A look at five standout cricket books written by non-cricketers, celebrated for their insight, analysis, and compelling narratives.
While cricket books authored by players naturally offer deep insights from the field, several noteworthy works by non-cricketers provide unique perspectives on the game’s philosophy, management, culture, and off-field challenges.
These books blend expertise from other domains with cricket, which present valuable lessons for readers from all walks of life.
‘The Winning Way’ by Harsha Bhogle
Co-authored by renowned cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle and his wife Anita Bhogle, “The Winning Way” is a distinctive book that uses cricket as a lens to extract lessons applicable to business and personal success. It goes beyond traditional sports writing by focusing on the psychology of winning and leadership, drawing parallels between the sports field and the corporate world.
The book focuses on attributes such as teamwork, discipline, the right attitude, and work ethics as pillars of success. It highlights how chronic winners, like the Australia cricket team of the late 1990s, cultivated a winning mindset that deterred rivals.
It includes thought-provoking anecdotes and perspectives from cricket legends like Rahul Dravid on goal-setting. The Bhogles also incorporate broader lessons from unexpected sources like the Harry Potter series, making the content engaging and relatable.
“The Winning Way” delivers practical insights on winning, dealing with setbacks, and adapting to change, making it a valuable read not just for cricket fans but also for managers, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking to maximise their potential.
Read More: Essential Reading – Five Cricket Biographies one must peruse
‘Not Just a Nightwatchman’ by Vinod Rai
Vinod Rai, an accomplished civil servant and former chairman of the Committee of Administrators (CoA) overseeing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), offers an insider’s account in “Not Just a Nightwatchman.” Despite being a non-cricketer, Rai’s administrative experience and oversight role provide unique perspectives on cricket governance.
The book chronicles Rai’s 33-month tenure during a turbulent phase in Indian cricket administration, addressing governance issues, reforms, and the complex politics of the sport’s governing body. Rai’s approach was proactive and assertive, aiming to clean up and improve the functioning of the BCCI with a vision for transparency and better management.
This candid account reveals the intricacies of cricket administration from a regulatory and governance outlook, making it a fascinating read for those interested in how cricket operates behind the scenes and the efforts needed to uphold the sport’s integrity.
‘The Barefoot Coach’ by Paddy Upton
Paddy Upton’s “The Barefoot Coach” is an inspiring and unconventional book on coaching, which delves into the mental and psychological dimensions of sport and life, emphasising holistic coaching beyond just physical skills. Upton was the mental conditioning coach behind the India cricket team’s transformative success, including their 2011 World Cup win, and he shares those experiences in this work.
The book details how Upton and coach Gary Kirsten fostered a winning team culture built on trust, work ethics, mental toughness, and resilience. It discusses coaching techniques that embrace fear, failure, and self-awareness, teaching readers to control what is within their influence and to focus on continual improvement.
Rich with real-life anecdotes, including Upton’s unusual experiences like barefoot surfing, the book is a blend of sports psychology, life coaching, and performance enhancement tips. It appeals to athletes, coaches, corporate leaders, and anyone seeking to overcome challenges and perform at their best in any field.
Read More: ‘The Dhoni Touch’ Book Review: Up close and personal with MS Dhoni
‘A Maidan View: The Magic of Indian Cricket’ by Mihir Bose
Mihir Bose, a veteran journalist and writer, presented a socio-historical and cultural study in “A Maidan View: The Magic of Indian Cricket.” First published in the 1980s and revised later, this book analyses cricket’s development in India and how deeply it is interwoven with the country’s social fabric.
Bose explores cricket’s early beginnings among Indian princes and the Parsee community, the rise of office teams featuring prominent players, and the game’s broad appeal across diverse social classes. He also discusses the impact of political decisions, such as India’s Commonwealth membership, which helped ensure cricket’s sustained presence.
The book is rich with personal reflections, historic matches, and cricketing anecdotes, portraying the sport as much more than a game, rather as a symbol of national identity, pride, and sociopolitical shifts. It is highly regarded for its thoughtful commentary and historical depth.
‘A Cop in Cricket’ by Neeraj Kumar
Neeraj Kumar, a former police officer and BCCI anti-corruption chief, reveals the darker underbelly of cricket in “A Cop in Cricket.” This eye-opening book takes readers inside the ongoing fight against corruption, match-fixing, and unethical practices that plague cricket off the field.
Kumar offers a gripping insider’s perspective on his efforts to tackle cricket’s integrity issues, describing a relentless battle between law enforcement and those indulging in rigged matches, illegal betting, and player exploitation. He exposes how some cricket administrators prioritise commercial gains over the sport’s sanctity.
“A Cop in Cricket” stands out for its investigative approach and personal narrative of vigilance, perseverance, and the challenges of cleaning up one of the world’s most beloved sports. It provides crucial insights into the systemic challenges threatening cricket’s credibility.
Read More: Which is the second-best cricket league after IPL
