5 of the best autobiographies of a cricketer

More than cricket for a cricketing fan, the real curiosity lies behind how their favorite players lead their lives. Every fan wants to learn more about his favorite player and more than that, his personal life. The very reason a cricketer's autobiography is a good read for the reader can be compared to the emotional connect each fan has to their favorite cricketer. They love knowing their players and sometimes wants to imitate their lives in going about things. Matthew Hayden has inspired many by showcasing his simple farm life in his autobiography, while Kevin Pietersen created a stir in the cricketing world by revealing the secrets behind English dressing room.

These books have changed perspectives and allowed the fans to re-discover the life of their favorite players after cricket. It has enabled them to learn more and know more.

We are curious to know how Sachin Tendulkar became Sachin Tendulkar and very adamant about knowing the details about everything. India, for more reasons than one, has always found their heroes in the form of cricket players, and getting to know about these players only adds to the fan's curiosities. They love hearing from their favorite player and a first-hand account of what prevailed their cricketing careers is but a treat for them. Much to the advent of Social Media, these fans never fail to share, like and tag people in candid videos of cricketers appearing on their social platforms.

M.S Dhoni's videos with his daughter Ziva, or the recent Virat Kohli's beard grooming video shared K.L Rahul going viral are all but proof that we want to know more about their personal life. Autobiographies, for some, serves this purpose while others find ways to understand their player's take on various incidents and scandals that happened during their cricketing time. The much controversial 'Monkeygate' incident or Azharuddin in the fixing scandal. We love to know about them. More the merrier.

That being said, let us look at the 5 best cricketing autobiographies:

---

Sunny Days by Sunil Gavaskar

Test Cricket respected him with much honor and regard. West Indies fiery attack was afraid of him. He boasted an average of 65.45 against their lethal pace attack. Sunil Gavaskar is one of the most lovable cricketers even today. He is funny and electric, his commentary is music to ears and makes the game more interesting.

Gavaskar's story of being swapped at childbirth to a fisherman's baby is all the more enriching because of what he has achieved for the Indian cricket. In Sunny Days, he lays out his entire life with wit and humor about how this lost baby became record holder and one of the greatest cricket player.

At the close of play by Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting

One of the greatest captains of all time. The man of big matches and as lethal a batsman as he was a leader, Rickey Ponting's story is both inspiring and honest. An overview of what brought this Australian boy to a legendary cricketer who toppled every attack in the world.

Ricky Ponting talks about his life, his struggles and the various cricketing scandals he had to face during his career as an Australian cricketer. He talks about the Aussie dressing room conversations and why he thought sledging was always in the spirit of Australian cricket. At the close of play is both riveting and fact-book about various incidents that happened during Ricky's time at this amazing sport.

AB De Villiers: The Autobiography by AB De Villers

AB De Villers

Someone who changed the definition of cricket. The batting style and unorthodox cricketing shots which would sometimes leave the commentators in search for words. AB De Villiers, now retired gave so much to cricket and took nothing from it. The South African batsman who was good at almost every sport that he played during his childhood is a prodigy with the mere definition.

The autobiography is an honest detail of De Villiers's life growing up in South Africa to leading the team at the International stage. He talks about IPL and India in detail and throws light on his friendship with other cricketers. The book is a delight for every cricket fan.

True Colours By Adam Gilchrist

Adam Gilchrist

One of the most devastating openers of his time and a clean hitter of the ball, Adam Gilchrist is a legend in his own terms. Adam Gilchrist's True Colour is a tale of what he called, brutal honesty. Gilchrist's take on the Monkeygate incident drove much criticism but his honesty in narrating the whole incident garnered him much respect. Gilchrist's journey to being the greatest wicket-keeper batsman in cricket is unique and inspiring.

While his Autobiography surprised many readers about his views on legendary cricketers, Gilchrist has always remained a fan favorite.

Playing it my way by Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar

The Little Master, one of the greatest cricketers of all time and someone who has been an inspiration to countless other cricketers around the globe, Sachin Tendulkar is both inspirational and hard-working. Playing it my way is an honest approach to cricket and a documented detail of what made the Master Blaster different from others. His love story with Anjali and about his son Arjun, Sachin portrays his life in vivid detail and talks about cricket with an open heart.

The story is a gem for every cricket fan and brings his opinion on so many incidents that happened during his cricketing career. Sachin's love for food, his love life and his admiration for the English cricketer Nassir Hussain is given much detail.