How Sachin destroyed my life – that’s a very brave title for a book published in India, where the name Sachin is synonymous with GOD. But Vikram surely got 50% of the attention and hype that is required for a non-fiction work with that title.

There were many books about cricketers and especially about Sachin. People have spoken extensively about his technique, temperament, character, and his special hundreds. But Vikram offered an unusual perspective. I can’t think of many cricket comedians and comedians other than Vikram Sathaye and Andy Zaltzman. In a way, the book expresses the sentiments of the entire male population of India. Sachin, in fact, destroyed many lives. At some point or another, Sachin played a role in our personal and professional lives. Vikram touches those aspects wonderfully. It just captures exactly what we as a cricket crazy population go through as Sachin grows bigger and bigger. He, in fact, wonderfully balances feelings. Tie each phrase with wit and humor. The moment you think he’s hurting the Sachin fan in you, he makes you laugh out loud with those witty jokes. The fact that he did not play the game at the highest level makes us perceive him as one of us, an ordinary cricket fan. The fact that he lived the dream of every Indian cricketer, without being a cricketer himself, gives us a sense of hope. The opening chapters focus a lot on Vikram’s struggles as he tries to perceive his cricket dream. These chapters give sufficient justification to the first half of the book’s title. You sympathize with Vikram all the time and you wish he was as successful in cricket as Sachin. When he crosses paths with his idol by the way, you wish you were Vikram. His success story emphasizes the role of destiny in one’s life.

The most moving part of the book is the story of Mane Kaka, the team’s masseur. These are the people we never get to know. These are the people who take care of our heroes. It’s a great story and it should be told. Vikram should be commended for introducing us to Mane kaka. In a way, I think both Vikram and Mane Kaka followed the same path. If Mane Kaka’s was the most poignant aspect of the book, the references to Virender Sehwag were poignant. Sehwag is a unique player. He has a natural style and aura to his batting and character. Vikram dedicates a chapter to sledding and it was great to know how Sehwag reacted when Michael Clarke went sledding with Sachin. These are the aspects of the game that a cricket fan craves. There are many such anecdotes in Vikram’s book. He touches on some rarely discussed aspects in a serious tone as well. Commentators with no cricket experience were one of those topics. Explain how difficult it is for a commentator or presenter with no professional cricket experience to survive in the world of cricket.

The book is a wonderful read and leaves you wanting more. Well done Vikram. You are now a Sachin to many, in your own right.

Book Review: How Sachin Destroyed My Life by Vikram Sathaye

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