1. Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew by Shehan Karunatilaka
Shehan Karunatilaka’s debut novel is an ostensible tale of Sri Lanka in the late 20th century through cricket and its many characters. A retired sports journalist, who is drinking himself to death, is on a quest to find a mystery spinner in Sri Lanka. Does he succeed in his tryst against time?
Fact and fiction, involving cricket incidents and personalities, are amalgamated with astute perfection. The storytelling is complemented with an extensively devised plot that keeps you invested throughout. Shehan’s writing is engaging, entertaining and thought-provoking. A must read!
You can buy the book here:
You can read my full review of the book here.
2. Eye on Cricket by Samir Chopra
Eye on cricket is a collection of essays encapsulating the emotions of every cricket lover who has played or followed the game at any point in their life. Getting our first cricket bat, scoring our highest score in local cricket or enjoying an afternoon game during school/college days - each chapter in the book feels endearing and relatable.
Samir Chopra offers a philosophical take on different types of fans and their relationship with the game. He also dwells upon topics of popular discourse - aggression and spirit of the game. The book provides an assurance that you can be divided by boundaries or generations but will always be united by cricket.
You can buy the book here:
You can read my full review of the book here.
3. A Corner of a Foreign Field by Ramachandra Guha
The book is a comprehensive account of how India's social fabric came to influence the development of cricket in India. Who were the first cricketers? When did the first Indian team toured England? What is the story behind India's first cricket tournament? The book answers these and so much more.
Guha weaves an intriguing narrative where cricket found itself associated with social and political events in India’s history. You will be amazed to revisit the already known historical events, but with a touch of cricket. It enlightens you about how cricket found its feet in India and became an inseparable part of the Indian consciousness.
You can buy the book here:
4. And God Created Cricket by Simon Hughes
If you wish to understand the evolution of the game, the landmark developments and cricketers who contributed to the changing landscape, then this book is for you. Hughes takes us on an educational yet entertaining journey about the long history of the game through his lucid writing.
Though I found the book disproportionately focused on English cricket. Therefore my search for a detailed and illustrated history of the game shall continue.
You can buy the book here:
5. Mid-Wicket Tales: From Trumper to Tendulkar by S. Giridhar and V.J. Ragunath
As the name suggests, the book is an ode to various aspects of cricket and the cricketers who excelled in them, across teams and generations. Close-in catching, captaincy, wicketkeeping, art of spin bowling and much more - the book is rooted in history, extensively researched and statistically rich.
It is a uniquely satisfying read about the thrill, approach and challenges involved with different skill sets. The authors’ nuanced writing on each subject is refreshing and provides you new perspectives and insights about the game and those who play it. You could be in India, West Indies or South Africa. But you will still find something or the other to pique your interest. Another of those books where the shared passion of the game shines through.
You can buy the book here:
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