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The Miracle Makers: Indian Cricket’s Greatest Epic
This is going to be the most unique cricket tour since the Second World War.'
Ravi Shastri's prophetic words came true as India pulled off one of the greatest coups in cricketing history, beating Australia in Australia for the second time in three years, eventually breaching the Gabba fortress with what was eventually a skeleton team. Bharat was known as the 'Eyes and Ears of the Tour', being the only Indian-origin journalist covering this most memorable series live and seeing the drama unfold in real time. He drove the length and breadth of Australia, journeys that were as thrilling as the series that he was chasing, with the unnerving shadow of Covid always trailing after him. His camaraderie with the Indian team and his standing as among the most respected journalists in the world makes this book incredibly special.
Filled with anecdotes from on and off the field, including conversations with coaches, players and other stars of the show, and inputs from his colleague Gaurav Joshi, this book hopes to transport you to the battleground of this never-imagined script. It promises to bring to life the most unique cricket tour, not just since World War II, but perhaps from the time when the sport was conceived.
Ravi Shastri's prophetic words came true as India pulled off one of the greatest coups in cricketing history, beating Australia in Australia for the second time in three years, eventually breaching the Gabba fortress with what was eventually a skeleton team. Bharat was known as the 'Eyes and Ears of the Tour', being the only Indian-origin journalist covering this most memorable series live and seeing the drama unfold in real time. He drove the length and breadth of Australia, journeys that were as thrilling as the series that he was chasing, with the unnerving shadow of Covid always trailing after him. His camaraderie with the Indian team and his standing as among the most respected journalists in the world makes this book incredibly special.
Filled with anecdotes from on and off the field, including conversations with coaches, players and other stars of the show, and inputs from his colleague Gaurav Joshi, this book hopes to transport you to the battleground of this never-imagined script. It promises to bring to life the most unique cricket tour, not just since World War II, but perhaps from the time when the sport was conceived.
- GenresSportsNonfictionIndia
213 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2023
22 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 8, 2023
The 2020-21 Test series down under was for me, the most defining cricket for the world hobbling back from COVID and lifted spirits of the cricket crazy Indian crowd.
After a humiliating 36 all out at Adelaide, to winning at MCG to saving the Sydney test with sheer resilence to breaching the Gabba - this particular Indian team and the support staff have attained not just fame, but respect from everyone. This insider account by Bharat Sundaresan is one that does with sports writing what was achieved on the tour.
Filled with narratives and chapters dedicated to some heroes (more unsung ones), the book tries to make sense of how this bunch was brought together more by what was happening off the pitches. Injuries, power struggles, media circus - all that is part of a tour down under were magnified by the COVID regulations. As he mentions towards the last chapter "The dressing room changed from who's who to who's left"!
Most chapters made you go back and watch the highlights - sometimes specific days, even sessions. You developed a lot of respect for the likea of Rahane, Pujara, the coaching staff and the Australians. Without getting scandalous, the anecdotes were matter of fact and inspiring.
Fantastic piece of sports writing that captures the spirit of a fight than just give the blow by blow details.
After a humiliating 36 all out at Adelaide, to winning at MCG to saving the Sydney test with sheer resilence to breaching the Gabba - this particular Indian team and the support staff have attained not just fame, but respect from everyone. This insider account by Bharat Sundaresan is one that does with sports writing what was achieved on the tour.
Filled with narratives and chapters dedicated to some heroes (more unsung ones), the book tries to make sense of how this bunch was brought together more by what was happening off the pitches. Injuries, power struggles, media circus - all that is part of a tour down under were magnified by the COVID regulations. As he mentions towards the last chapter "The dressing room changed from who's who to who's left"!
Most chapters made you go back and watch the highlights - sometimes specific days, even sessions. You developed a lot of respect for the likea of Rahane, Pujara, the coaching staff and the Australians. Without getting scandalous, the anecdotes were matter of fact and inspiring.
Fantastic piece of sports writing that captures the spirit of a fight than just give the blow by blow details.
March 25, 2023
As books on the 2020-21 Indian cricket team's test tour of Australia go, this one is "just okay".
The authors spend a lot of time "breaking the 4th wall" - there's too much about themselves, especially Bharat,
and not enough new insight about the tour or the cricket.
Their pandemic experiences of driving across Australia, crawling through the bush to spy on the Indian team's practice at Blacktown, or issues with racism are not what we as the cricket reading public signed up for. (Statutory declaration from Bharat at this point: "Mate, Australia is NOT, repeat NOT, a racist country".) ;-)
The author breaks the fourth wall (the space between narrative and audience) when he writes himself into the book.
Bharat did this before, with his first book on Dhoni (where there was a running thread of Dhoni's comments on Bharat's hair). There, it formed an amusing sidenote and provided insight into how Dhoni controlled conversations by flipping them. It didn't replace the insights crafted from a view of Dhoni through the eyes of his friends. That's a perspective we would not otherwise get.
That book was worth it.
This book reads like a hurriedly cobbled together mash of all the articles / social media posts/ messages written by and to the authors, during the 1.5 years in and around the 2020-21 test series.
It's studiedly neutral - whether on Hardik Pandya's misogynistic shenanigans on Koffee with Karan or the Queensland government's quarantine rules. The emotional parts are about Bharats experiences in and around the cricket. These are interesting, but are NOT the "Story behind Indian Cricket's Historic Breach of the Gabba Fortress". That's just lazy titling.
There is simply not enough new information or perspective here, all the more jarring, since it comes on the heels of the Sony Liv series (Down Underdogs). Which brings in an interesting marketing question... why write this book - 2 years after the event, to an audience saturated by the Web series and youtube channel shows from one of the principal protagonists?
By the way - that youtube reference is to Ashwin's shows on the test series. You get more raw insight from those shows. Even filtering for the obvious bias in that channel, there is more depth.
At this point, I paused and asked myself - what could have been added? [Just to break another fourth wall .. and keep that theme going too..]
Some answers: (and I fully understand that I am impinging on the authors prerogative here.):
1. Interviews with the player's families - who were "on the scene". Their experiences as involved bystanders would have been interesting to explore, now that sufficient time has passed and the initial trauma of isolation has faded.
3. Interviews with Australian State government officials handling the pandemic. Too often, the narrative in India was to cast them in a negative role -this book could have added some nuance. After all, they are politicians and bureaucrats, and from their point of view, the entire Indian Tour was a AUD 300 mn spanner, in the process of managing a first-of-a-kind situation.
4. Coaches and other support staff of the players, back in India. The long distance support system for the players, and their reality check : they could have provided a different angle to what was happening.
5. Mental health professionals who work with prisoners / hospice patients [i.e anyone who faces upto a sudden and sustained removal of basic freedoms]: We are seeing the second order effects of pandemic related isolation now. Specifically, exploring the impact of a "sudden death" style of isolation on high performance atheletes who are also priveleged and rich - that could have been explored in depth. There are frameworks and vocabulary available with mental health pros which would help explain some of the on field behaviour on both sides.
Bharat has migrated to Australia which means he has traded in the advantage of geography and access when it comes to Indian cricket. But the pandemic nullified that inherent disadvantage and created a surreal, if level playing field.
The book fails to leverage that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The authors spend a lot of time "breaking the 4th wall" - there's too much about themselves, especially Bharat,
and not enough new insight about the tour or the cricket.
Their pandemic experiences of driving across Australia, crawling through the bush to spy on the Indian team's practice at Blacktown, or issues with racism are not what we as the cricket reading public signed up for. (Statutory declaration from Bharat at this point: "Mate, Australia is NOT, repeat NOT, a racist country".) ;-)
The author breaks the fourth wall (the space between narrative and audience) when he writes himself into the book.
Bharat did this before, with his first book on Dhoni (where there was a running thread of Dhoni's comments on Bharat's hair). There, it formed an amusing sidenote and provided insight into how Dhoni controlled conversations by flipping them. It didn't replace the insights crafted from a view of Dhoni through the eyes of his friends. That's a perspective we would not otherwise get.
That book was worth it.
This book reads like a hurriedly cobbled together mash of all the articles / social media posts/ messages written by and to the authors, during the 1.5 years in and around the 2020-21 test series.
It's studiedly neutral - whether on Hardik Pandya's misogynistic shenanigans on Koffee with Karan or the Queensland government's quarantine rules. The emotional parts are about Bharats experiences in and around the cricket. These are interesting, but are NOT the "Story behind Indian Cricket's Historic Breach of the Gabba Fortress". That's just lazy titling.
There is simply not enough new information or perspective here, all the more jarring, since it comes on the heels of the Sony Liv series (Down Underdogs). Which brings in an interesting marketing question... why write this book - 2 years after the event, to an audience saturated by the Web series and youtube channel shows from one of the principal protagonists?
By the way - that youtube reference is to Ashwin's shows on the test series. You get more raw insight from those shows. Even filtering for the obvious bias in that channel, there is more depth.
At this point, I paused and asked myself - what could have been added? [Just to break another fourth wall .. and keep that theme going too..]
Some answers: (and I fully understand that I am impinging on the authors prerogative here.):
1. Interviews with the player's families - who were "on the scene". Their experiences as involved bystanders would have been interesting to explore, now that sufficient time has passed and the initial trauma of isolation has faded.
3. Interviews with Australian State government officials handling the pandemic. Too often, the narrative in India was to cast them in a negative role -this book could have added some nuance. After all, they are politicians and bureaucrats, and from their point of view, the entire Indian Tour was a AUD 300 mn spanner, in the process of managing a first-of-a-kind situation.
4. Coaches and other support staff of the players, back in India. The long distance support system for the players, and their reality check : they could have provided a different angle to what was happening.
5. Mental health professionals who work with prisoners / hospice patients [i.e anyone who faces upto a sudden and sustained removal of basic freedoms]: We are seeing the second order effects of pandemic related isolation now. Specifically, exploring the impact of a "sudden death" style of isolation on high performance atheletes who are also priveleged and rich - that could have been explored in depth. There are frameworks and vocabulary available with mental health pros which would help explain some of the on field behaviour on both sides.
Bharat has migrated to Australia which means he has traded in the advantage of geography and access when it comes to Indian cricket. But the pandemic nullified that inherent disadvantage and created a surreal, if level playing field.
The book fails to leverage that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
August 17, 2024
"Every time this relentless Indian team felt like a door had been shut on them, another opened and out walked a hero. And that probably would be the lasting legacy of this, at times, unbelievable achievement by India's miracle men, amid all the majestic performances, the shocking reversals, the courageous comebacks and the eventual glory."
Insightful and detailed coverage.
That iconic moment during the historical Gabba Test when Vivek Razdan was announcing ecstatically - Aaj toota hai Gabba ka ghamand!
The India's tour of Australia 2020/21 was really a special one for me. A lot of things were happening around me. My team including me was laid off. My wife wasn't working at that time. And we were facing a crisis when we had to dip into our saving. Moreover, I had just adopted an energetic puppy who wanted to walk for hours. However, one thing which kept me cheered me for life was 5 am start to this entertaining cricket series. For me, it was a epitome of a performance when the chips were down.
Detailed insights on the pre-tour activities: What I was expecting from this book were match reports. What I got from them a detailed travelogue which not only highlighted the difficulties of hosting an international and most popular cricket team in the world in Australia. Bharat Sunderesan and Gaurav Joshi brilliantly covered the complexities of state vs country administration during COVID times in Australia and the way borders used to close up for the common people. Moreover, they got a few anonymous quotes from the Indian players about the challenges in the hard bubble and the importance of family and the support systems during the mandatory 14-day quarantine.
Inside coaches' mind: Both the authors are good friends of the Champion Ravi Shastri who was the head coach of the Indian team and Bharat Arun who was the bowling coach. Hence, what we get is the absolute gold dust coming from two of the brightest minds in the cricket. Their thought process after 36 all out and then during various junctures was brilliantly captured by the authors. I would say that the two chapters on the coaches were the best of the lot for me and full paisa wasool for me.
Poetic writing: There are many instances where I felt that I can see the shades of catchy articles which Bharat Sundaresan used to write for cricket websites. E.g. when Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur joined hands in the first innings of the Gabba Test at 186/6,
Washington Sundar played the U-19 Cricket World Cup when he was just 16 years old, made IPL and India debut at 17 and 18 respectively. Here is more -
Shardul coming from Mumbai... you got the reference now.
Yes, there are a couple of documentaries prepared on the tour but the book still steals the thunder relying on the first hand research and time spent with the players and the support staff.
Insightful and detailed coverage.
That iconic moment during the historical Gabba Test when Vivek Razdan was announcing ecstatically - Aaj toota hai Gabba ka ghamand!
The India's tour of Australia 2020/21 was really a special one for me. A lot of things were happening around me. My team including me was laid off. My wife wasn't working at that time. And we were facing a crisis when we had to dip into our saving. Moreover, I had just adopted an energetic puppy who wanted to walk for hours. However, one thing which kept me cheered me for life was 5 am start to this entertaining cricket series. For me, it was a epitome of a performance when the chips were down.
Detailed insights on the pre-tour activities: What I was expecting from this book were match reports. What I got from them a detailed travelogue which not only highlighted the difficulties of hosting an international and most popular cricket team in the world in Australia. Bharat Sunderesan and Gaurav Joshi brilliantly covered the complexities of state vs country administration during COVID times in Australia and the way borders used to close up for the common people. Moreover, they got a few anonymous quotes from the Indian players about the challenges in the hard bubble and the importance of family and the support systems during the mandatory 14-day quarantine.
Inside coaches' mind: Both the authors are good friends of the Champion Ravi Shastri who was the head coach of the Indian team and Bharat Arun who was the bowling coach. Hence, what we get is the absolute gold dust coming from two of the brightest minds in the cricket. Their thought process after 36 all out and then during various junctures was brilliantly captured by the authors. I would say that the two chapters on the coaches were the best of the lot for me and full paisa wasool for me.
Poetic writing: There are many instances where I felt that I can see the shades of catchy articles which Bharat Sundaresan used to write for cricket websites. E.g. when Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur joined hands in the first innings of the Gabba Test at 186/6,
"But playing against boys much bigger than him was what Washington had done all his life. Since the time he was around six or seven."
Washington Sundar played the U-19 Cricket World Cup when he was just 16 years old, made IPL and India debut at 17 and 18 respectively. Here is more -
"Thakur's cover drive on the up against Cummins symbolized the former's ability with the willow. According to some in the Indian dressing room, it was probably the shot of the series. Shardulkar even."
Shardul coming from Mumbai... you got the reference now.
Yes, there are a couple of documentaries prepared on the tour but the book still steals the thunder relying on the first hand research and time spent with the players and the support staff.
March 20, 2023
Whenever I hear about BGT 2020-21, I am reminded of the early morning viewings, David vs Goliath narrative and triumph of the human spirit. But there has been an urge to know more. How these men went beyond their call of duty to give cricket fans across the globe a cricket tour that will go down in history as one of the best. Enters, The Miracle Makers by Bharat Sundaresan and Gaurav Joshi.
The Miracle Makers presents a first-hand account of what transpired in those three fateful months when India toured Australia. Being with the team and coaching staff has allowed the writer-duo to build a compelling narrative. The earlier chapters detailing the challenges posed by the pandemic are fascinating. Learning about the struggles these players had to go through was eye-opening. Kudos to the writers for humanizing the journey.
My personal favorite is the chapter on Ajinkya Rahane. The chapter highlights his hidden and unknown personality. It is replete with anecdotes from his career and life, shedding light on how he goes on to value character over performance. I shall eagerly wait for him to tell his story in detail someday.
Talking about stories and anecdotes, there are plenty of them in the book. Not limited to just players but also covering men who worked behind the scenes. The coaching staff, net bowlers, physios and throwdown specialists. Exactly why you won't be able to put the book down. Some of them from a strategy point of view make for a fascinating read.
🌟 Final Verdict 🌟
Barring a few typos in some of the chapters, the book makes for a breezy read. The description of players' skill sets, performances and landmark moments is amazingly done. The book doesn't restrict itself to just the Tests. The ODI and T20 series find ample space. Something that is rarely talked about. The book does justice to the incredible story. Cricket fans would enjoy reading this one. For others, the book is a great starting point to know about this unique and once in a lifetime series.
The Miracle Makers presents a first-hand account of what transpired in those three fateful months when India toured Australia. Being with the team and coaching staff has allowed the writer-duo to build a compelling narrative. The earlier chapters detailing the challenges posed by the pandemic are fascinating. Learning about the struggles these players had to go through was eye-opening. Kudos to the writers for humanizing the journey.
My personal favorite is the chapter on Ajinkya Rahane. The chapter highlights his hidden and unknown personality. It is replete with anecdotes from his career and life, shedding light on how he goes on to value character over performance. I shall eagerly wait for him to tell his story in detail someday.
Talking about stories and anecdotes, there are plenty of them in the book. Not limited to just players but also covering men who worked behind the scenes. The coaching staff, net bowlers, physios and throwdown specialists. Exactly why you won't be able to put the book down. Some of them from a strategy point of view make for a fascinating read.
🌟 Final Verdict 🌟
Barring a few typos in some of the chapters, the book makes for a breezy read. The description of players' skill sets, performances and landmark moments is amazingly done. The book doesn't restrict itself to just the Tests. The ODI and T20 series find ample space. Something that is rarely talked about. The book does justice to the incredible story. Cricket fans would enjoy reading this one. For others, the book is a great starting point to know about this unique and once in a lifetime series.
April 7, 2023
"The Miracle Makers" by Bharat Sundaresan is an exceptional book that delves deep into the world of Indian cricket. The author, a veteran cricket journalist, takes us on a fascinating journey through the history of Indian cricket, exploring the highs and lows of the game in the country and the personalities that have shaped it.
Sundaresan's writing style is engaging and he has a real knack for storytelling. He brings to life the characters who have made Indian cricket what it is today - from the flamboyant captains to the unassuming but hard-working support staff. His interviews with players and officials are insightful and provide a rare glimpse into the inner workings of Indian cricket.
What sets this book apart is its focus on the human side of cricket. Sundaresan does not simply recount the events of India's cricketing history, but he puts them in context and tells the stories of the people behind them. He explores the social and cultural factors that have shaped the game in India, and the challenges that players have faced both on and off the field.
One of the standout features of the book is the author's attention to detail. From the descriptions of the pitches to the recollections of key moments in matches, Sundaresan brings his readers into the heart of the action. He also provides interesting insights into the changing face of cricket journalism, and the challenges faced by reporters who must balance their professional duties with the demands of social media and the ever-present pressure of breaking news.
Overall, "The Miracle Makers" is a must-read for cricket fans and anyone interested in the stories of extraordinary people who have achieved great things. Sundaresan's passion for the game shines through in his writing, making this an engaging and inspiring read. Highly recommended.
Sundaresan's writing style is engaging and he has a real knack for storytelling. He brings to life the characters who have made Indian cricket what it is today - from the flamboyant captains to the unassuming but hard-working support staff. His interviews with players and officials are insightful and provide a rare glimpse into the inner workings of Indian cricket.
What sets this book apart is its focus on the human side of cricket. Sundaresan does not simply recount the events of India's cricketing history, but he puts them in context and tells the stories of the people behind them. He explores the social and cultural factors that have shaped the game in India, and the challenges that players have faced both on and off the field.
One of the standout features of the book is the author's attention to detail. From the descriptions of the pitches to the recollections of key moments in matches, Sundaresan brings his readers into the heart of the action. He also provides interesting insights into the changing face of cricket journalism, and the challenges faced by reporters who must balance their professional duties with the demands of social media and the ever-present pressure of breaking news.
Overall, "The Miracle Makers" is a must-read for cricket fans and anyone interested in the stories of extraordinary people who have achieved great things. Sundaresan's passion for the game shines through in his writing, making this an engaging and inspiring read. Highly recommended.
October 1, 2024
Cricket is a religion in India and the only religion I believe in, BGT 2020-21 was one of the greatest series and had the makings of a blockbuster drama where the Indian team faced rock bottom and then rose to win the series by beating Australia in Australia. So the series was spectacular and this is one of the books based on that series there would be more books and movies and TV series about it. This was a nice read though it meandered a bit here and there. But it was nice to revisit the series, especially to finish the book today when India won another great test match in a great way where the result seemed impossible a few days ago. This was more of an informal book less about cricket and more about the author's experiences covering the series. I feel like scorecards might have been helpful as well. I also enjoy the author's YouTube videos. This series has guided me to different YouTube channels covering cricket not only from India but Australia and Pakistan as well. Well then let's watch some matches and Keep on Reading.
People who don't read generally ask me my reasons for reading. Simply put, I absolutely love reading, so I have made it my motto to Forever Keep on Reading. I love reading everything except for self-help books, even occasionally. I read almost all the genres but YA, Fantasy, and Biographies are the most read. My favorite series is Harry Potter, but then there are many more books I adore. I have bookcases filled with books that are waiting to be read so I can't stay and spend more time on this review, so remember I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
People who don't read generally ask me my reasons for reading. Simply put, I absolutely love reading, so I have made it my motto to Forever Keep on Reading. I love reading everything except for self-help books, even occasionally. I read almost all the genres but YA, Fantasy, and Biographies are the most read. My favorite series is Harry Potter, but then there are many more books I adore. I have bookcases filled with books that are waiting to be read so I can't stay and spend more time on this review, so remember I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
September 6, 2023
Bharat is my favourite author and cricket journalist . I don't miss his columns nor any of his books. There was no one else positioned to write about this miraculous series other than Bharat. I consider it my good fortune to have been able to see this series on TV since we were in the WFH mode due to the pandemic.
This series will be one of my top 5 cricketing moments even when I breathe my last. The writing is so good and compelling that I had to go to YouTube and see the highlights of all the games again. The excitement is unmatched. The winning shot by pant still gives me goosebumps!
For a lover of Indian cricket, this book is a must-buy-must-read. A classic!!!
This series will be one of my top 5 cricketing moments even when I breathe my last. The writing is so good and compelling that I had to go to YouTube and see the highlights of all the games again. The excitement is unmatched. The winning shot by pant still gives me goosebumps!
For a lover of Indian cricket, this book is a must-buy-must-read. A classic!!!
March 20, 2025
This was a mixed bag. I dropped the book after the first five chapters because it felt too dull. I was expecting to dive into the test series, but the first 4 chapters tested my patience; feels like they're filler to beef up the size of the book than to enrich it's content. A few months later, I decided to give it another shot. This time around, starting from chapter 6, the focus was on the tests and it was a page turner. Bharat's insights into the net sessions really worked for me. While Bharat's access to the dressing certainly added to the details and depth, I can't help but worry about the consequences of access-journalism: they'd hesitate to be critical of those granting access.
Coming to the downsides, this book leans heavily on anecdotes and is riddeled with narrative & hindsight bias. While I'm in the minority who enjoy technical aspects of the game, this book doesn't provide any data or employ infographics.
As the saying about journalists goes 'If someone says it’s raining and another person says it’s dry, it’s not your job to quote them both. It’s your job to look out the window and find out which is true'. I was hoping for an analytical approach with data backed discussions on anecdotal aspects such as average percentage of false shots resulting in wickets compared to the fateful innings of 36 all-out, if Umesh's half volleys reduced after being dropped, how Jadeja's release points varied after 2018, or the average turn in session 1 at MCG...
While it does take one down the memory lane, I'm not sure how much value it adds to fans who followed the series very closely. Feels like a lost opportunity.
2.5 stars
Coming to the downsides, this book leans heavily on anecdotes and is riddeled with narrative & hindsight bias. While I'm in the minority who enjoy technical aspects of the game, this book doesn't provide any data or employ infographics.
As the saying about journalists goes 'If someone says it’s raining and another person says it’s dry, it’s not your job to quote them both. It’s your job to look out the window and find out which is true'. I was hoping for an analytical approach with data backed discussions on anecdotal aspects such as average percentage of false shots resulting in wickets compared to the fateful innings of 36 all-out, if Umesh's half volleys reduced after being dropped, how Jadeja's release points varied after 2018, or the average turn in session 1 at MCG...
While it does take one down the memory lane, I'm not sure how much value it adds to fans who followed the series very closely. Feels like a lost opportunity.
2.5 stars
November 5, 2023
This is a decent work. What makes it stand out is that it is not centred around a few celebrated players or individuals. So, for example, the reader gets chapters on the coaches (not much about the batting coach though)--Ravi Shastri and Bharat Arun. The other good thing about "The Miracle Makers" is that it is not match-centric either. So, the writing does not provide match-by-match or ball-by-ball descriptions and exclamations.
Yet, there are multiple problems. One, that the personal travails of the authors--of travelling through Australia during the pandemic to follow cricket matches--get increasingly side-lined as the narrative moves ahead. Second, there are no statistics or pictures featured in the work. As a result, the writing has the tendency to come across as being too personal or idiosyncratic, to the extent that the authors have almost unbridled access to the Indian team's players and support staff. Finally, the book would have been much better balanced and insightful had the authors managed to speak with some of the Australian players and staff. Hence, instead of the reader getting the sense that the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2020-21 was indeed epic, the sense that she gets is that she must believe the Trophy was epic because the authors of the book say so.
Overall, if the reader of "The Miracle Makers" is familiar with Sundaresan's earlier work with Suresh Raina on the latter's memoir, she would find this book to be (surprisingly) insipid, disappointing, and underwhelming.
Yet, there are multiple problems. One, that the personal travails of the authors--of travelling through Australia during the pandemic to follow cricket matches--get increasingly side-lined as the narrative moves ahead. Second, there are no statistics or pictures featured in the work. As a result, the writing has the tendency to come across as being too personal or idiosyncratic, to the extent that the authors have almost unbridled access to the Indian team's players and support staff. Finally, the book would have been much better balanced and insightful had the authors managed to speak with some of the Australian players and staff. Hence, instead of the reader getting the sense that the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2020-21 was indeed epic, the sense that she gets is that she must believe the Trophy was epic because the authors of the book say so.
Overall, if the reader of "The Miracle Makers" is familiar with Sundaresan's earlier work with Suresh Raina on the latter's memoir, she would find this book to be (surprisingly) insipid, disappointing, and underwhelming.
March 20, 2023
Spent the past few days reading about one of the greatest moments of Indian Cricket in the form of The Miracle Makers by Bharat Sundaresan and Gaurav Joshi
The book takes you behind the scenes of the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21, the infamous 36 all out, and the rise from the ashes at Gabba by the Indian Team to win the series.
This book tells you all that happened not just on the field, but off the field as well and the in-betweens. Bharat and Gaurav have also described the lengths they had to cover to capture all the right moments.
I went back and watched the highlights of every single match as the book progressed from the White Ball series to the Test Series and I was able to watch it from a different perspective with the knowledge of the incidents shared in the book.
The Miracle Makers is not just a book but a whole journey through those 2.5 months of India's tour of Australia and what a wonderful journey it is!
The book takes you behind the scenes of the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21, the infamous 36 all out, and the rise from the ashes at Gabba by the Indian Team to win the series.
This book tells you all that happened not just on the field, but off the field as well and the in-betweens. Bharat and Gaurav have also described the lengths they had to cover to capture all the right moments.
I went back and watched the highlights of every single match as the book progressed from the White Ball series to the Test Series and I was able to watch it from a different perspective with the knowledge of the incidents shared in the book.
The Miracle Makers is not just a book but a whole journey through those 2.5 months of India's tour of Australia and what a wonderful journey it is!
April 26, 2024
Miracle Makers is a story of an epic test series which took place between India and Australia in late 2020 and early 2021. It is a story of grit, determination and the hard-work done by the Indian team to come out of a devastating 36-all-out innings in the first test match, to eventually win the series. An actual miracle. Although, there have been 2 documentaries already on this series, this book by Bharat Sundaresan has it's own beauty.
Bharat unveils the context by talking about various things going around the series. He talks about players, the IPL before the series, the coaching staff, the cricket culture of Australia, the day-to-day racism and how the test cricket is coming out to become an ultimate cricket format.
I had watched this series, so I was remembering a few details here and there, but reading Bharat talk about them with extra elegance makes this book special. A must read, if you're a test cricket fan.
Bharat unveils the context by talking about various things going around the series. He talks about players, the IPL before the series, the coaching staff, the cricket culture of Australia, the day-to-day racism and how the test cricket is coming out to become an ultimate cricket format.
I had watched this series, so I was remembering a few details here and there, but reading Bharat talk about them with extra elegance makes this book special. A must read, if you're a test cricket fan.
December 31, 2023
The 2020-21 Test series in Australia was a thrilling cricket tournament, featuring four matches under COVID-19 standards. India won the series in Adelaide, followed by a 2-1 victory in Melbourne. The book "The Miracle Makers: Indian Cricket's Greatest Epic" provides in-depth coverage of the matches, analysis of performances, and interviews with players and coaches. Bharat Sundaresan, a cricket journalist, gave readers an inside look into the teams' preparations and strategies, providing a comprehensive view of the series. The book offers unparalleled access to the players, locker room, coaches, and support staff, providing a captivating behind-the-scenes look at the thrilling cricket experience.
December 26, 2023
Being a fanatic cricket fan you want to follow every important cricket tour that happen around the world. With the fast paced nature of our world today you cannot do that anymore.
We have cricket all around the year now and by the time you are able to read different articles and blogs on what happened in a given series, a new one has already started.
Bharat brings us back to the old journalism. For a series that will go down in the history books as one of the greatest, it’s apt to have a book that shows us not just what happened on the cricket field but behind the scenes as well.
A must read for every cricket nerd out there.
We have cricket all around the year now and by the time you are able to read different articles and blogs on what happened in a given series, a new one has already started.
Bharat brings us back to the old journalism. For a series that will go down in the history books as one of the greatest, it’s apt to have a book that shows us not just what happened on the cricket field but behind the scenes as well.
A must read for every cricket nerd out there.
April 26, 2023
Maybe 3.5 star.
A good book about one of the most entertaining cricket series in a long time. I kind of liked the way the author talked about all the non cricket related things that played part. It could have been a better book if there was more details about the mental state of different players like Pujara, Rohit, Bumrah etc. This felt like just the book from the perspective of two journalists with some inputs from two Indians coaches. Also some insights into what was going in the dressing room of Australian team would have made this much more interesting.
A good book about one of the most entertaining cricket series in a long time. I kind of liked the way the author talked about all the non cricket related things that played part. It could have been a better book if there was more details about the mental state of different players like Pujara, Rohit, Bumrah etc. This felt like just the book from the perspective of two journalists with some inputs from two Indians coaches. Also some insights into what was going in the dressing room of Australian team would have made this much more interesting.
August 16, 2023
Bharat has written regarding the extraordinary circumstances in which this series was played. He has also mentioned the thoughts of the coaches and the players involved in this series. However I would have liked if he would have mentioned in more detail what it was like from the commentators perspective about Sydney and Gabba tests especially Rishabh Pant's batting in Sydney or the batting on the last day at Gabba.
October 26, 2023
I brought this book as a remembrance of the greatest win of the Indian team. The book provided interesting insights into the team's thinking and the "legside strategy".
The pacing/ordering is a bit haphazard. Chapters on Individual personalities in between felt obstructing the flow.
As the book was released almost 2 years later, authors could have included updates on the debut players' trajectory after the series and how the series has changed them.
The pacing/ordering is a bit haphazard. Chapters on Individual personalities in between felt obstructing the flow.
As the book was released almost 2 years later, authors could have included updates on the debut players' trajectory after the series and how the series has changed them.
April 29, 2024
Giving behind the scene dope on what happened on the field was such a journey. This is one series that everyone relates in Indian cricket, a revolution named Rishabh Pant.
This was full of moments, and Bharat Sundaresan is such a good writer. I was able to sprint in the book. Very well written all the key moments.
What I would have loved more is the references of the scorecards and some match incidents. Some rundown on match commentary wouldnt have been bad though
This was full of moments, and Bharat Sundaresan is such a good writer. I was able to sprint in the book. Very well written all the key moments.
What I would have loved more is the references of the scorecards and some match incidents. Some rundown on match commentary wouldnt have been bad though
November 6, 2024
The authors help the readers relive the historic Indian tour of Australia in 2020-21 with their non-linear style of narration. The COVID wave adds to the challenge of covering the tour as the authors rush from one state to another before the midnight hour leads to closure of the borders. A classic tour definitely needed such a well-paced account but some historical context would have added to the heft. Without such context, the book is content to remain a mere tour diary.
January 9, 2025
Recently I have been disappointed with writing on indian cricket. This is based on contemporary writing on character as well as events. It always felt the writer got in the way rather than enhancing the story or personality.
However this was a great read. Loved the back story of Covid protocols and selection of each chapter leading to the event.
I would strongly reccomend reading it. It helped me overcome the 2024 dissapointing BGT series.
However this was a great read. Loved the back story of Covid protocols and selection of each chapter leading to the event.
I would strongly reccomend reading it. It helped me overcome the 2024 dissapointing BGT series.
May 8, 2023
Good read about one of the most important moments of Indian sporting history. I felt that the book could be organized better and flies from narrative to narrative too randomly at times. However, Bharat Sundaresan covers many of the lesser known aspects of the Series quite well and the book is an engaging read.
May 13, 2024
Very rarely can a sports tournament / series that too in cricket, be brought back to life yet again through a book. Bharat captures everything on and off the field which was played out during one of the worst times for mankind. A once in a generation pandemic did not stop our Indian team from achieving an epic all-time great series win in Australia. A must read.
March 25, 2023
brilliant ! brings back so.many memories
Just a lovely recap of the emotions behind probably the greatest comeback stories in test cricket history. A must read.
Just a lovely recap of the emotions behind probably the greatest comeback stories in test cricket history. A must read.
August 4, 2023
You simply want more of this tour, don’t you ? It was absolutely amazing to relive those memories through this book . For any avid cricket fan this would be a treat !
October 8, 2023
Good read for anyone who wishes to relive the epic IND v AUS series of 2020-21.
I wish it covered the test series in greater detail
I wish it covered the test series in greater detail
February 10, 2024
Excellent account of India's one of the greatest ever test series wins. Must read for Indian Cricket Team fans.
July 31, 2025
rishab pant madness. gabba heroics.. must read for every test cricket fan
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October 29, 2024A fantastic behind the scenes retelling of ‘that’ test series in Australia that brings back memories of all the special events that occurred during the otherwise not so great pandemic years. Loved the easy to read and relate to writing style of the author which really builds that connection with the person reading the book as if it were a part of a casual conversation recollecting all that happened. Made me go back to look at the highlights of the some of the matches. Would have loved to see some iconic photos of the some key moments as a part of this book which would have definitely added to the narrative.
September 4, 2024
Disappointed!!!
I had hoped to get inside details about the mindset, preparation and other related info about both the teams on this amazing tour, but what we got was a jumbled up version of what it was like to look from the outside.
I had hoped to get inside details about the mindset, preparation and other related info about both the teams on this amazing tour, but what we got was a jumbled up version of what it was like to look from the outside.
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