“Explore the captivating world of cricket—India’s most beloved sport—through the eyes of one of India’s esteemed sports journalists. In the riveting book, Eleven Gods and a Billion Indians, you’ll embark on a journey behind the scenes of this iconic sport, from its early tours in 1886 to the modern IPL era. Unveiling never-before-seen photographs and rich with lively anecdotes, this book provides a comprehensive understanding of cricket’s evolution on and off the field.
Delving into previously unreleased material, the book sheds new light on significant events like Monkeygate, the suspension of Lalit Modi, match-fixing scandals, and more. Through a skillful blend of personal interviews, photographs, and letters, Eleven Gods and a Billion Indians fearlessly raises thought-provoking questions. It candidly examines whether internal conflicts have impacted the on-field performance of the Indian cricket team. It also questions whether some cricket icons failed the nation and the sport by concealing vital facts during spot-fixing investigations, and whether the identity of the BCCI’s leader matters to the ordinary fan, as long as there is transparency and accountability in the system.
Tracing the history of cricket from colonial to post-colonial India, this book provides fascinating insights into the patrons, promoters, players, and fans who have shaped the sport. With India now considered the global hub of cricket, Eleven Gods and a Billion Indians offers an enthralling account of the game’s profound impact on the nation’s cultural fabric.”
