Cricket and literature: An Indian perspective

Gautam Ganguly

(gautamganguly2012@gmail.com)

Even a cursory look at the treasure of English literature familiarises a casual reader with abundance of brilliant writings on cricket by some of the distinguished writers who have got their names curved out alongside the great litterateurs of the world. The crowning example of such a celebrated writer is Sir Neville Cardus who was knighted for his outstanding writings on cricket and music. In fact, till the late 80s, one of the prose pieces of Sir Neville Cardus’s used to be included in the syllabus of English Honours course which signifies the value of his writings.

It needs to be asserted that high quality writings of the likes of R. K. Narayan, Mulk Raj Anand and a galaxy of celebrated writers have enriched the Indian English literature considerably in the embryonic stage of its evolution. With the passing of time, there has been burgeoning increase in the number of Indian readers in English. Consequent to phenomenal increase of English readers, Indian English literature now boasts of having the entire gamut of conceivable literary genres - be it poetry, novel , short story etc. As a natural corollary, the writings on cricket by eminent writers of the stature of Dicky Rutnagar, Raju Bharatan, Dr Ramchandra Guha, etc., alongside some wonderful autobiographies have contributed in embellishing Indian Cricket literature to a lofty level.

Oxford educated Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi is widely regarded as the quintessential Indian cricket captain infusing a sense of aggression, inculcating nationalistic fervour in making the players feel proud to represent the country besides improving the standard of fielding. His autobiography titled, ‘Tiger’s Tale’, is an embodiment of the saying, ‘style is the man’ that presents a panoramic picture of the evolution of the game from late 60s to mid 70s. Narratives of some of the gruelling Indian encounters against England, Australia etc., during this period are splendid. Pataudi’s lavish praise to some of his team mates while remaining reticent on his own exploition reflects his magnanimous personality.

Legendary off-spinner, E.A.S Prasanna, an engineering graduate, had curved out a niche for himself as an iconic off-spinner in cricket hall of fame. Written in lucid style, his autobiography, ‘One more over’, is an ‘un-put -down-able’ book .

Ajit Wadeka had shot into prominence in 1971 when the Indian team under his captainship went on to beat West Indies and England in their home grounds and won the rubber for the first time. Cricket, overnight, became a game of the masses coming out of the clutches of rich and upper middle class. Ajit wadekar took advantage of his celebrity status and brought out his autobiography titled, ‘My Cricketing years.’ The book, coming in the wake of his successive victories, was an instant success.

The sophisticated, articulate, Sunil Gavaskar, with his St. Xavier’s Mumbai background, has written a number of books, the most noteworthy being his immensely popular autobiography, “Sunny Days”. The book has been sold like hot cakes. Gavaskar’s enviable command over the language, his magnificent presentation of various happenings- both on and off the field - captivates a reader instantaneously. Gavaskar, however, has been unkind to West Indies supporters whom he called “uncivilised and fit to remain in Jungles” in this book evoking strong condemnation. Gavaskar went on to write, thereafter, “One Day Wonders” that gives a detailed account how India became champion in Australia in the World Limited over tournament organised by the Australian Cricket Board in the year 1985. Gavaskar was the Indian captain in this tournament. ‘Runs and Ruins’ and idols are other widely read books by Gavaskar.

Kapil Dev has three books to his credit. His first publication, ‘By God’s Decree’, narrates his rise from a humble background to achieve his dream of playing for India. Interestingly, Kapil saw the first test live when he himself had played his first test at Faisalabaad, Pakistan. His other two books, titled, ‘Cricket, My Style’ and ‘Straight from Heart’ are enjoyable to read reflecting his straightforward nature. .

‘Playing it my way’, the autobiography of the master blaster, Sachin Tendulkar, gives an opportunity to readers and his fans to know more about his professional as well as personal life. Sachin’s nostalgic remembrance of his baptism by fire as a fifteen year old boy against arch rival Pakistan and rising to prominence has been well penned. The book, however, lacks aggressive spirit that endeared Sachin to millions of cricket lovers worldwide. He is silent on various controversies that had raged Indian cricket during Greg Chappell’s time. Sachin, surprisingly, does not mention much about some of his outstanding contemporaries like Brian Lara, Ponting etc.

Saurav Ganguly’s impeccable recapitulation of some of the glorious achievements as a captain, his attempt to build a pan-Indian team that made India won more matches abroad for the first time, coupled with his resentment, his high and lows find exquisite expression in his autobiography titled, ‘’A century is not enough’. The St. Xavier’s Kolkata product has been as belligerent as his off-side shots in speaking his mind out in an articulated language.

True to his immaculate stature as a magnificent batsman and an outstanding individual, G.R. Viswanath’s autobiography published recently titled, ‘Wrist Assured’ chronicles his mind blowing journey to reach the pinnacle of success from a humble middle class background. Written in a wonderful English, his book showcases Indian achievements from 1969 to mid 80s, some of nail biting Indian victories in a gripping style.

Cricket being an integrating thread that consolidates our national integrity binding the country with one thread from Kashmir to Kannyakumari, excellently written autobiographies are perfect supplements to burgeoning Indian Cricket lovers.