Basking in "Sunny Days"

I have never written about the books I have read, simply because I haven’t read many. But after the one I have finished a couple of days ago…I simply couldn’t resist but WRITE. The book that I am talking about is ‘Sunny Days’, Sunil Gavaskar’s autobiography.

The book begins with Sunil’s early days of cricket, at college and club. His days at St. Xavier’s and the reputed Dadar Union. There are some great qualities of the man that are highlighted through some interesting anecdotes that are illustrated beautifully. One such striking quality is of not forgetting an advice and imbibing it sincerely. How often does it happen that people get advices, good ones at times but people simply do not care to give it a thought before rejecting it outright. There are instances when Gavaskar speaks of advice that he received as a school boy which he not only imbibed and took seriously but makes use of it till date.

His narrations of some unforgettable events in his life are splendid. Especially the one when he received a call informing him about his International selection is extremely touching. One can actually picture the scene at his residence and myself also coming from a maharashtrian family could relate to it really well.

His descriptions about every match that he played is simply outstanding. One can actually picture the entire proceedings. I think it were these qualities that now make him such a great writer and commentator of the game. The best that game has.

I was almost taken aback by the manner in which humourous situations have been described. There were numerous instances when I could not help but laugh aloud at the character sketches of his team mates that he draws so well and the extremely rib tickling events from the dressing room. For anyone who has played cricket in India can relate to it instantly. These are extremely typical of any Indian group that loves to have a good time. Most of us will be reminded I am sure of the great times that we have spent with our friend circle during college times.

Surprising was to find fairly unbiased descriptions of a lot of controversies that happened during those years, some involving him as well. He also succeeds in conveying very well the mental make up of cricketers when they are doing well and when they are not. When they are being relied upon by their teams and at other times when they are sure that if they fail once more they are sure to get the axe. This brings to light the fact that it is often so easy to sit in our cozy homes and comment on the proceedings of an ‘International’ game and what should a batsman with over 50 international hundred should do in order to score runs or worse still is to comment that he doesn’t deserve a place in the side.

All in all a great read and a book that an Indian cricket fan should read at least once and is almost a must read for an Indian cricketer.