Pitchside: An Insider’s Glimpse into the Heart of Indian Cricket
“Pitchside: My Life in Indian Cricket” by Amrit Mathur offers an engaging behind-the-scenes look at the intricate workings of Indian cricket. With over three decades of experience as a civil servant-turned-sports administrator, Mathur delves into specific tournaments and tours where he was closely associated with the Indian team. Rather than a chronological account, Mathur selects pivotal moments, providing insights into India’s maiden tour of South Africa in 1992-93, the 1996 World Cup, the 2004 tour of Pakistan, and more. His narrative is a mesh of facts and anecdotes, shedding light on the logistical challenges of major championships and offering glimpses into the lives of cricketers, acknowledging both their strengths and vulnerabilities.
Mathur’s book doesn’t shy away from addressing important figures in Indian cricket, including the controversial Lalit Modi. However, it also stays true to being a reflection of the sport’s significant moments rather than becoming a platform for rant. Mathur’s insider perspective provides readers with intriguing details about pre-match routines of legends like Sachin Tendulkar, the early chaos of the IPL, and the intricacies of BCCI elections.
He has opened up to tell the readers his experiences as an administrator, and also as manager on historic tours, as well as his involvement in World Cups and with IPL teams.
What sets “Pitchside” apart is Mathur’s commitment to delivering an objective view of his experiences, avoiding any sensationalism and the fact that it’s full of anecdotes from iconic campaigns such as the 2003 World Cup and the 2002 tour of England, painting a vivid picture of cricket’s ups and downs.
There are a few issues with the book as well. First, it could have been better copy read. The proofing isn’t the best and there are a few factual errors that have crept in. Also, Mathur refrains from delving into Indian cricket’s match-fixing scandals, perhaps out of respect or lack of information. There is also a minor error regarding the timing of M.S. Dhoni’s Balidaan logo issue.
However, these minor blips are overshadowed by the wealth of behind-the-scenes anecdotes that have shaped Indian cricket.
In summary, “Pitchside” is an insightful narrative that brings readers closer to the heart of Indian cricket, revealing both its glory and its quirks. Amrit Mathur’s book offers a captivating journey through the corridors of a sport that holds a special place in the hearts of millions.
Some of my favourite quotes from the book –
– It became clear to me quite early on that the BCCI leans towards control rather than cricket. At one level, the game is not only about bat and ball but also power and patronage.
– The IPL is a dazzling spectacle, a cricket carnival with cheerleaders, vibrant crowds and celebrities waving cheerfully at television cameras. But behind the glitter simmer conflict and controversy, tension and turbulence, and friction between franchise and state associations. The IP’s spectacular success comes with challenges – and the suspicion that this golden goose is actually a greedy commercial crocodile devouring traditional cricket. And, more seriously, the question: what will happen if assertive team owners who have bought themselves expensive toys demand a role in governance?
– Cricket is an unforgiving, one-ball game and nobody knows what the next ball will bring.
– For him, the bat was a weapon of aggression and batting was about scoring runs and punishing the bowlers.
Also Read: Trisha Ghosal on Sachin Tendulkar || Sachin At 50