Making a career as an international banker, Anindya ensured that he does not let go of his cricket craze! Some call him a die-hard cricket fan, some call him a cricket critic but we call him the cricket thesis of India. Anindya Dutta has given readers the true essence of the history of Indian cricket through his path-breaking books like his first book ‘A Gentleman’s Game’ which gained quick popularity by hitting the charts on Amazon Bestseller list in India, Australia and UK as well as his most recent book ‘Wizards: The Story of Indian Spin Bowling’ which won India’s Cricket Book of the Year award for 2019.
Apart from giving readers an in-depth research journal about significant subjects of cricket, Anindya also writes short format cricket updates by featuring as a columnist on ESPN Cricinfo, apart from writing on several other forums.
Anindya believes that reading has been the most traditional form of entertainment that is evolving year by year and digitalization is fueling the practice of reading today. He says “Despite all the doomsday predictions, reading remains as important today as it ever was. People still want to be told stories. In keeping with the times, what has changed is how the written word is received. With shorter attention spans, shorter, more pithy reads are embraced as is the language which is not long-winded. The electronic medium has understandably taken up a significant share of reading time (from print) and this trend will continue.” However, Anindya believes that the job of a writer remains the same-- storytelling.
Storytelling is the key to good writing which engrosses the readers' interest, and the medium whether print or digital will not change that aspect!
The layman might think what story does the game of cricket have in it? It's just a game which abides by its rules and there is always a winner and a loser. However, for India, cricket is its heritage and every game has a story to tell. Cricket fans always have a takeaway from each game. For Anindya his cricket storytelling journey was first inspired by a strive for the Indian cricket team to make its name in the world history of cricket. He says “The 1971 tours to West Indies and England were a watershed event in the history of Indian Cricket. After four decades of trying, by defeating the two best teams on their home soil, India finally earned her place as a force in the sport. All the triumphs that have come in the next 50-years owe their success to these pioneers of 1971. This story is a tribute to those good men.”
Read Anindya's The Greatest Year: The 1971 Tours of West Indies and England on Amazon.
