Sachin Tendulkar Autobiography- Playing It My Way: Book Review

Playing It My Way is the autobiography of Sachin Tendulkar. When we think of cricket, we are indirectly thinking of Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. That’s the kind of cricketer he was. 

In 2014, I read an announcement about the release of the autobiography of Sachin Tendulkar in English. As a hardcore fan of him and cricket, I couldn’t wait for the release. Who wouldn’t like to read the Sachin biography and find personal insights, life story, phase of struggles, behind the scenes of those 100 centuries, and much more. It is a book of the most adored, worshipped, and celebrated cricketer of India. 

The book released in 2015, priced INR 800+. I had put my pocket money to buy it from Amazon and finished reading it in the next week. Below, I have shared the book review of Playing It My Way autobiography, along with a quick summary, favourite quotes, as well as answers to some of the most frequently asked questions by the fans. 

Playing It My Way Book Summary in Brief

Title: Playing It My Way

Author: Sachin Tendulkar and Boria Majumdar (Contributor)

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Number of pages: 496

Sachin has been completely honest with sharing his story publicly, the way he was honest with playing cricket and contributing to the team India. 

The Sachin Tendulkar biography book has everything about the God of Cricket, right from the time of his birth till the last match when he walked to the pavilion for the final time. You get to explore various stages of his life, including childhood, music (his second love), first bat gifted by his sister, playing at Shivaji Park under the coach Ramakant Achrekar, support of elder brothers, staying at uncle’s home because the stadium was away, and practising the lovely straight drive.

Then comes the debut in Ranji Trophy, selection in international cricket, first match vs Pakistan, the Waqar Yunus bouncer and injury, first century, Australia tours, becoming an opener in one day cricket, victory at Sharjah, famous knocks in Chennai, Sydney, Multan, Gwalior, as well as partnerships with Vinod Kambli, Virender Sehwag, and other players. He has shared real stories and incidents about cracking Muralitharan’s doosra, Shane Warne’s mystery bowling, Ajanta Mendis, Bret Lee, and many other players. 

He has also shared his love story with his wife Anjali Tendulkar, how they met at the airport and was shy. She didn’t like cricket but fell for him despite an age difference of ten years. There are feelings for his family, wife, son and daughter, and how he felt when he lost his father, who taught him some of the biggest life lessons. 

Sachin Tendulkar autobiography includes things about match-fixing during his time and the anger of fans who felt cheated. He was made the captain but failed. 

At the end of the book, you will find the complete index and tables of Sachin’s total runs in ODI and tests, debut match, all the 100 centuries, the highest score in all formats, first double hundred (200) against South Africa, IPL career and century, records as a captain, etc. He is now worshipped as the God of Cricket. 

Playing It My Way Book Review: Sachin Tendulkar Biography

So, finally coming to the book review of Playing It My Way by Sachin Tendulkar. If you love watching or playing cricket, you will undoubtedly like this book. As a 90s kid, I loved it. The Sachin autobiography takes us down memory lane and brings back all the lovely incidents and cricket matches we watched him playing. 

Amid the chapters, you will find yourself lost in the life story of Sachin. In certain instances, the book made me smile, sad, happy, and feel proud. Real-life heroes exist and this book proves that. It is not a walk in the park to meet the expectations of billions of people in the country, but this man did that most of the times. 

I learned that you can be popular and famous without shouting it aloud if you have skills. Sachin just worked on his game, experimented with new batting tricks, worshipped and respected the cricket, stayed calm and relaxed, stayed out of controversies, didn’t abuse any players even when he was sledged. He believed that it is better to answer people with your performance rather than with words. He did that in several instances. 

What I didn’t like was the way Playing It My Way author tried to justify his failures. For examples, he failed as a captain, but it is okay. There is no need to justify it. The book is a bit lengthy, having nearly 500 pages. It might affect the mindset of some readers. However, I feel that every word is used purposely. 

Playing It My Way book written by Sachin Tendulkar, is a great asset for people who love cricket. Budding cricketers who want to find batting tips with insights from one of the smartest batsman in the world will find it very useful. It is a truly inspiring autobiography. While finishing and closing the book, I had the feeling of proudness.

Want to read Sachin Tendulkar Autobiography?

Below is the link to buy Paperback, Hardcover, or Kindle ebook from Amazon:

• You can also download the Playing It My Way PDF free: PDF
• Sachin Tendulkar biography book in Hindi: Amazon

Sachin: A Billion Dreams

The autobiography was later adapted into a documentary film, which was directed by James Erskine. Titled Sachin: A Billion Dreams, the Sachin Tendulkar movie made over 75 crores in the box office. It was produced by Ravi Bhagchandka and Carnival Motion Pictures, with music by oscar-winning singer AR Rahman. 

Best Playing It My Way Quotes by Sachin Tendulkar 

Following are some of the best quotes from Sachin Tendulkar autobiography:

“People throw stones at you and you convert them into milestones.”

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“Chase your dreams …. but make sure you don’t find shortcuts ….”

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“Don’t stop chasing your dreams, because dreams do come true.”

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“If you remain humble, people will give you love and respect even after you have finished with the game. As a parent, I would be happier hearing people say, “Sachin is a good human being” than “Sachin is a great cricketer” any day.”

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“The lessons to be learnt from success and failure are equally important. More often than not, failure and sorrow are bigger teachers than success and happiness.”

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“When trying to save a match, the important thing is to set small targets. These can be as little as batting the next five overs, or the next hour, or even a session. If a wicket doesn’t fall for close to a session, the opposition, however much they are in control, are bound to feel pressure.”

———-

“I’ve always believed that cricket is played best when your mind is at the opposite end and that problems occur when your mind is stuck at your own end.”

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