Playing It My Way: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of Playing It My Way, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
A brother saw his talent first
Tendulkar describes how his elder brother Ajit noticed his love of cricket and took him to coach Ramakant Achrekar.
Ajit remained his closest adviser throughout his career, and Tendulkar credits him with shaping his game and his attitude.
- IDEA 2 OF 8
Achrekar sir demanded relentless practice
Tendulkar recalls long days of practice at Shivaji Park under Achrekar, who would place a coin on the stumps as a reward for anyone who could get him out.
Playing match after match as a boy built his skill and stamina.
- IDEA 3 OF 8
A teenage debut against Pakistan
At just sixteen, Tendulkar made his Test debut in Pakistan against a fearsome bowling attack.
He describes being hit on the face by a bouncer, refusing to leave the field and deciding that he belonged at the highest level.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
Anjali became his anchor
Tendulkar describes meeting Anjali, a doctor, at Mumbai airport and their marriage a few years later.
She gave up her medical career to manage their family life, which he says allowed him to focus fully on cricket.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
Captaincy was a tough chapter
Tendulkar writes honestly about his two spells as India's captain, which brought frustration and few wins.
He found that leading the side while carrying the burden of batting expectations was exhausting, and he was relieved to step down.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
Injuries tested his resolve
Tendulkar describes a painful tennis elbow injury that left him unable even to lift his son's toy bat.
Surgery, long rehabilitation and fears that his career was over taught him patience and gratitude for the game.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
2011 fulfilled a lifelong dream
Winning the World Cup in 2011 in Mumbai was, Tendulkar writes, the greatest moment of his career.
He had dreamed of it since watching India win in 1983, and being carried around the ground by teammates was a cherished memory.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
Farewell after twenty-four years
Tendulkar describes the long wait for his hundredth international century and his emotional farewell Test in Mumbai in 2013.
He ends by thanking his family, coaches and fans for supporting him through twenty-four years in international cricket.
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