great concept - too textbookish for me., 05 Nov 2003
Having lived in India, and being a great cricket fan, I was really looking forward to this book. The subject matter looks great and the idea for a great book is here.

That said, this book is very hard work. It is meticulously researched and the author has left no corner unturned. I simply found it hard to enjoy. Opening it up to read the next few pages came to be a chore not very far into the book.

I feel this is more like a textbook, something that a student of Indian history may be happy to plough through, but as somebody just reading it for leisure and pleasure, I just felt like there was simply too much information to absorb. I don't read textbooks for pleasure.

Would love to give this more than the 3 stars, but I didn't finish it, and to be honest I am only giving it 3 stars because I figure the amount of work the author has clearly put into it doesn't deserve less.

Cricket and social history superbly combined, 07 Jan 2003
I've never bothered much with cricket books, aside from stats compilations, compendia of cricket journalism, and a few snatches of Brian Close's autobiography in the school library over 20 years ago when I should have been reading Jane Austen. However, I'm unreservedly recommending this one.

It's a social history of both India and the game there, following its founding in colonial times up until the latter-day clashes with Pakistan. It only really describes matches when they're relevant to the socio-political context, concentrating especially on the Bombay Quadrangular, a competition in the 1920s and 30s where the teams competed along religious/ethnic lines. It highlights the early, and unsung, heroes of Indian cricket - Baloo Palwankar and CK Nayudu - and evokes the country's irrational love of an imported sport brilliantly from start to finish. Good debunking too of the myth behind Lord Harris - proven here not to have been the game's founding father in India at all - and a great account of England's first tour there in the 1930s under one D Jardine, the year after Bodyline.

Meticulously researched and written throughout, it has to be a better bet than self-serving autobiographies and tedious tour diaries.

great concept - too textbookish for me., 05 Nov 2003
Having lived in India, and being a great cricket fan, I was really looking forward to this book. The subject matter looks great and the idea for a great book is here.

That said, this book is very hard work. It is meticulously researched and the author has left no corner unturned. I simply found it hard to enjoy. Opening it up to read the next few pages came to be a chore not very far into the book.

I feel this is more like a textbook, something that a student of Indian history may be happy to plough through, but as somebody just reading it for leisure and pleasure, I just felt like there was simply too much information to absorb. I don't read textbooks for pleasure.

Would love to give this more than the 3 stars, but I didn't finish it, and to be honest I am only giving it 3 stars because I figure the amount of work the author has clearly put into it doesn't deserve less.

Cricket and social history superbly combined, 07 Jan 2003
I've never bothered much with cricket books, aside from stats compilations, compendia of cricket journalism, and a few snatches of Brian Close's autobiography in the school library over 20 years ago when I should have been reading Jane Austen. However, I'm unreservedly recommending this one.

It's a social history of both India and the game there, following its founding in colonial times up until the latter-day clashes with Pakistan. It only really describes matches when they're relevant to the socio-political context, concentrating especially on the Bombay Quadrangular, a competition in the 1920s and 30s where the teams competed along religious/ethnic lines. It highlights the early, and unsung, heroes of Indian cricket - Baloo Palwankar and CK Nayudu - and evokes the country's irrational love of an imported sport brilliantly from start to finish. Good debunking too of the myth behind Lord Harris - proven here not to have been the game's founding father in India at all - and a great account of England's first tour there in the 1930s under one D Jardine, the year after Bodyline.

Meticulously researched and written throughout, it has to be a better bet than self-serving autobiographies and tedious tour diaries.

Funny, touching, racy read, 03 Nov 2007
This is as much a book about cricket as about India. It's a travel book, a memoir, a sport book and one filled with rich humour and great pace and emotion. Every sentence resonates with beauty and clarity, not a word is wasted. The author has taken risks, put much more of himself on the line than Nick Hornby in Fever Pitch. Its self-mocking, wry yet self-aware tone is inimitably its own. The best thing I have read this year.

A fine writer not taking himself too seriously, 19 Mar 2007
Following the path well trodden since "Fever Pitch", an Indian writer and cricket fanatic uses his sporting obsession as the starting point for an examination of his own nature and of the wider culture of his nation, as he shows how the game can both unite and divide a nation.

Many of those books which have followed Nick Hornby's lead have suffered from their writers' enthusiasm outweighing their writing skill; this, however, is the work of a fine writer who remembers not to take himself too seriously.

The liberal interlarding of humour makes the book more readable, opening up an understanding of a part of the world which retains a sense of mystery for many of us.

great concept - too textbookish for me., 05 Nov 2003
Having lived in India, and being a great cricket fan, I was really looking forward to this book. The subject matter looks great and the idea for a great book is here.

That said, this book is very hard work. It is meticulously researched and the author has left no corner unturned. I simply found it hard to enjoy. Opening it up to read the next few pages came to be a chore not very far into the book.

I feel this is more like a textbook, something that a student of Indian history may be happy to plough through, but as somebody just reading it for leisure and pleasure, I just felt like there was simply too much information to absorb. I don't read textbooks for pleasure.

Would love to give this more than the 3 stars, but I didn't finish it, and to be honest I am only giving it 3 stars because I figure the amount of work the author has clearly put into it doesn't deserve less.

Cricket and social history superbly combined, 07 Jan 2003
I've never bothered much with cricket books, aside from stats compilations, compendia of cricket journalism, and a few snatches of Brian Close's autobiography in the school library over 20 years ago when I should have been reading Jane Austen. However, I'm unreservedly recommending this one.

It's a social history of both India and the game there, following its founding in colonial times up until the latter-day clashes with Pakistan. It only really describes matches when they're relevant to the socio-political context, concentrating especially on the Bombay Quadrangular, a competition in the 1920s and 30s where the teams competed along religious/ethnic lines. It highlights the early, and unsung, heroes of Indian cricket - Baloo Palwankar and CK Nayudu - and evokes the country's irrational love of an imported sport brilliantly from start to finish. Good debunking too of the myth behind Lord Harris - proven here not to have been the game's founding father in India at all - and a great account of England's first tour there in the 1930s under one D Jardine, the year after Bodyline.

Meticulously researched and written throughout, it has to be a better bet than self-serving autobiographies and tedious tour diaries.

Funny, touching, racy read, 03 Nov 2007
This is as much a book about cricket as about India. It's a travel book, a memoir, a sport book and one filled with rich humour and great pace and emotion. Every sentence resonates with beauty and clarity, not a word is wasted. The author has taken risks, put much more of himself on the line than Nick Hornby in Fever Pitch. Its self-mocking, wry yet self-aware tone is inimitably its own. The best thing I have read this year.

A fine writer not taking himself too seriously, 19 Mar 2007
Following the path well trodden since "Fever Pitch", an Indian writer and cricket fanatic uses his sporting obsession as the starting point for an examination of his own nature and of the wider culture of his nation, as he shows how the game can both unite and divide a nation.

Many of those books which have followed Nick Hornby's lead have suffered from their writers' enthusiasm outweighing their writing skill; this, however, is the work of a fine writer who remembers not to take himself too seriously.

The liberal interlarding of humour makes the book more readable, opening up an understanding of a part of the world which retains a sense of mystery for many of us.

A smashing appreciation, 09 Apr 2006
Ricquier's account of the Indian masters is simply first rate. I found it compelling from start to finish and, although one may not share Shashi Tharoor's quibbles about the sequence in which the masters are presented, it would be hard for any cricket lover not to share his considerable enthusiam for this book.

Smashing!, 04 Apr 2006
A brilliant treatment of 15 greats who have long deserved closer attention. A must read for the true fan. Three cheers for Ricquier!

great concept - too textbookish for me., 05 Nov 2003
Having lived in India, and being a great cricket fan, I was really looking forward to this book. The subject matter looks great and the idea for a great book is here.

That said, this book is very hard work. It is meticulously researched and the author has left no corner unturned. I simply found it hard to enjoy. Opening it up to read the next few pages came to be a chore not very far into the book.

I feel this is more like a textbook, something that a student of Indian history may be happy to plough through, but as somebody just reading it for leisure and pleasure, I just felt like there was simply too much information to absorb. I don't read textbooks for pleasure.

Would love to give this more than the 3 stars, but I didn't finish it, and to be honest I am only giving it 3 stars because I figure the amount of work the author has clearly put into it doesn't deserve less.

Cricket and social history superbly combined, 07 Jan 2003
I've never bothered much with cricket books, aside from stats compilations, compendia of cricket journalism, and a few snatches of Brian Close's autobiography in the school library over 20 years ago when I should have been reading Jane Austen. However, I'm unreservedly recommending this one.

It's a social history of both India and the game there, following its founding in colonial times up until the latter-day clashes with Pakistan. It only really describes matches when they're relevant to the socio-political context, concentrating especially on the Bombay Quadrangular, a competition in the 1920s and 30s where the teams competed along religious/ethnic lines. It highlights the early, and unsung, heroes of Indian cricket - Baloo Palwankar and CK Nayudu - and evokes the country's irrational love of an imported sport brilliantly from start to finish. Good debunking too of the myth behind Lord Harris - proven here not to have been the game's founding father in India at all - and a great account of England's first tour there in the 1930s under one D Jardine, the year after Bodyline.

Meticulously researched and written throughout, it has to be a better bet than self-serving autobiographies and tedious tour diaries.

Funny, touching, racy read, 03 Nov 2007
This is as much a book about cricket as about India. It's a travel book, a memoir, a sport book and one filled with rich humour and great pace and emotion. Every sentence resonates with beauty and clarity, not a word is wasted. The author has taken risks, put much more of himself on the line than Nick Hornby in Fever Pitch. Its self-mocking, wry yet self-aware tone is inimitably its own. The best thing I have read this year.

A fine writer not taking himself too seriously, 19 Mar 2007
Following the path well trodden since "Fever Pitch", an Indian writer and cricket fanatic uses his sporting obsession as the starting point for an examination of his own nature and of the wider culture of his nation, as he shows how the game can both unite and divide a nation.

Many of those books which have followed Nick Hornby's lead have suffered from their writers' enthusiasm outweighing their writing skill; this, however, is the work of a fine writer who remembers not to take himself too seriously.

The liberal interlarding of humour makes the book more readable, opening up an understanding of a part of the world which retains a sense of mystery for many of us.

A smashing appreciation, 09 Apr 2006
Ricquier's account of the Indian masters is simply first rate. I found it compelling from start to finish and, although one may not share Shashi Tharoor's quibbles about the sequence in which the masters are presented, it would be hard for any cricket lover not to share his considerable enthusiam for this book.

Smashing!, 04 Apr 2006
A brilliant treatment of 15 greats who have long deserved closer attention. A must read for the true fan. Three cheers for Ricquier!

Greatest, greatest, greatest, 13 Apr 2006
For me, the title says it all. Sachin is simply the world's greatest batsman, and a personal hero for me and many hundreds of millions of fellow Indian cricket fans. As a cricketer he has no equal, but just as attractive for me is the shy demeanour, boyish smile, and small but perfectly formed athletes body. I would gladly sacrifice all of my wordly possessions for a chance to meet him in the flesh, but until then I will just have to make do with this wonderful book and its full colour photos. Luckily for me it isn't too heavy to hold with just one hand.

The Indian legend, 04 Mar 2006
Sachin: is a very interesting and informative autiobigraphy about the the world greatest batman, who is the next Bradman, the Australian legend. An interesting account is provided into his early childhood and his early days into how he achieved his status as the world greatest batman. I found the book fascinating to read and would truly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in cricket like myself.

Very informative, 02 Jul 2003
I usually dont read sports biographies because thye can be really boring but this book is very interesting and is full of interesting statistics. It covers everything from Tendulkar's debut in 1989 right up to England's most recent tour of India. Its a very good read...

Very informative, 02 Jul 2003
I usually dont read sports biographies because thye can be really boring but this book is very interesting and is full of interesting statistics. It covers everything from Tendulkar's debut in 1989 right up to England's most recent tour of India. Its a very good read...

great concept - too textbookish for me., 05 Nov 2003
Having lived in India, and being a great cricket fan, I was really looking forward to this book. The subject matter looks great and the idea for a great book is here.

That said, this book is very hard work. It is meticulously researched and the author has left no corner unturned. I simply found it hard to enjoy. Opening it up to read the next few pages came to be a chore not very far into the book.

I feel this is more like a textbook, something that a student of Indian history may be happy to plough through, but as somebody just reading it for leisure and pleasure, I just felt like there was simply too much information to absorb. I don't read textbooks for pleasure.

Would love to give this more than the 3 stars, but I didn't finish it, and to be honest I am only giving it 3 stars because I figure the amount of work the author has clearly put into it doesn't deserve less.

Cricket and social history superbly combined, 07 Jan 2003
I've never bothered much with cricket books, aside from stats compilations, compendia of cricket journalism, and a few snatches of Brian Close's autobiography in the school library over 20 years ago when I should have been reading Jane Austen. However, I'm unreservedly recommending this one.

It's a social history of both India and the game there, following its founding in colonial times up until the latter-day clashes with Pakistan. It only really describes matches when they're relevant to the socio-political context, concentrating especially on the Bombay Quadrangular, a competition in the 1920s and 30s where the teams competed along religious/ethnic lines. It highlights the early, and unsung, heroes of Indian cricket - Baloo Palwankar and CK Nayudu - and evokes the country's irrational love of an imported sport brilliantly from start to finish. Good debunking too of the myth behind Lord Harris - proven here not to have been the game's founding father in India at all - and a great account of England's first tour there in the 1930s under one D Jardine, the year after Bodyline.

Meticulously researched and written throughout, it has to be a better bet than self-serving autobiographies and tedious tour diaries.

Funny, touching, racy read, 03 Nov 2007
This is as much a book about cricket as about India. It's a travel book, a memoir, a sport book and one filled with rich humour and great pace and emotion. Every sentence resonates with beauty and clarity, not a word is wasted. The author has taken risks, put much more of himself on the line than Nick Hornby in Fever Pitch. Its self-mocking, wry yet self-aware tone is inimitably its own. The best thing I have read this year.

A fine writer not taking himself too seriously, 19 Mar 2007
Following the path well trodden since "Fever Pitch", an Indian writer and cricket fanatic uses his sporting obsession as the starting point for an examination of his own nature and of the wider culture of his nation, as he shows how the game can both unite and divide a nation.

Many of those books which have followed Nick Hornby's lead have suffered from their writers' enthusiasm outweighing their writing skill; this, however, is the work of a fine writer who remembers not to take himself too seriously.

The liberal interlarding of humour makes the book more readable, opening up an understanding of a part of the world which retains a sense of mystery for many of us.

A smashing appreciation, 09 Apr 2006
Ricquier's account of the Indian masters is simply first rate. I found it compelling from start to finish and, although one may not share Shashi Tharoor's quibbles about the sequence in which the masters are presented, it would be hard for any cricket lover not to share his considerable enthusiam for this book.

Smashing!, 04 Apr 2006
A brilliant treatment of 15 greats who have long deserved closer attention. A must read for the true fan. Three cheers for Ricquier!

Greatest, greatest, greatest, 13 Apr 2006
For me, the title says it all. Sachin is simply the world's greatest batsman, and a personal hero for me and many hundreds of millions of fellow Indian cricket fans. As a cricketer he has no equal, but just as attractive for me is the shy demeanour, boyish smile, and small but perfectly formed athletes body. I would gladly sacrifice all of my wordly possessions for a chance to meet him in the flesh, but until then I will just have to make do with this wonderful book and its full colour photos. Luckily for me it isn't too heavy to hold with just one hand.

The Indian legend, 04 Mar 2006
Sachin: is a very interesting and informative autiobigraphy about the the world greatest batman, who is the next Bradman, the Australian legend. An interesting account is provided into his early childhood and his early days into how he achieved his status as the world greatest batman. I found the book fascinating to read and would truly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in cricket like myself.

Very informative, 02 Jul 2003
I usually dont read sports biographies because thye can be really boring but this book is very interesting and is full of interesting statistics. It covers everything from Tendulkar's debut in 1989 right up to England's most recent tour of India. Its a very good read...

Very informative, 02 Jul 2003
I usually dont read sports biographies because thye can be really boring but this book is very interesting and is full of interesting statistics. It covers everything from Tendulkar's debut in 1989 right up to England's most recent tour of India. Its a very good read...

DEALING WITH INDIAN CRICKET, 09 Apr 2008
EXCELLENT BOOK, HIGHLIGHTING THE JOYS AND PITFALLS OF INDIAN CRICKET. A MUST READ FOR ANY CRICKET FAN.

A fabulous account of Indian cricket!, 28 Sep 2007
John Wright's account of Indian cricket from up close truly unravels the political tentacles that engulf Indian cricket. The anecdotal descriptions are hilarious and makes you wonder how disorganised a team can be! A brilliant rendition of events charting his initial foray into the quagmire of politics, favouritism, etc, and gives an honest feel for the bond with Ganguly. A great read...

great concept - too textbookish for me., 05 Nov 2003
Having lived in India, and being a great cricket fan, I was really looking forward to this book. The subject matter looks great and the idea for a great book is here.

That said, this book is very hard work. It is meticulously researched and the author has left no corner unturned. I simply found it hard to enjoy. Opening it up to read the next few pages came to be a chore not very far into the book.

I feel this is more like a textbook, something that a student of Indian history may be happy to plough through, but as somebody just reading it for leisure and pleasure, I just felt like there was simply too much information to absorb. I don't read textbooks for pleasure.

Would love to give this more than the 3 stars, but I didn't finish it, and to be honest I am only giving it 3 stars because I figure the amount of work the author has clearly put into it doesn't deserve less.

Cricket and social history superbly combined, 07 Jan 2003
I've never bothered much with cricket books, aside from stats compilations, compendia of cricket journalism, and a few snatches of Brian Close's autobiography in the school library over 20 years ago when I should have been reading Jane Austen. However, I'm unreservedly recommending this one.

It's a social history of both India and the game there, following its founding in colonial times up until the latter-day clashes with Pakistan. It only really describes matches when they're relevant to the socio-political context, concentrating especially on the Bombay Quadrangular, a competition in the 1920s and 30s where the teams competed along religious/ethnic lines. It highlights the early, and unsung, heroes of Indian cricket - Baloo Palwankar and CK Nayudu - and evokes the country's irrational love of an imported sport brilliantly from start to finish. Good debunking too of the myth behind Lord Harris - proven here not to have been the game's founding father in India at all - and a great account of England's first tour there in the 1930s under one D Jardine, the year after Bodyline.

Meticulously researched and written throughout, it has to be a better bet than self-serving autobiographies and tedious tour diaries.

Funny, touching, racy read, 03 Nov 2007
This is as much a book about cricket as about India. It's a travel book, a memoir, a sport book and one filled with rich humour and great pace and emotion. Every sentence resonates with beauty and clarity, not a word is wasted. The author has taken risks, put much more of himself on the line than Nick Hornby in Fever Pitch. Its self-mocking, wry yet self-aware tone is inimitably its own. The best thing I have read this year.

A fine writer not taking himself too seriously, 19 Mar 2007
Following the path well trodden since "Fever Pitch", an Indian writer and cricket fanatic uses his sporting obsession as the starting point for an examination of his own nature and of the wider culture of his nation, as he shows how the game can both unite and divide a nation.

Many of those books which have followed Nick Hornby's lead have suffered from their writers' enthusiasm outweighing their writing skill; this, however, is the work of a fine writer who remembers not to take himself too seriously.

The liberal interlarding of humour makes the book more readable, opening up an understanding of a part of the world which retains a sense of mystery for many of us.

A smashing appreciation, 09 Apr 2006
Ricquier's account of the Indian masters is simply first rate. I found it compelling from start to finish and, although one may not share Shashi Tharoor's quibbles about the sequence in which the masters are presented, it would be hard for any cricket lover not to share his considerable enthusiam for this book.

Smashing!, 04 Apr 2006
A brilliant treatment of 15 greats who have long deserved closer attention. A must read for the true fan. Three cheers for Ricquier!

Greatest, greatest, greatest, 13 Apr 2006
For me, the title says it all. Sachin is simply the world's greatest batsman, and a personal hero for me and many hundreds of millions of fellow Indian cricket fans. As a cricketer he has no equal, but just as attractive for me is the shy demeanour, boyish smile, and small but perfectly formed athletes body. I would gladly sacrifice all of my wordly possessions for a chance to meet him in the flesh, but until then I will just have to make do with this wonderful book and its full colour photos. Luckily for me it isn't too heavy to hold with just one hand.

The Indian legend, 04 Mar 2006
Sachin: is a very interesting and informative autiobigraphy about the the world greatest batman, who is the next Bradman, the Australian legend. An interesting account is provided into his early childhood and his early days into how he achieved his status as the world greatest batman. I found the book fascinating to read and would truly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in cricket like myself.

Very informative, 02 Jul 2003
I usually dont read sports biographies because thye can be really boring but this book is very interesting and is full of interesting statistics. It covers everything from Tendulkar's debut in 1989 right up to England's most recent tour of India. Its a very good read...

Very informative, 02 Jul 2003
I usually dont read sports biographies because thye can be really boring but this book is very interesting and is full of interesting statistics. It covers everything from Tendulkar's debut in 1989 right up to England's most recent tour of India. Its a very good read...

DEALING WITH INDIAN CRICKET, 09 Apr 2008
EXCELLENT BOOK, HIGHLIGHTING THE JOYS AND PITFALLS OF INDIAN CRICKET. A MUST READ FOR ANY CRICKET FAN.

A fabulous account of Indian cricket!, 28 Sep 2007
John Wright's account of Indian cricket from up close truly unravels the political tentacles that engulf Indian cricket. The anecdotal descriptions are hilarious and makes you wonder how disorganised a team can be! A brilliant rendition of events charting his initial foray into the quagmire of politics, favouritism, etc, and gives an honest feel for the bond with Ganguly. A great read...

One of the better books on Indian cricket, 06 Oct 2006
This book is a welcome change from the usual run-of-the mill books about Indian cricket. This, along with John Wright's "Indian Summers" are among the best books on Indian cricket.

This book tells the story of India's tour of Pakistam in 2003-04, in which they achieved unprecedented victories in the Test and ODI series. All the matches are covered in detail along with scorecards and statistics. But the book is valuable for its detailed descriptions of present-day Pakistan-a bit superficial, but still very readable.

We look forward to more from this writer-although India's cricket standing has gone down a bit since this epic tour.

great concept - too textbookish for me., 05 Nov 2003
Having lived in India, and being a great cricket fan, I was really looking forward to this book. The subject matter looks great and the idea for a great book is here.

That said, this book is very hard work. It is meticulously researched and the author has left no corner unturned. I simply found it hard to enjoy. Opening it up to read the next few pages came to be a chore not very far into the book.

I feel this is more like a textbook, something that a student of Indian history may be happy to plough through, but as somebody just reading it for leisure and pleasure, I just felt like there was simply too much information to absorb. I don't read textbooks for pleasure.

Would love to give this more than the 3 stars, but I didn't finish it, and to be honest I am only giving it 3 stars because I figure the amount of work the author has clearly put into it doesn't deserve less.

Cricket and social history superbly combined, 07 Jan 2003
I've never bothered much with cricket books, aside from stats compilations, compendia of cricket journalism, and a few snatches of Brian Close's autobiography in the school library over 20 years ago when I should have been reading Jane Austen. However, I'm unreservedly recommending this one.

It's a social history of both India and the game there, following its founding in colonial times up until the latter-day clashes with Pakistan. It only really describes matches when they're relevant to the socio-political context, concentrating especially on the Bombay Quadrangular, a competition in the 1920s and 30s where the teams competed along religious/ethnic lines. It highlights the early, and unsung, heroes of Indian cricket - Baloo Palwankar and CK Nayudu - and evokes the country's irrational love of an imported sport brilliantly from start to finish. Good debunking too of the myth behind Lord Harris - proven here not to have been the game's founding father in India at all - and a great account of England's first tour there in the 1930s under one D Jardine, the year after Bodyline.

Meticulously researched and written throughout, it has to be a better bet than self-serving autobiographies and tedious tour diaries.

Funny, touching, racy read, 03 Nov 2007
This is as much a book about cricket as about India. It's a travel book, a memoir, a sport book and one filled with rich humour and great pace and emotion. Every sentence resonates with beauty and clarity, not a word is wasted. The author has taken risks, put much more of himself on the line than Nick Hornby in Fever Pitch. Its self-mocking, wry yet self-aware tone is inimitably its own. The best thing I have read this year.

A fine writer not taking himself too seriously, 19 Mar 2007
Following the path well trodden since "Fever Pitch", an Indian writer and cricket fanatic uses his sporting obsession as the starting point for an examination of his own nature and of the wider culture of his nation, as he shows how the game can both unite and divide a nation.

Many of those books which have followed Nick Hornby's lead have suffered from their writers' enthusiasm outweighing their writing skill; this, however, is the work of a fine writer who remembers not to take himself too seriously.

The liberal interlarding of humour makes the book more readable, opening up an understanding of a part of the world which retains a sense of mystery for many of us.

A smashing appreciation, 09 Apr 2006
Ricquier's account of the Indian masters is simply first rate. I found it compelling from start to finish and, although one may not share Shashi Tharoor's quibbles about the sequence in which the masters are presented, it would be hard for any cricket lover not to share his considerable enthusiam for this book.

Smashing!, 04 Apr 2006
A brilliant treatment of 15 greats who have long deserved closer attention. A must read for the true fan. Three cheers for Ricquier!

Greatest, greatest, greatest, 13 Apr 2006
For me, the title says it all. Sachin is simply the world's greatest batsman, and a personal hero for me and many hundreds of millions of fellow Indian cricket fans. As a cricketer he has no equal, but just as attractive for me is the shy demeanour, boyish smile, and small but perfectly formed athletes body. I would gladly sacrifice all of my wordly possessions for a chance to meet him in the flesh, but until then I will just have to make do with this wonderful book and its full colour photos. Luckily for me it isn't too heavy to hold with just one hand.

The Indian legend, 04 Mar 2006
Sachin: is a very interesting and informative autiobigraphy about the the world greatest batman, who is the next Bradman, the Australian legend. An interesting account is provided into his early childhood and his early days into how he achieved his status as the world greatest batman. I found the book fascinating to read and would truly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in cricket like myself.

Very informative, 02 Jul 2003
I usually dont read sports biographies because thye can be really boring but this book is very interesting and is full of interesting statistics. It covers everything from Tendulkar's debut in 1989 right up to England's most recent tour of India. Its a very good read...

Very informative, 02 Jul 2003
I usually dont read sports biographies because thye can be really boring but this book is very interesting and is full of interesting statistics. It covers everything from Tendulkar's debut in 1989 right up to England's most recent tour of India. Its a very good read...

DEALING WITH INDIAN CRICKET, 09 Apr 2008
EXCELLENT BOOK, HIGHLIGHTING THE JOYS AND PITFALLS OF INDIAN CRICKET. A MUST READ FOR ANY CRICKET FAN.

A fabulous account of Indian cricket!, 28 Sep 2007
John Wright's account of Indian cricket from up close truly unravels the political tentacles that engulf Indian cricket. The anecdotal descriptions are hilarious and makes you wonder how disorganised a team can be! A brilliant rendition of events charting his initial foray into the quagmire of politics, favouritism, etc, and gives an honest feel for the bond with Ganguly. A great read...

One of the better books on Indian cricket, 06 Oct 2006
This book is a welcome change from the usual run-of-the mill books about Indian cricket. This, along with John Wright's "Indian Summers" are among the best books on Indian cricket.

This book tells the story of India's tour of Pakistam in 2003-04, in which they achieved unprecedented victories in the Test and ODI series. All the matches are covered in detail along with scorecards and statistics. But the book is valuable for its detailed descriptions of present-day Pakistan-a bit superficial, but still very readable.

We look forward to more from this writer-although India's cricket standing has gone down a bit since this epic tour.

How did i ever doubt him, 23 Jan 2004
well well probably the most talked about cricketer, off and on the field. This book is so special it really gives you an insight of souravs day to day life ; life as a child to being indians saviour.
well i must for any true indian supporter, and to any person that doubted this guy, boy he deserves hes superstar status.
India showing the aussies how its done recently!!!!!!!!

great concept - too textbookish for me., 05 Nov 2003
Having lived in India, and being a great cricket fan, I was really looking forward to this book. The subject matter looks great and the idea for a great book is here.

That said, this book is very hard work. It is meticulously researched and the author has left no corner unturned. I simply found it hard to enjoy. Opening it up to read the next few pages came to be a chore not very far into the book.

I feel this is more like a textbook, something that a student of Indian history may be happy to plough through, but as somebody just reading it for leisure and pleasure, I just felt like there was simply too much information to absorb. I don't read textbooks for pleasure.

Would love to give this more than the 3 stars, but I didn't finish it, and to be honest I am only giving it 3 stars because I figure the amount of work the author has clearly put into it doesn't deserve less.

Cricket and social history superbly combined, 07 Jan 2003
I've never bothered much with cricket books, aside from stats compilations, compendia of cricket journalism, and a few snatches of Brian Close's autobiography in the school library over 20 years ago when I should have been reading Jane Austen. However, I'm unreservedly recommending this one.

It's a social history of both India and the game there, following its founding in colonial times up until the latter-day clashes with Pakistan. It only really describes matches when they're relevant to the socio-political context, concentrating especially on the Bombay Quadrangular, a competition in the 1920s and 30s where the teams competed along religious/ethnic lines. It highlights the early, and unsung, heroes of Indian cricket - Baloo Palwankar and CK Nayudu - and evokes the country's irrational love of an imported sport brilliantly from start to finish. Good debunking too of the myth behind Lord Harris - proven here not to have been the game's founding father in India at all - and a great account of England's first tour there in the 1930s under one D Jardine, the year after Bodyline.

Meticulously researched and written throughout, it has to be a better bet than self-serving autobiographies and tedious tour diaries.

Funny, touching, racy read, 03 Nov 2007
This is as much a book about cricket as about India. It's a travel book, a memoir, a sport book and one filled with rich humour and great pace and emotion. Every sentence resonates with beauty and clarity, not a word is wasted. The author has taken risks, put much more of himself on the line than Nick Hornby in Fever Pitch. Its self-mocking, wry yet self-aware tone is inimitably its own. The best thing I have read this year.

A fine writer not taking himself too seriously, 19 Mar 2007
Following the path well trodden since "Fever Pitch", an Indian writer and cricket fanatic uses his sporting obsession as the starting point for an examination of his own nature and of the wider culture of his nation, as he shows how the game can both unite and divide a nation.

Many of those books which have followed Nick Hornby's lead have suffered from their writers' enthusiasm outweighing their writing skill; this, however, is the work of a fine writer who remembers not to take himself too seriously.

The liberal interlarding of humour makes the book more readable, opening up an understanding of a part of the world which retains a sense of mystery for many of us.

A smashing appreciation, 09 Apr 2006
Ricquier's account of the Indian masters is simply first rate. I found it compelling from start to finish and, although one may not share Shashi Tharoor's quibbles about the sequence in which the masters are presented, it would be hard for any cricket lover not to share his considerable enthusiam for this book.

Smashing!, 04 Apr 2006
A brilliant treatment of 15 greats who have long deserved closer attention. A must read for the true fan. Three cheers for Ricquier!

Greatest, greatest, greatest, 13 Apr 2006
For me, the title says it all. Sachin is simply the world's greatest batsman, and a personal hero for me and many hundreds of millions of fellow Indian cricket fans. As a cricketer he has no equal, but just as attractive for me is the shy demeanour, boyish smile, and small but perfectly formed athletes body. I would gladly sacrifice all of my wordly possessions for a chance to meet him in the flesh, but until then I will just have to make do with this wonderful book and its full colour photos. Luckily for me it isn't too heavy to hold with just one hand.

The Indian legend, 04 Mar 2006
Sachin: is a very interesting and informative autiobigraphy about the the world greatest batman, who is the next Bradman, the Australian legend. An interesting account is provided into his early childhood and his early days into how he achieved his status as the world greatest batman. I found the book fascinating to read and would truly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in cricket like myself.

Very informative, 02 Jul 2003
I usually dont read sports biographies because thye can be really boring but this book is very interesting and is full of interesting statistics. It covers everything from Tendulkar's debut in 1989 right up to England's most recent tour of India. Its a very good read...

Very informative, 02 Jul 2003
I usually dont read sports biographies because thye can be really boring but this book is very interesting and is full of interesting statistics. It covers everything from Tendulkar's debut in 1989 right up to England's most recent tour of India. Its a very good read...

DEALING WITH INDIAN CRICKET, 09 Apr 2008
EXCELLENT BOOK, HIGHLIGHTING THE JOYS AND PITFALLS OF INDIAN CRICKET. A MUST READ FOR ANY CRICKET FAN.

A fabulous account of Indian cricket!, 28 Sep 2007
John Wright's account of Indian cricket from up close truly unravels the political tentacles that engulf Indian cricket. The anecdotal descriptions are hilarious and makes you wonder how disorganised a team can be! A brilliant rendition of events charting his initial foray into the quagmire of politics, favouritism, etc, and gives an honest feel for the bond with Ganguly. A great read...

One of the better books on Indian cricket, 06 Oct 2006
This book is a welcome change from the usual run-of-the mill books about Indian cricket. This, along with John Wright's "Indian Summers" are among the best books on Indian cricket.

This book tells the story of India's tour of Pakistam in 2003-04, in which they achieved unprecedented victories in the Test and ODI series. All the matches are covered in detail along with scorecards and statistics. But the book is valuable for its detailed descriptions of present-day Pakistan-a bit superficial, but still very readable.

We look forward to more from this writer-although India's cricket standing has gone down a bit since this epic tour.

How did i ever doubt him, 23 Jan 2004
well well probably the most talked about cricketer, off and on the field. This book is so special it really gives you an insight of souravs day to day life ; life as a child to being indians saviour.
well i must for any true indian supporter, and to any person that doubted this guy, boy he deserves hes superstar status.
India showing the aussies how its done recently!!!!!!!!

A rip-off, 26 Nov 2006
This book appears to be an attempt to make a quick buck off the craze for cricket Indians and PIOs all over the world are known for. During his visits to various libraries and by virtue of his contacts, Dr. Mazumdar has come across old pictures and an old document or two of marginal relevance to cricket. Lo and behold, this forms the basis of this book. One wishes there were more insights into Indian cricket as revealed in Mushtaq Ali's letter to CK Nayudu during India's Englad tour in the 1940's. The biggest revelation is that cricket in India was probably first played in what is now Bangaldesh. The tortuos foreword should be a lesson on how not to write a foreword. The write-up for each decade is in the form of brief "executive summaries". None of the chapters has any serious depth. Altogther this book makes for a rather unsatifying read. Your money is better spent elsehere.
Niranjan Rao

great concept - too textbookish for me., 05 Nov 2003
Having lived in India, and being a great cricket fan, I was really looking forward to this book. The subject matter looks great and the idea for a great book is here.

That said, this book is very hard work. It is meticulously researched and the author has left no corner unturned. I simply found it hard to enjoy. Opening it up to read the next few pages came to be a chore not very far into the book.

I feel this is more like a textbook, something that a student of Indian history may be happy to plough through, but as somebody just reading it for leisure and pleasure, I just felt like there was simply too much information to absorb. I don't read textbooks for pleasure.

Would love to give this more than the 3 stars, but I didn't finish it, and to be honest I am only giving it 3 stars because I figure the amount of work the author has clearly put into it doesn't deserve less.

Cricket and social history superbly combined, 07 Jan 2003
I've never bothered much with cricket books, aside from stats compilations, compendia of cricket journalism, and a few snatches of Brian Close's autobiography in the school library over 20 years ago when I should have been reading Jane Austen. However, I'm unreservedly recommending this one.

It's a social history of both India and the game there, following its founding in colonial times up until the latter-day clashes with Pakistan. It only really describes matches when they're relevant to the socio-political context, concentrating especially on the Bombay Quadrangular, a competition in the 1920s and 30s where the teams competed along religious/ethnic lines. It highlights the early, and unsung, heroes of Indian cricket - Baloo Palwankar and CK Nayudu - and evokes the country's irrational love of an imported sport brilliantly from start to finish. Good debunking too of the myth behind Lord Harris - proven here not to have been the game's founding father in India at all - and a great account of England's first tour there in the 1930s under one D Jardine, the year after Bodyline.

Meticulously researched and written throughout, it has to be a better bet than self-serving autobiographies and tedious tour diaries.

Funny, touching, racy read, 03 Nov 2007
This is as much a book about cricket as about India. It's a travel book, a memoir, a sport book and one filled with rich humour and great pace and emotion. Every sentence resonates with beauty and clarity, not a word is wasted. The author has taken risks, put much more of himself on the line than Nick Hornby in Fever Pitch. Its self-mocking, wry yet self-aware tone is inimitably its own. The best thing I have read this year.

A fine writer not taking himself too seriously, 19 Mar 2007
Following the path well trodden since "Fever Pitch", an Indian writer and cricket fanatic uses his sporting obsession as the starting point for an examination of his own nature and of the wider culture of his nation, as he shows how the game can both unite and divide a nation.

Many of those books which have followed Nick Hornby's lead have suffered from their writers' enthusiasm outweighing their writing skill; this, however, is the work of a fine writer who remembers not to take himself too seriously.

The liberal interlarding of humour makes the book more readable, opening up an understanding of a part of the world which retains a sense of mystery for many of us.

A smashing appreciation, 09 Apr 2006
Ricquier's account of the Indian masters is simply first rate. I found it compelling from start to finish and, although one may not share Shashi Tharoor's quibbles about the sequence in which the masters are presented, it would be hard for any cricket lover not to share his considerable enthusiam for this book.

Smashing!, 04 Apr 2006
A brilliant treatment of 15 greats who have long deserved closer attention. A must read for the true fan. Three cheers for Ricquier!

Greatest, greatest, greatest, 13 Apr 2006
For me, the title says it all. Sachin is simply the world's greatest batsman, and a personal hero for me and many hundreds of millions of fellow Indian cricket fans. As a cricketer he has no equal, but just as attractive for me is the shy demeanour, boyish smile, and small but perfectly formed athletes body. I would gladly sacrifice all of my wordly possessions for a chance to meet him in the flesh, but until then I will just have to make do with this wonderful book and its full colour photos. Luckily for me it isn't too heavy to hold with just one hand.

The Indian legend, 04 Mar 2006
Sachin: is a very interesting and informative autiobigraphy about the the world greatest batman, who is the next Bradman, the Australian legend. An interesting account is provided into his early childhood and his early days into how he achieved his status as the world greatest batman. I found the book fascinating to read and would truly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in cricket like myself.

Very informative, 02 Jul 2003
I usually dont read sports biographies because thye can be really boring but this book is very interesting and is full of interesting statistics. It covers everything from Tendulkar's debut in 1989 right up to England's most recent tour of India. Its a very good read...

Very informative, 02 Jul 2003
I usually dont read sports biographies because thye can be really boring but this book is very interesting and is full of interesting statistics. It covers everything from Tendulkar's debut in 1989 right up to England's most recent tour of India. Its a very good read...

DEALING WITH INDIAN CRICKET, 09 Apr 2008
EXCELLENT BOOK, HIGHLIGHTING THE JOYS AND PITFALLS OF INDIAN CRICKET. A MUST READ FOR ANY CRICKET FAN.

A fabulous account of Indian cricket!, 28 Sep 2007
John Wright's account of Indian cricket from up close truly unravels the political tentacles that engulf Indian cricket. The anecdotal descriptions are hilarious and makes you wonder how disorganised a team can be! A brilliant rendition of events charting his initial foray into the quagmire of politics, favouritism, etc, and gives an honest feel for the bond with Ganguly. A great read...

One of the better books on Indian cricket, 06 Oct 2006
This book is a welcome change from the usual run-of-the mill books about Indian cricket. This, along with John Wright's "Indian Summers" are among the best books on Indian cricket.

This book tells the story of India's tour of Pakistam in 2003-04, in which they achieved unprecedented victories in the Test and ODI series. All the matches are covered in detail along with scorecards and statistics. But the book is valuable for its detailed descriptions of present-day Pakistan-a bit superficial, but still very readable.

We look forward to more from this writer-although India's cricket standing has gone down a bit since this epic tour.

How did i ever doubt him, 23 Jan 2004
well well probably the most talked about cricketer, off and on the field. This book is so special it really gives you an insight of souravs day to day life ; life as a child to being indians saviour.
well i must for any true indian supporter, and to any person that doubted this guy, boy he deserves hes superstar status.
India showing the aussies how its done recently!!!!!!!!

A rip-off, 26 Nov 2006
This book appears to be an attempt to make a quick buck off the craze for cricket Indians and PIOs all over the world are known for. During his visits to various libraries and by virtue of his contacts, Dr. Mazumdar has come across old pictures and an old document or two of marginal relevance to cricket. Lo and behold, this forms the basis of this book. One wishes there were more insights into Indian cricket as revealed in Mushtaq Ali's letter to CK Nayudu during India's Englad tour in the 1940's. The biggest revelation is that cricket in India was probably first played in what is now Bangaldesh. The tortuos foreword should be a lesson on how not to write a foreword. The write-up for each decade is in the form of brief "executive summaries". None of the chapters has any serious depth. Altogther this book makes for a rather unsatifying read. Your money is better spent elsehere.
Niranjan Rao

Chick lit for cricket!, 21 Oct 2008
It took a little while to get into this book, but once I did I really enjoyed it. Although published in English, there were a lot of Indian expressions and phrases in here that I didn't understand and couldn't help feeling it would have helped if I had. Harper Collins, if you're reading, some footnotes might have been useful.

I love cricket and enjoyed reading about it from another woman's perspective. However, I wonder if the author ever intended for this book to be read outside of India? She occasionally has her heroine express her fear of being surrounded by "white people" during her trip to Australia. This took me by surprise, as the rationale for her fear is never explained.

This aside, it follows the traditional chick lit path with the heroine over analysing the actions of the hero and almost ruining their chances of happiness. But it provides a wonderful insight into India's culture, their obsession with cricket and is generally a good fun read.