Book Review
Autobiography
I Have the Streets
Authored by R. Ashwin
with Sidharth Monga
Reviewed by Ram Narayanan
with Sidharth Monga
Reviewed by Ram Narayanan
Ravichandran Ashwin's autobiography, I Have the Streets, co-authored by Sidharth Monga, offers an engrossing exploration of his transformation from a schoolboy cricketer to an Indian international stalwart. The narrative eloquently chronicles Ashwin's evolution from a fast bowler and opening batsman into one of cricket's pre-eminent off-spinners and a dependable middle-order batsman.
The book deftly captures the trials and tribulations of Ashwin’s career, notably a crippling back injury that nearly put paid to his ambitions. Penned in a lucid and engaging style, it is an effortless yet compelling read that kept me riveted from cover to cover. Ashwin’s reputation as a cerebral and analytical cricketer is underscored throughout, with commendations from none other than Rahul Dravid, a similarly astute “thinking cricketer.”
What sets this biography apart is its artful balance between Ashwin's personal and professional life. Unlike many biographies that risk alienating readers with excessive focus on personal anecdotes, this book intertwines the two seamlessly. Notably, Ashwin refrains from naming his parents or grandfather, choosing instead to highlight his partner—a testament to his modern sensibilities and focus.
The book deftly captures the trials and tribulations of Ashwin’s career, notably a crippling back injury that nearly put paid to his ambitions. Penned in a lucid and engaging style, it is an effortless yet compelling read that kept me riveted from cover to cover. Ashwin’s reputation as a cerebral and analytical cricketer is underscored throughout, with commendations from none other than Rahul Dravid, a similarly astute “thinking cricketer.”
What sets this biography apart is its artful balance between Ashwin's personal and professional life. Unlike many biographies that risk alienating readers with excessive focus on personal anecdotes, this book intertwines the two seamlessly. Notably, Ashwin refrains from naming his parents or grandfather, choosing instead to highlight his partner—a testament to his modern sensibilities and focus.
Ashwin’s story resonates with the archetypal aspirations of middle-class Indian children striving to break the shackles of conventional careers in favour of their passions. Hailing from a traditional Tamil Brahmin household that prioritised academic excellence, Ashwin received unwavering support from his parents to pursue his cricketing dreams. Remarkably, he exemplifies the fine art of balancing academia—completing an engineering degree—with the relentless demands of competitive sport.
Key Insights
The book is replete with illuminating anecdotes that afford readers a glimpse into Ashwin’s cricketing acumen and his ascent to international prominence.
A Cerebral Cricketer
Ashwin credits his coach WV Raman with fostering his cricketing intellect. Raman’s challenges concerning field placements for various types of batsmen proved pivotal in shaping Ashwin’s tactical nous. A notable outcome of this mentorship was Ashwin’s celebrated dismissal of Chris Gayle in an IPL match, a feat that earned him accolades from MS Dhoni.
Navigating Team Dynamics
Ashwin’s candid reflections on team selection processes reveal his forthright approach. In one instance, he recounts calling CSK mentor VB Chandrasekhar to query his omission from the playing XI mid-tournament, much to VB’s irritation. His narrative also highlights his appreciation for MS Dhoni’s openness in discussing team selection during the 2011 World Cup semi-final and final stages.
Rooted in Identity
Ashwin recounts his experiences at coaching camps where Hindi was predominantly spoken—a language barrier for the Chennai native. Despite these challenges, his pride in his Madras/Chennai roots is palpable, reflecting his grounded personality and steadfast adherence to his values.
Opportunities for Enhancement
While the book is an enjoyable and enlightening read, it leaves certain aspects under-explored.
Incomplete Career Scope
The biography restricts its focus to Ashwin’s journey up until the 2011 World Cup. However, his career truly came into its own post-2011, marked by his ascendancy as India’s premier spinner, his mastery of variations such as the carrom ball, and his dominance in Test cricket. A sequel or updated edition capturing these achievements would provide a more comprehensive account of his illustrious career.
The Transition from Harbhajan Singh
The book largely sidesteps the significant transition from Harbhajan Singh, who was at the zenith of his career in 2011, to Ashwin as India’s leading spinner. This omission leaves a lacuna in understanding the interpersonal dynamics and the environment surrounding team selections during that period. The speculated influence of cricket administrators such as N. Srinivasan and chief selector K. Srikkanth in Ashwin’s rise adds an intriguing dimension that remains unexplored.
I Have the Streets is a refreshing departure from the glitzy, larger-than-life narratives associated with cricketing superstars such as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Instead, it offers the candid story of a hardworking and cerebral cricketer who broke through societal and professional glass ceilings with grit and ingenuity.
For cricket aficionados and casual readers alike, this book serves as a window into the journey of an individual whose unwavering dedication and intellect have earned him a distinguished place in the annals of Indian cricket. It is a masterful narrative of perseverance and passion that inspires and delights in equal measure.
For cricket aficionados and casual readers alike, this book serves as a window into the journey of an individual whose unwavering dedication and intellect have earned him a distinguished place in the annals of Indian cricket. It is a masterful narrative of perseverance and passion that inspires and delights in equal measure.
