Clayton Murzello, Khalid A-H Ansari and Rahul Dravid
Clayton Murzello, Khalid A-H Ansari and Rahul Dravid

Ace cricketer and former India cricket captain Rahul Dravid (popularly known as The Wall) was invited to release Sachin: Born to Bat – The journey of cricket’s ultimate centurion at a glittering function at the Cricket Club of India on Thursday. The tome has been written by veteran journalist Khalid A.H. Ansari and edited by MiD DAY’s formidable sports editor, Clayton Murzello.

The book is a compilation of various articles on Sachin Tendulkar from 1986 to 2012, covering the commendable journey from his formative years to the times of eternal glory and success.

Sachin Born to Bat - By Khalid A-H Ansari and edited by Clayton Murzello
Sachin Born to Bat – By Khalid A-H Ansari and edited by Clayton Murzello

Celebrated commentator Harsha Bhogle was Master of Ceremonies for the evening and reminisced being at Old Trafford in the English summer of 1990 where Sachin Tendulkar scored the first of his 100 international centuries.

Sachin Tendulkar has penned the introduction for the book and writes, “Through this book, it is as if I have lived through the many moments in my life, in words and pictures.”

Rahul Dravid signing copies of the book
Rahul Dravid signing copies of the book

About the book:

Sachin: Born to Bat is a unique ode to one of contemporary cricket’s finest batsman – Sachin Tendulkar. In the words of the author: “This is an attempt to impartially probe the crucial mental, physical and emotional ingredients of a cricketing ‘God’. I have tried to turn the laser on the maestro’s persona – innumerable blemishes and all – to prevent the book from degenerating into a shabaash, wah-wah hagiography. For all his splendiferous achievements, Sachin has also shown that he is a mere mortal with feet of clay – witness his run-ins with authority, cricketing and civil.” Some of the world’s most famous names in cricket writing – Ayaz Memon, Harsha Bhogle, Ian Chappell, Mike Coward, Peter Roebuck and other luminaries – grace the pages of this book. Tributes from cricket’s most famous personalities including Tendulkar’s Team India teammates and coaches make this publication invaluable in helping cricket enthusiasts understand what makes Sachin the peerless champion he is. The book also captures critical moments of Tendulkar’s wondrous cricketing career from photographers who have followed him throughout his distinguished career.