There were more spectacular shots in Kane Williamson's repertoire, but it was those soft-handed runs behind point that seemed to capture him best.
Wrote about one of my favourite batters to watch ⏬
https://t.co/2tVp2axeBb
The soft-handed runs behind point were only a small part of his greatness, but they may have offered the clearest glimpse into the cricketer and the person he became
✍️ @prat1204
https://t.co/1tFWnpaGSJ
Smriti fifty is as good a time as any to replug this incredible piece from none other than @PurnimaMalhotra on how she reinvented herself after 2024 disappointment.
https://t.co/lU00pIwlqQ
📚 NEW BOOK RELEASE - Chasing Like Dhoni
MS Dhoni’s greatest legacy is to make a generation of boys and girls from the hinterlands of the country believe that they can make it big in Indian cricket irrespective of where they hail from. In a society shaped by entrenched inequities, the sport has come to represent a level playing field, where talent seems capable of transcending inherited disadvantage.
With each season of the IPL, new rags-to-riches stories emerge, and hope proliferates for many: no matter what the life circumstances are, cricket will help them find a way out of generational woes.
If Rinku Singh from Aligarh, Yashasvi Jaiswal from Bhadohi and Minnu Mani from Choyimoola can, so can I. Led by this optimism bias, millions enter the race to become the next big star of the country.
Today, kids from Bhilwara to Baramulla, Morena to Mawsynram, Samastipur to Strait Island - barefoot or with Nike boots - are a part of this pursuit.
But in a country where less than 600 men and women have represented the national team in nearly a century, what sustains their drive as they navigate parental pressures, and financial, social and structural challenges to make their way to the top? How do these aspirants make sense of their dreams, struggles and sacrifices in this new IIT/UPSC-like race?
This is the story of the great Indian cricketing dream.
Foreword by @bhogleharsha.
‘Behind the headlights and highlights, the myriad, complicated truths about the subculture that is Indian cricket, told with detail, understanding and empathy.’ - Sharda Ugra
'This saga of Indian cricket from the bottom up teems with unforgettable characters, inspiring and harrowing stories, shrewd and measured observations, and a profound love of the game.' - Gideon Haigh
Not sure what Eden Gardens will look like when I'm back here next. Maybe shinier, maybe still carrying the same old soul but just glad I got to witness this version so closely, as a cricket fan and then as a cricket writer ✨