Playing it my way. By: Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar

Time spent reading:14 hours 9 mins

Short Summary

The book is a detailed account of Sachin’s journey starting with last test match at the Wandkhede stadium and runs in flash back. Just like he batted for India all his 24 years in International cricket, he keeps it simple. The story moves at a linear pace and at no point in time did I have to turn back the pages or recount my step to understand a story or a plot.

He has very graciously taken the time to thank as many people as possible and throughout the book he plays homage to some of his favorite places to eat and hangout. The revolution for me however was to read truly how devotional he was and how regularly he turned towards the almighty for help. I was also surprised to read how he had also turned superstitious in the later part his cricketing days.

My Review

An extremely private person, Sachin’s attempt at writing a book about his long journey in the role as one of the country’s most loved and revered sports person frankly left me feeling unsatisfied.

Having lived most of his life under the micro-scope of the media and his life being scrutinized for the best part of 30 years, I honestly did not expect new and revolutionary things from the book. An intensely private individual, I think he found it difficult to share everything that he wanted in fact throughout the reading experience I found myself wanting to know more. Like some of his innings I got the feeling that yes this is nice, but there must be more. For example there is no mention about the whole match fixing incident. Manoj Prabhakar, Azar, Ajay Jadeja, Nayan Mongia, some of his good friends and colleges were involved in the controversy that shook the entire foundation of International cricket. I have been on a few cricket tours and have spent time away from family traveling with my team mates. The kind of bond that a touring party share; there is no way a smart cricketing genius like Sachin is missing ques about something being wrong.

The 96 world cup semi final? What was the discussion in the dressing room? If you guys remember India surrendered that match to Srilanka. Was Sachin consulted about the decision? Did he ever confront Azar about it? There is no insight as to what happened in the dressing rooms? The book answered a lot of question but left quite a few unanswered.

One thing I found should have been included was a passage at the end of the book instructing youngsters on what the template for an ideal cricketer should be. But anywaz like he said in the title of the book “Playing it my way” – That’s Sachin Tendulkar for you.