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Sachin Tendulkar: The Man Cricket Loved Back
‘“Sachin Sachin” will reverberate in my ears till I stop breathing’—Sachin Tendulkar in his farewell speech
Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement from the sport in November 2013 was among the most-watched cricket events of the year, one that tugged at the heartstrings of Indians and cricket lovers worldwide. Shortly after he walked off the field for the last time, the Government of India bestowed the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian honour, on him.
Sachin Tendulkar: The Man Cricket Loved Back is an ESPNcricinfo anthology of fine writing on India’s greatest cricketer. This collection brings together affectionate and perceptive appreciations from teammates and rivals who saw Tendulkar up close—among them, V.V.S. Laxman, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, John Wright, Allan Donald, Greg Chappell, Sanjay Manjrekar and Aakash Chopra—and contributions from the who’s who of cricket writing, including Gideon Haigh, Mike Marqusee, Ayaz Memon, Ed Smith, Mark Nicholas, Rohit Brijnath, Sharda Ugra and Mukul Kesavan. It also features several interviews conducted with Sachin over the years, and superb pictures of him on and off the field, making for a comprehensive portrait of the cricketer and the man through the eyes of those who have watched and studied him from the closest quarters.
About The Author
ESPN cricinfo has been the No. 1 cricket website in the world since it first went online in 1993. With a monthly average of over 20 million readers worldwide, it is also among the largest single-sport websites in the world. The site pioneered live ball-by-ball updates and it continues to be the leader in the field. This is backed up by text- and video-based match analysis content, providing a comprehensive coverage menu. The site runs its own global news operation, and its news and match coverage are supplemented by videos, opinion pieces, features, interviews and blogs.
ESPNcricinfo’s previous book titles are: Sealed with a Six: The Story of the 2011 World Cup; Timeless Steel, an anthology on Rahul Dravid; and Talking Cricket, a collection of interviews with legends of the game.
Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement from the sport in November 2013 was among the most-watched cricket events of the year, one that tugged at the heartstrings of Indians and cricket lovers worldwide. Shortly after he walked off the field for the last time, the Government of India bestowed the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian honour, on him.
Sachin Tendulkar: The Man Cricket Loved Back is an ESPNcricinfo anthology of fine writing on India’s greatest cricketer. This collection brings together affectionate and perceptive appreciations from teammates and rivals who saw Tendulkar up close—among them, V.V.S. Laxman, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, John Wright, Allan Donald, Greg Chappell, Sanjay Manjrekar and Aakash Chopra—and contributions from the who’s who of cricket writing, including Gideon Haigh, Mike Marqusee, Ayaz Memon, Ed Smith, Mark Nicholas, Rohit Brijnath, Sharda Ugra and Mukul Kesavan. It also features several interviews conducted with Sachin over the years, and superb pictures of him on and off the field, making for a comprehensive portrait of the cricketer and the man through the eyes of those who have watched and studied him from the closest quarters.
About The Author
ESPN cricinfo has been the No. 1 cricket website in the world since it first went online in 1993. With a monthly average of over 20 million readers worldwide, it is also among the largest single-sport websites in the world. The site pioneered live ball-by-ball updates and it continues to be the leader in the field. This is backed up by text- and video-based match analysis content, providing a comprehensive coverage menu. The site runs its own global news operation, and its news and match coverage are supplemented by videos, opinion pieces, features, interviews and blogs.
ESPNcricinfo’s previous book titles are: Sealed with a Six: The Story of the 2011 World Cup; Timeless Steel, an anthology on Rahul Dravid; and Talking Cricket, a collection of interviews with legends of the game.
262 pages, Hardcover
First published February 15, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 15, 2014
A fitting tribute to the Batting genius. Top picks from this assortment of essays.
1.Rahul Bhattacharya's essay wherein he terms Sachin as a national habit.
2.Ganguly's tribute gives insights into their relationship. Ganguly also takes an indirect dig at Dhoni.
3.Rahul Dravid's eloquently worded tribute.
4.Greg Baum's classic essay written originally as a magazine piece back in 2003.
5.Mukul Kesavan's technical dissection in his inimitable style. It would have been better if a more recent essay by Mukul had been used instead of the 2002 one.
BTW,Rohit Brijnath missed badly.Equivalent to a straight drive missing in a Sachin double ton.
1.Rahul Bhattacharya's essay wherein he terms Sachin as a national habit.
2.Ganguly's tribute gives insights into their relationship. Ganguly also takes an indirect dig at Dhoni.
3.Rahul Dravid's eloquently worded tribute.
4.Greg Baum's classic essay written originally as a magazine piece back in 2003.
5.Mukul Kesavan's technical dissection in his inimitable style. It would have been better if a more recent essay by Mukul had been used instead of the 2002 one.
BTW,Rohit Brijnath missed badly.Equivalent to a straight drive missing in a Sachin double ton.
November 13, 2016
"How easily he carries the hopes and takes responsibility for the well-being of untold millions on that impossible subcontinent; in this, he is also divine. All eyes are upon him, day and night, but no scandal has attached itself, not in his private life nor in his cricket endeavours. Across the land, he is the little man on the big posters and hoardings, creating a kind of reverse Big Brother effect; he is not watching them but they are watching him. Still he stands tall."
The book made me fall in love with Tendulkar again revealing unknown aspects about his sincerity, dedication, humility and calmness. The man is a thorough gentleman in the league of Dravid, Kumble in this aspect.
Technically came to know how every1 respected him as the complete batsman and importantly as a man who could adapt fast, could change his stance at will, who refused to the bait of sledging and yet refused to judge ppl for it.
Summing it up, do read if u grew up watching him bat in the 90s and later. And from what I have heard, this may be better than his autobiography.
The book made me fall in love with Tendulkar again revealing unknown aspects about his sincerity, dedication, humility and calmness. The man is a thorough gentleman in the league of Dravid, Kumble in this aspect.
Technically came to know how every1 respected him as the complete batsman and importantly as a man who could adapt fast, could change his stance at will, who refused to the bait of sledging and yet refused to judge ppl for it.
Summing it up, do read if u grew up watching him bat in the 90s and later. And from what I have heard, this may be better than his autobiography.
October 28, 2014
The Sachin connection is a deeply personal one, one that just is. So, when I started this book, I wanted to see if the articles have the variety and depth to try and cover Sachin Tendulkar, the person, the cricketer, the phenomenon. To that end, Cricinfo has ensured that this book encompasses most of that: the discerning and the rapturous, the whimsical and the contextual, the intimate and the critical, the technical and the deifying, the statistical and the anecdotal, from nostalgia on the rocks to pantheons and pedestals, from the mentor and from the common man, from the opponent and from the commentator, and most of all, the frantic worshipper in your heart.
#ThankYouSachin
#ThankYouSachin
January 11, 2015
The collection of writings on the greatest Indian sporting legend by some of the greatest writers associated directly or indirectly with the sport brings out the beautiful moments of ingenuity, valor, sportsmanship and dedication that the nation saw in nearly a quarter of a century in its timeline. Some of them bring tears, some joy and others just pure respect for what he did on and off the field. A must read for every Sachin Tendulkar fan.
October 3, 2017
'A collection of memoirs on Sachin Tendulkar's journey of twenty four years on and off the cricket field and the pitch'
This is how I would like to sum up this compilation on the batting maestro by ESPN Cricinfo. The experiences with him narrated by a few off the many Sachin Tendulkar's team mates and captains through his cricketing journey elevates the cricketing sense of this little boyish nutcracker of a batsman and a genius at work, to unknown quarters. A few narrate their stories to deliver constructive criticism (could also be called critics). A few exaggerations in the stories could be forgiven, for their sheer amplification of the batting maestro's abilities as a batsman, as a bowler, and in short, as a complete cricketer. Then, there are a few, who mark the beginning of their narration by associating the term, 'Batting Colossus' with this imperial short statured giant, proceeding onwards to illustrate the colossal successes and failures in the little master's long enduring career. A few others lay emphasis on the personal traits of 'Tendleya' and how he maintained calm and composure even during the most toughest and testing times on the cricket pitch and in the dressing room. A few, previously untold stories on the sense of humor that the maestro carried off with poised elegance and dignity find a deserved mention of, in this short biography by many dignitaries on him. The ESPN Cricinfo team is to be appreciated for putting their soul into this project to bring into life this cricketing magnum opus's childhood, illustrious career and his statesmanship on display as a veteran in the team during the fag end of his career. The words from some of the other elite list of cricketers including his long time team mates and friends such as Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, V V S Laxman, Yuvraj Singh to name a few, adds to the glorious illustrations provided by others in this compilation.
There are the likes of Greg Chappel and John Wright (both, Team India's coaches during different phases of Sachin's career), who very evidently from their own choice of words express gratification and privilege of having coached him, as an embodiment of Sachin Tendulkar's conduct as a player, as a team player and as an adorable human being. John Wright, in particular, seems impressed by the maestro's hunger for runs and the self motivating techniques implemented by him to achieve the goals set by him during a match or even for an entire cricketing season for that matter. The cricketing ordeals with the other great contemporaries of his playing era, especially the one special and talented nemesis nicknamed 'the pigeon' finds a worthy mention and gets the adrenaline pumping for its readers. In my view, these particulars on the rivalry between the two legends, if compiled as an episode cannot be left out of any book off the many describing the pyrotechnics of the little giant. For, it proves that Sachin Tendulkar, the cricketing God admired and worshipped in the sub continent did have many shortcomings and his own pitfalls against many Lords, who graced the game of cricket during his playing days. Glenn Mcgrath, never failed to bring the best out of Sachin Tendulkar and the same can be implied vice versa. As is evident, from the facts, statistics, and historic encounters presented in the book between the two stalwarts, the Pigeon had an upper hand hands down. However, Sachin Tendulkar did have his say in the rivalry in the form of the cameos that devastated Mcgrath's bowling figures and rhythm to leave its effect and impact on the course of the match. The various forgetful events, which for good or bad occurred during his reign as a captain and as a player for India, never fails to board the bus in the encroachment of this illustrious long cricketing journey. Sachin Tendulkar's struggle with the two most career threatening injuries, the back spasm and the tennis elbow gives an exclusive, but elusive turn of events in his cricketing life, which eluded him off the privilege of taking the field for Indian team for a period close to a year, on both occasions. The contributions and support of his coaches, his family members, and his team mates during the allegedly prolonged International Test career leaves the debate open for the critics and the experts alike, on the lines of the untimely retirement and the inappropriateness attached with the whole 'Last Test Series of a retiring legend' saga. I, personally don't anticipate any mistimed perception or judgment on either his retirement or the choice of venue, the opposition team and the country for hosting the legendary batsmen's farewell Test series.
Sachin Tendulkar. It's a name that drew crowds to the cricket stadiums during the first decade and a half of the genius' illustrious, game changing, goal fulfilling, and immensely gratifying career. The professional in him, stood out during his entire career to allow yesteryear greats, the cheerful and the enthusiastic masses, contemporary legends to undisputedly induce him into the Hall of Fame, in unison. For an ardent cricket fan like me and many more, the retirement of one of the game's greatest ambassador, a persona of conduct, grace, elegance, and pyrotechnics, a humble but a magnificent statesman, a revered veteran, a widely adored Cricketing Colossus; marked the beginning of an era, where in all the legitimate, persistent, incomprehensible, and legal doubts of a child prodigy, as persevered in his approach towards the game and as disciplined in his execution of commendable work ethic making it count to establish a dynasty of extraordinary batsmanship, could be laid to rest permanently. Goes without saying, isn't it?
The caricatures - 'Tendleya', 'The Little Master', 'The poster boy of Indian cricket', 'The Little Maestro', and 'Indian cricket' until the beginning of the twenty first century and henceforth; defined Sachin Tendulkar in more ways than one. For now, with Sachin Tendulkar's retirement, an entire nation has, in a sublime manner endorsed the new father figure, and a stern disciple of a game called cricket, for the one last time; before the heartbreaking, harsh reality of a distinguished number four bat - no more walking out of the pavilion or down the aisle with a loud shouts of 'Sachin, Sachin! Sachin, Sachi......' from the endearing crowds at the fall of wicket number two to take a definitive and a decisive stance, undesirably dawns on his countrymen.
The Game of Cricket will certainly live long until eternity to witness several greats of Sachin Tendulkar's caricature, but we will not.
This is how I would like to sum up this compilation on the batting maestro by ESPN Cricinfo. The experiences with him narrated by a few off the many Sachin Tendulkar's team mates and captains through his cricketing journey elevates the cricketing sense of this little boyish nutcracker of a batsman and a genius at work, to unknown quarters. A few narrate their stories to deliver constructive criticism (could also be called critics). A few exaggerations in the stories could be forgiven, for their sheer amplification of the batting maestro's abilities as a batsman, as a bowler, and in short, as a complete cricketer. Then, there are a few, who mark the beginning of their narration by associating the term, 'Batting Colossus' with this imperial short statured giant, proceeding onwards to illustrate the colossal successes and failures in the little master's long enduring career. A few others lay emphasis on the personal traits of 'Tendleya' and how he maintained calm and composure even during the most toughest and testing times on the cricket pitch and in the dressing room. A few, previously untold stories on the sense of humor that the maestro carried off with poised elegance and dignity find a deserved mention of, in this short biography by many dignitaries on him. The ESPN Cricinfo team is to be appreciated for putting their soul into this project to bring into life this cricketing magnum opus's childhood, illustrious career and his statesmanship on display as a veteran in the team during the fag end of his career. The words from some of the other elite list of cricketers including his long time team mates and friends such as Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, V V S Laxman, Yuvraj Singh to name a few, adds to the glorious illustrations provided by others in this compilation.
There are the likes of Greg Chappel and John Wright (both, Team India's coaches during different phases of Sachin's career), who very evidently from their own choice of words express gratification and privilege of having coached him, as an embodiment of Sachin Tendulkar's conduct as a player, as a team player and as an adorable human being. John Wright, in particular, seems impressed by the maestro's hunger for runs and the self motivating techniques implemented by him to achieve the goals set by him during a match or even for an entire cricketing season for that matter. The cricketing ordeals with the other great contemporaries of his playing era, especially the one special and talented nemesis nicknamed 'the pigeon' finds a worthy mention and gets the adrenaline pumping for its readers. In my view, these particulars on the rivalry between the two legends, if compiled as an episode cannot be left out of any book off the many describing the pyrotechnics of the little giant. For, it proves that Sachin Tendulkar, the cricketing God admired and worshipped in the sub continent did have many shortcomings and his own pitfalls against many Lords, who graced the game of cricket during his playing days. Glenn Mcgrath, never failed to bring the best out of Sachin Tendulkar and the same can be implied vice versa. As is evident, from the facts, statistics, and historic encounters presented in the book between the two stalwarts, the Pigeon had an upper hand hands down. However, Sachin Tendulkar did have his say in the rivalry in the form of the cameos that devastated Mcgrath's bowling figures and rhythm to leave its effect and impact on the course of the match. The various forgetful events, which for good or bad occurred during his reign as a captain and as a player for India, never fails to board the bus in the encroachment of this illustrious long cricketing journey. Sachin Tendulkar's struggle with the two most career threatening injuries, the back spasm and the tennis elbow gives an exclusive, but elusive turn of events in his cricketing life, which eluded him off the privilege of taking the field for Indian team for a period close to a year, on both occasions. The contributions and support of his coaches, his family members, and his team mates during the allegedly prolonged International Test career leaves the debate open for the critics and the experts alike, on the lines of the untimely retirement and the inappropriateness attached with the whole 'Last Test Series of a retiring legend' saga. I, personally don't anticipate any mistimed perception or judgment on either his retirement or the choice of venue, the opposition team and the country for hosting the legendary batsmen's farewell Test series.
Sachin Tendulkar. It's a name that drew crowds to the cricket stadiums during the first decade and a half of the genius' illustrious, game changing, goal fulfilling, and immensely gratifying career. The professional in him, stood out during his entire career to allow yesteryear greats, the cheerful and the enthusiastic masses, contemporary legends to undisputedly induce him into the Hall of Fame, in unison. For an ardent cricket fan like me and many more, the retirement of one of the game's greatest ambassador, a persona of conduct, grace, elegance, and pyrotechnics, a humble but a magnificent statesman, a revered veteran, a widely adored Cricketing Colossus; marked the beginning of an era, where in all the legitimate, persistent, incomprehensible, and legal doubts of a child prodigy, as persevered in his approach towards the game and as disciplined in his execution of commendable work ethic making it count to establish a dynasty of extraordinary batsmanship, could be laid to rest permanently. Goes without saying, isn't it?
The caricatures - 'Tendleya', 'The Little Master', 'The poster boy of Indian cricket', 'The Little Maestro', and 'Indian cricket' until the beginning of the twenty first century and henceforth; defined Sachin Tendulkar in more ways than one. For now, with Sachin Tendulkar's retirement, an entire nation has, in a sublime manner endorsed the new father figure, and a stern disciple of a game called cricket, for the one last time; before the heartbreaking, harsh reality of a distinguished number four bat - no more walking out of the pavilion or down the aisle with a loud shouts of 'Sachin, Sachin! Sachin, Sachi......' from the endearing crowds at the fall of wicket number two to take a definitive and a decisive stance, undesirably dawns on his countrymen.
The Game of Cricket will certainly live long until eternity to witness several greats of Sachin Tendulkar's caricature, but we will not.
April 3, 2016
It might appear otherwise, but publishing a collection of articles on the most analysed and documented cricketer of this (or any generation) isn't an easy task. More often than not, the articles tend to emphasise the same point and often read repetitive. More over, there is hardly any aspect that hadn't been documented or read before. The articles (presented here) often were published on their website, so the publishers were already treading these risks. The book also falters a little on these aspect, but the writers (more so, their subject) manage to lift it every time.
The publishers have done their best to cover Sachin Tendulkar's cricketing career with an ensemble of writers and to capture the sentiments of the cricketing world and that of the nation. Some articles stand out more than the others by the sheer magnitude of the emotions they capture, some have more recall value (specially the ones by his team mates) than the others and some succeed in presenting a unique aspect, and all these present a cricketing sketch of a man who has been painted on a million canvases before. The sketch, possibly because of the subject, still has the power to draw you, to amaze you.
The book could have done better by including more articles about his personal life which still remains elusive and more words from the man himself. These finishing touches to the sketch remain missing.
Overall, a good collection of the articles still.
The publishers have done their best to cover Sachin Tendulkar's cricketing career with an ensemble of writers and to capture the sentiments of the cricketing world and that of the nation. Some articles stand out more than the others by the sheer magnitude of the emotions they capture, some have more recall value (specially the ones by his team mates) than the others and some succeed in presenting a unique aspect, and all these present a cricketing sketch of a man who has been painted on a million canvases before. The sketch, possibly because of the subject, still has the power to draw you, to amaze you.
The book could have done better by including more articles about his personal life which still remains elusive and more words from the man himself. These finishing touches to the sketch remain missing.
Overall, a good collection of the articles still.
December 15, 2014
There are few who are blessed and talented to make a living out of the written word. When some of the best amongst them come together and write about the one individual who has fueled the imagination, happinesses and sadnesses of a generation, the product cannot be anything but awesome. This book consists of some of the best essays that have been scripted in context of the little master and if you are a die hard fan (which I am), these essays somehow manage to elevate the greatness of the achievements and the feats that Sachin Tendulkar has accomplished throughout his distinguished career.
An aspect of the collection that makes it even more special is that the articles are collected from different times in Sachin's career thus lending themselves to nostalgia and helping the reader reminisce over that particular part of their own lives. Almost every article has a "what were you doing when" quality to them as they walk through Sachin's cricketing journey.
I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of writings that indeed makes the reader relive some of the finest moments of cricketing lore over an era that belonged to Sachin Tendulkar
An aspect of the collection that makes it even more special is that the articles are collected from different times in Sachin's career thus lending themselves to nostalgia and helping the reader reminisce over that particular part of their own lives. Almost every article has a "what were you doing when" quality to them as they walk through Sachin's cricketing journey.
I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of writings that indeed makes the reader relive some of the finest moments of cricketing lore over an era that belonged to Sachin Tendulkar
January 31, 2020
This is second installment by ESPNCricinfo on cricket. First was Rahul Dravid: Timeless Steel and now its Sachin Tendulkar 'The Man cricket loved back'. Just like last time this one also has older and new articles about Sachin and few interviews as well. It was nice reading newer and older articles about Sachin from all around the world.
People who don't read generally ask me my reasons for reading. Simply put I just love reading and so to that end I have made it my motto to just Keep on Reading. I love to read everything except for Self Help books but even those once in a while. I read almost all the genre but YA, Fantasy, Biographies are the most. My favorite series is, of course, Harry Potter but then there are many more books that I just adore. I have bookcases filled with books which are waiting to be read so can't stay and spend more time in 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 just love reading and so to that end I have made it my motto to just Keep on Reading. I love to read everything except for Self Help books but even those once in a while. I read almost all the genre but YA, Fantasy, Biographies are the most. My favorite series is, of course, Harry Potter but then there are many more books that I just adore. I have bookcases filled with books which are waiting to be read so can't stay and spend more time in 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.
January 16, 2015
This is a top class book on the world's best batsman. The articles are amazing in quality but not in quantity. The book could have been edited better because some of the essays are just repetitive.
Also just like ESPN Cricinfo did with the the Rahul Dravid book they could have divided the articles in groups as well. For example, all the pieces by teammates and fellow players could have been clubbed under a single heading.
But the photographs in the book are top quality and makes you want to go back and keep looking at them. Just like a regular Tendulkar inning :)
Some of the articles by Saurav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Telford Vice, Andy Zatzman, Rahul Bhattacharya deserve special mentions. Also Sidharth Monga writing about SRT's last Test in South Africa is the best match report you'll ever read.
Also just like ESPN Cricinfo did with the the Rahul Dravid book they could have divided the articles in groups as well. For example, all the pieces by teammates and fellow players could have been clubbed under a single heading.
But the photographs in the book are top quality and makes you want to go back and keep looking at them. Just like a regular Tendulkar inning :)
Some of the articles by Saurav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Telford Vice, Andy Zatzman, Rahul Bhattacharya deserve special mentions. Also Sidharth Monga writing about SRT's last Test in South Africa is the best match report you'll ever read.
April 19, 2014
A mixed bag. Some ordinary pieces by otherwise fine writers like Gideon Haigh, some unsurprisingly good pieces like Siddarth Vaidyanathan's or Mukul Kesavan's, some "could've been a cracker of a piece but too long" like Siddarth Mongia's on his last test match hundred against South Africa, some pointless boring interviews (one to Rohit Brijnath) , some surprisingly fun ( Ganguly's), some emotional (Yuvraj's to an extent). Many mentions of Perth, that broken nose against Waqar & Wasim, a few even from school. Some nostalgia inducing. Some almost tear-inducing. This anthology of articles on Sachin isn't perfect but they're the best alternative to watching YouTube videos of his innings.
April 27, 2017
Before reading my review you should know that I am a SachinHolic and I love everything related to him. Needless to say now that I loved the book. It's a compilation of articles written over the period of time by well known cricketers (including his teammates) and sports journalists. Few articles are very interesting (specially the ones by the close friends and teammates) and few are more technical. Also as they were written in different timelines they are quite different from each other and you never lose interest. Overall if you are a Sachin fan (who's not?) it's a must have book for you.
December 12, 2014
As I was reading the different essays by eminent cricketers and sports journalists capturing the most memorable moments of the batting maestro's career, I relived the different phases of my life coinciding with them. Few of the innings have got repeated mentioning in different essays as it can't be avoided given the fact they enthralled every single cricket fan.I felt it as pleasant reading warm before going to pick his own version(Playing it my way).
February 14, 2019
Blissful. Reading each page of this book felt so good.
For someone who is more Dravid fanboy than Sachin, I could still get the strong emotions with which some of the best writers/influencers of Cricket have written their articles.
I can die for a similar book on Dravid!!
For someone who is more Dravid fanboy than Sachin, I could still get the strong emotions with which some of the best writers/influencers of Cricket have written their articles.
I can die for a similar book on Dravid!!
March 30, 2014
A very good collection of articles of the batting legend. The book has rare pictures of Sachin Tendulkar. Articles by Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman were interesting!
May 30, 2014
If you love/loved Sachin, you will love this book. Simple.
September 11, 2014
If you are a Sachin fan, read this. Some of these articles are the best of cricket writing that I've ever read.
November 8, 2014
It is difficult to rate a book which has articles of differing quality. Some of them are definitely very good to read for a cricket fan. A 4.5 rating would be more helpful here.
June 20, 2017
A true legend either playing on the grounds or matter of discussions in the book.
June 27, 2018
Indeed he is Superman of our nation. This book mentioned his incidents with various dignities and their first encounter with Sachin.
January 17, 2022
4.5/5
A few of the essays were a bit boring and tedious but they were counterbalanced by some wonderful writings - emotional, nuanced, and not always pulling their punches when talking about the decline of Tendulkar in his later years.
The highlights were some of those nuanced essays along with Rahul Dravid's analysis of Tendulkar's game. Particularly enjoyed the ones which try to find the man hidden behind the PR image including an old Tendulkar interview where he was a lot more open than he has been in last couple of decades.
A few of the essays were a bit boring and tedious but they were counterbalanced by some wonderful writings - emotional, nuanced, and not always pulling their punches when talking about the decline of Tendulkar in his later years.
The highlights were some of those nuanced essays along with Rahul Dravid's analysis of Tendulkar's game. Particularly enjoyed the ones which try to find the man hidden behind the PR image including an old Tendulkar interview where he was a lot more open than he has been in last couple of decades.
June 2, 2019
Heavy on statistics, not much humour or interesting tales
September 19, 2014
Frankly I expected a bit more.
The book has some great articles, especially from Sidhharth Monga, Andy Zoltsman, (and surprisingly) one from Sanjay Manjrekar - all were great.
But the rest were somewhat repetitive.
I believe that one of the major aspects of this book was to gain an insight into Sachin's life and personality.
That, it has managed very well.
There is no question as to the articles that highlight his character are very artistically written, a pleasing aspect for a regular reader.
Is the title - Sachin Tendulkar, the man "TEST" CRICKET LOVED BACK?
No.
Then why dominantly on on his test innings? (It is well known, Sachin had competition in tests, but absolutely nobody near him in ODI cricket.)
His ODI performances rarely get a noteworthy mention. A line or two.
His 175 against Australia, 200 vs SA 186 against NZ, 141 against Australia are almost forgotten
And it is not compulsory to talk about his 100s only (as VVS has mentioned in his article). Some of his 50s were much better than his 100s.
Almost every other article (and sometimes consecutive!) would mention that bleeding nose incident with Waqar Younis, 4 sixes off Abdul Kadir, the century at Perth and his first hundred in England, at times I was just flipping pages.
I believe Cricinfo should have taken into account those incidents that are already out there; known to public, and avoided their inclusion in the book altogether.
Most of these articles were written before his retirement. Could have had an article from Anil Kumble or Boria Majumdar.
But anyway, who would not love reading about Sachin? Articles from his peers and some international journalists are worth a read. And of course DADA, VVS and Rahul have written an article too. Take it if you are a Sachin fan.
To sum it up, if Miss Sharapova were to read this book ( which, by the way, she needs to,) she would find Sachin a very humble soul with few great Test innings that are repeatedly discussed.
The book has some great articles, especially from Sidhharth Monga, Andy Zoltsman, (and surprisingly) one from Sanjay Manjrekar - all were great.
But the rest were somewhat repetitive.
I believe that one of the major aspects of this book was to gain an insight into Sachin's life and personality.
That, it has managed very well.
There is no question as to the articles that highlight his character are very artistically written, a pleasing aspect for a regular reader.
Is the title - Sachin Tendulkar, the man "TEST" CRICKET LOVED BACK?
No.
Then why dominantly on on his test innings? (It is well known, Sachin had competition in tests, but absolutely nobody near him in ODI cricket.)
His ODI performances rarely get a noteworthy mention. A line or two.
His 175 against Australia, 200 vs SA 186 against NZ, 141 against Australia are almost forgotten
And it is not compulsory to talk about his 100s only (as VVS has mentioned in his article). Some of his 50s were much better than his 100s.
Almost every other article (and sometimes consecutive!) would mention that bleeding nose incident with Waqar Younis, 4 sixes off Abdul Kadir, the century at Perth and his first hundred in England, at times I was just flipping pages.
I believe Cricinfo should have taken into account those incidents that are already out there; known to public, and avoided their inclusion in the book altogether.
Most of these articles were written before his retirement. Could have had an article from Anil Kumble or Boria Majumdar.
But anyway, who would not love reading about Sachin? Articles from his peers and some international journalists are worth a read. And of course DADA, VVS and Rahul have written an article too. Take it if you are a Sachin fan.
To sum it up, if Miss Sharapova were to read this book ( which, by the way, she needs to,) she would find Sachin a very humble soul with few great Test innings that are repeatedly discussed.
March 24, 2014
Its a very nice compilations of articles written by ex cricketers, cricinfo editors and various well known authors and sports journalists.
As a Sachin fan, it will make you nostalgic because you were there.. either in the stadium or in front of TV sets when he played some unimaginable innings and achieved unassailable milestones...
Non of the articles are new and you are bound to come across a plenty of already read articles..Still its a nice book to have as it has got few images of sachin capturing the rare moments..More pics would have done wonders for this book..
As a Sachin fan, it will make you nostalgic because you were there.. either in the stadium or in front of TV sets when he played some unimaginable innings and achieved unassailable milestones...
Non of the articles are new and you are bound to come across a plenty of already read articles..Still its a nice book to have as it has got few images of sachin capturing the rare moments..More pics would have done wonders for this book..
August 13, 2014
Every Sachin Fan will love it for sure..
July 6, 2015
Rating : 4 stars
Read
September 14, 2017This book is about people talking about their perspective on Sachin.
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