and deeply personal tale, he recounts his struggles during the 2011 World Cup where he fought through his battles with cancer while showcasing his on-field triumphs.
Yuvraj reveals how he was plagued with insomnia, coughing fits that left him vomiting blood, and an inability to eat, his deal with God on the night before the World cup final.
With raw honesty, he shares his fears, doubts, and the lows he experienced during chemotherapy when he lost his energy, appetite, and hair. But through it all, he found the courage and determination to survive and come out on top. The book is a testament to the human spirit and its unwavering will to triumph over adversity.
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5. At the Close of Play by Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting’s “At the Close of Play” is a must-read for cricket fans. The book covers his journey from a childhood prodigy to one of cricket’s all-time greats, reflecting on his triumphs, scandals, and personal struggles.
With his honesty and cantor, this book offers a window into the life of a very private man who was once the scourge of English cricket but loved by cricket fans worldwide. It’s an emotional journey through the ups and downs of one of the sport’s greats and will resonate with both cricket lovers and those striving for success in their own fields.
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6. 281 and Beyond by VVS Laxman
Imbibe when it eludes you. Ultimately, your character cannot change according to the outcome. You are what you are as a person. Your legacy as a human being doesn’t depend on the results you produce.
― 281 and Beyond
VVS is remembered for his breathtaking knock of 281, which etched his name in the annals of cricket history and powered India to a historic win against Australia at Eden Gardens in 2001.
In “281 and Beyond,” Laxman takes readers on a journey through the highs and lows of playing cricket in India, from dressing room meltdowns to champagne evenings, and his experiences with John Wright and Greg Chappell. He provides an intimate look into the ecstasy and trauma of representing India at the highest level.
This one is my personal favorite. The dressing room stories that Laxman shares in 281 and Beyond is something that no cricket fan would want to skip.
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The Best Books: Recommended Reading Lists
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8. Alan Watts’s Books That Talk About Human Existence
9. From Ph.D. To Industry: 4 Best Books To Aid Your Transition
That’s all we have for today.
Thanks a lot for tuning in to HappinessDhaba. Do let me know your views on this in the comment section.
Signing off with my favorite words
Zindagi Zindabad!
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