From his appearance on the firmament as a 16 year old, Tendulkar has been a beacon for the new India. When India won the Cricket World Cup in 2011, an abiding image from the celebrations was of the Indian cricket team carrying Sachin Tendulkar on their shoulders around Wankhede stadium. Tendulkar was not the captain of the team and the victory had been a team effort But for the players, the victory was a gift to a man, arguably India's greatest cricketer and in-arguably one of the very greatest in the world. Sachin Tendulkar's story may have been told many times but it never stops delighting the cricket fan. In the 25 years that Tendulkar has played cricket, there is almost no existing batting record that he has not broken or no impossible record that he has not set. He has even changed the way money and endorsements entered the game. At the same time, his incredible batting skills have kept him rooted in the fine traditions of cricket. Some say that one runs out of words when describing Sachin Tendulkar's prowess and achievements. Others may more emphatically claim that there simply aren't enough words to talk about this incredible cricketer.
AYAZ MEMON, one of India's most prolific journalists, brings with him 33 years of experience in sports writing. He started his career covering sports and went on to edit newspapers like Mid Day, Bombay Times and DNA as well as magazines like Sportsweek. Ayaz was also sports editor for the Times of India and the Independent at various stages.
INDRANIL RAI is a freelance journalist with an undying passion for sports, especially cricket.
So much has been said and written about this man in the last
few weeks, and also in all these years, that we know almost everything about
him. He has ruled our hearts for over two decades, a perfect ambassador of the
game of Cricket, and a true gentleman to the core. He has stayed away from
controversies, his honesty and integrity standing out always, differentiating him
from the rest of the world. He is a legend, a star, and an icon. Sachin Ramesh
Tendulkar, is, and always will be, a Hero to millions of Cricket and sports
lovers around the globe.
'Jaico Cricketwallah Series with Ayaz Memon' is a quick read
documenting the lives and careers of several cricketers. 'Sachin Tendulkar –
Master Blaster' penned by Indranil Rai is one of the books in this series. In less than a hundred pages, the writer paces through the journey of this great cricketer, starting
right from his childhood when he started wielding the dhoka as a cricket bat, gradually moving into the limelight in
domestic cricket, and finally taking the world by storm in an illustrious international career spanning twenty four years.
Twenty four long years – and that’s a testimony to his
dedication and fitness.
The book is filled with snippets of Sachin’s formative
years, and are really pleasing to read. It’s always intriguing to know how a
hero is born, and brought up, and here, Sachin, who hails from a non-Cricketing
background, is a perfect example of dreams and passions shaping up your life if
you truly work hard on them.
Indranil Rai lists the various phases of Sachin’s life in 9
chapters. He writes about a young Sachin, who, thanks to his brother, gets to
meet Coach Ramakant Achrekar, and from there his life changes. After his
stupendous success in school level cricket, he gets drafted into the Ranji
trophy team, and performs impressively. Soon, destiny unfolds a bigger plan and
Sachin debuts for India against Pakistan. His resolute spirit and determination
earns him accolades from all quarters, and from then onward, the world
witnesses the emergence of a new star.
Indranil also writes about Sachin’s marriage to Anjali, and
their beautiful relationship, the bond getting stronger with each day. Doctor
Anjali decided to sacrifice her career as she realized that Sachin would need
more support from her, and she performed her responsibilities perfectly. They have two
children now, Sara and Arjun.
The book traces the ups and downs of an icon, and performs
well in almost every front. However, I feel that it would be better if this
book is now updated, keeping in mind that Sachin has already played his last
game for India (this book lists Sachin’s Test appearance as 198 tests, two
short of his retirement match). Also, a few pages featuring Sachin’s farewell
speech will be an added bonus.
All in all, you would really love reading this book, as we
have all adored the exploits and success of the Master Blaster throughout the
year. Sachin made us love the game, and this book will surely make you miss his
brilliant drives and strokes all the more, albeit with a smile.
Title: Sachin Tendulkar Master Blaster
Author: Indranil Rai
Publisher: Jaico Publishing House
Publication Year: 2013
Language: English
Binding: Paperback
Genre: Series Book
Series Name: Jaico Cricketwallah by Ayaz Memon
No. of Pages: 96
Price: Rs 125
My Rating: 3/5
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