Title: I Have the Streets: A Kutti Cricket Story

Author: Ravichandran Ashwin and Sidharth Monga

Genre: Autobiography

Cricket… the name sends an adrenaline rush. India is known for her people’s love for cricket and cricket stars. So am I, a kutti cricket fan.

R Ashwin, a name synonymous with spin, has brought out his journey that led him to become what he is now so well in this autobiography. The language used is so simple and straight out of heart that it helps one resonate well. 

A typical middle class Iyer family, with the fears of what is in store for the future if one doesn’t do engineering made me reminisce about my childhood days. Taking up a sport seriously those days was not approved by all. Ashwin has brought out the unwavering support from his parents and grandfather so well that some places make us feel overwhelmed. The segment where his mother motivates him to try his hand at spin bowling made me feel like thanking her for suggesting him to do so. One can’t imagine what would have happened if that suggestion was not given.

The streets ruled the game before and after the cricketing clubs were born. The learnings from the street, initial days of club and his struggle with Hindi, make us chuckle and feel amazed at the same time. His initial days at the clubs and dressing rooms, failures and the never give up attitude is an amazing learning for all youngsters who aspire to do well in sports as well as academics.

I really wished that the autobiography could have been extended a bit more, but yes, now it motivates me to wait for part 2.

The narration laced with humour makes the autobiography an enjoyable read. 

Pic Courtesy: https://www.penguin.co.in/book/i-have-the-streets/