Books › Playing it my way
Playing it my way
486 pages
A humble, detailed walk through the life of a sporting demigod who carried the hopes of a billion people on his shoulders.
What it feels like
Reading this memoir feels like sitting down for a long, earnest conversation with a legend who somehow remained entirely grounded despite being worshipped by a billion people. The narrative unfolds at a steady, deliberate pace, mirroring the methodical focus required to survive twenty-four years at the pinnacle of international sports. It is steeped in a nostalgic, triumphant mood, though the atmosphere frequently tightens with the high-stakes pressure of national expectation and the physical toll of relentless injuries. The prose is straightforward and unadorned, stripping away the mythos to reveal the meticulous, hard-working human underneath. It will deeply satisfy cricket devotees and anyone captivated by stories of lifelong dedication, resilience, and the quiet dignity of carrying a nation's dreams.
- Mood
- nostalgic
- triumphant
- high-stakes
- patriotic
- Tone
- earnest
- humble
- straightforward
- reflective
- reverent
- Pace
- steady
- Themes
- weight of expectation · dedication to craft · navigating fame · resilience through injury · unifying power of sports
- The writing
- Straightforward, conversational, and unadorned, prioritizing clear storytelling and personal reflection over literary flourish.
- The arc
- Moves from the exuberant passion of a child prodigy to the heavy burden of national expectation, culminating in a deeply emotional and satisfying farewell.
- Who it's for
- Cricket devotees and sports fans fascinated by the psychology of sustaining elite performance under the crushing weight of a nation's expectations.
Content notes
- sports injuries
- media scrutiny
- public pressure
About the book
The greatest run-scorer in the history of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar retired in 2013 after an astonishing 24 years at the top. The most celebrated Indian cricketer of all time, he received the Bharat Ratna Award - India's highest civilian honour - on the day of his retirement. Now Sachin Tendulkar tells his own remarkable story - from his first Test cap at the age of 16 to his 100th international century and the emotional final farewell that brought his country to a standstill. When a boisterous Mumbai youngster's excess energies were channelled into cricket, the result was record-breaking schoolboy batting exploits that launched the career of a cricketing phenomenon. Before long Sachin Tendulkar was the cornerstone of India's batting line-up, his every move watched by a cricket-mad nation's devoted followers. Never has a cricketer been burdened with so many expectations; never has a cricketer performed at such a high level for so long and with such style - scoring more runs and making more centuries than any other player, in both Tests and one-day games. And perhaps only one cricketer could have brought together a shocked nation by defiantly scoring a Test century shortly after terrorist attacks rocked Mumbai. His many achievements with India include winning the World Cup and topping the world Test rankings. Yet he has also known his fair share of frustration and failure - from injuries and early World Cup exits to stinging criticism from the press, especially during his unhappy tenure as captain. Despite his celebrity status, Sachin Tendulkar has always remained a very private man, devoted to his family and his country. Now, for the first time, he provides a fascinating insight into his personal life and gives a frank and revealing account of a sporting life like no other.
Description from Open Library.
Books like Playing it my way
See why they match
The making of a cricketerAjit TendulkarAn intimate, brotherly tribute to the quiet sacrifices and relentless dedication that forged a sporting legend.
All Round ViewImran KhanA reflective journey that bridges the physical discipline of a twentieth-century athlete with deep philosophical inquiry.
The 3 Mistakes of My LifeChetan BhagatA fast-paced, emotionally turbulent ride through the highs of youthful ambition and the devastating lows of real-world tragedy.
Turning PointsA. P. J. Abdul KalamAn earnest, forward-looking memoir that captures the quiet gravity of stepping from a classroom into the presidency.
India after GandhiRamachandra GuhaA sweeping, monumental journey through the chaotic, improbable, and triumphant survival of the world's largest democracy.
Wings of FireAvul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul KalamA deeply earnest and inspiring journey of a humble dreamer who helped build a nation's scientific future.