Ranji: Prince of Cricketers

by Alan Ross

Indian prince, Sussex and England cricketer, K.S. Ranjitsinhji was unique in many ways. W.G. Grace predicted that there would not be another batsman like 'Ranji' for a hundred years; arguably we are still waiting. His prodigious run-scoring ability alone assured his place in the annals of cricket, but his talents transcended statistics. His batting married subtlety and strength in a way that was quite new to the game, and he was a 'character' and crowd-pleaser from his century-making test debut in 1896 to his withdrawal from cricket in 1907 after he was installed as Jam Saheb of Nawanagar. 'A splendid memorial... In Alan Ross, Ranji is perfectly matched with one of the best writers the game ever attracted.' Guardian'A gem of a book.' Yorkshire Post

359 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2012

About the author

Alan Ross (1922-2001) was a poet, writer, journalist, editor and publisher. In fact, he was a man of letters par excellence. Born in India, educated in England, he joined the Royal Navy in the Second World War and endured the Arctic convoys to Russia. Alan Ross took over The London Magazine (the definite article was later dropped) from John Lehmann and revitalized it. There, it has been said, 'he simplified as well as unified contemporary culture by the clarity of his unique editorial taste. He also discovered many new talents.' His writing embraced poetry, cricket journalism, biography, autobiography, criticism and travel writing.

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully written book in two parts, charting Ranji the cricketer and then Prince Rangit Singh

[Desmond Felix · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Jam Sahib

Ranjitsinhji is a contradiction. Prince and cricketing legend. Playing but fiercely loyal to the crown. Always trying to belong but set back due to an ability with a bar many years ahead of its time.