Indian Cricket Then and Now

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Starting with the very first Test match that India played in 1932, Indian Cricket chronicles a remarkable journey, highlighting key moments in the country's cricketing history over the last century or so: from the incredible Test wins in the 1970s and the thrilling World Cup wins of 1983 and 2011 to the emergence of the Indian Premier League, the evolution of women's cricket, the development of world-class ground facilities and the appearance of the 'superfit' Indian cricketer. Alongside, it celebrates some true cricketing legends: from C.K. Nayudu, Vijay Hazare, Vijay Merchant, Nari Contractor, Tiger Pataudi, Ajit Wadekar, Salim Durrani and the Spin Quartet to Sunil Gavaskar, Gundappa Vishwanath, Kapil Dev, Dilip Vengsarkar, Anil Kumble, Sachin Tendulkar, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli.

A collection of fifty informative and anecdotal articles by cricketers as well as leading writers on cricket, Indian Cricket: Then and Now is a book that cricket aficionados of all ages will enjoy.

Venkat Sundaram is a former first-class cricketer who played in and captained the Delhi and North Zone teams. He has worn many hats: a commentator on television and radio, a manager of the Indian cricket team, a coach, and chairman of the BCCI Grounds and Wickets Committee. He has authored The Cricket Coaching Handbook and edited The Sardar of Spin, an anthology of writings on Bishan Singh Bedi.

I am delighted that an anthology on cricket in India has been produced by several former cricketers and senior sports journalists. It is a laudable effort to inform the present generation of cricketers and fans about how the game started in the country and the magnificent contribution of so many luminaries over the years. I like this idea of players and journalists coming together to present stories of Indian cricket to help this generation understand and acknowledge the contributions of the past stalwarts.

It was a pipe dream born amongst a group of old friends. We had all played cricket at levels of certain distinction and now liked nothing better than to relive the days in the sun. We had the desire to give something special back to the great game that had given us so much joy, despair, pleasure, heartbreak, honour and above all made all our lives worth living. Our group of friends wanted to produce something to celebrate the story of cricket in India, remembering the various twists and turns as our own paths intersected with that magnificent highway of dreams. It was a story waiting to be told.