Legendary players revisit glorious past at launch of Pitchside

Sumit Bhattacharya | NT

Bengaluru: In a nostalgic journey down memory lane, cricket legends and enthusiasts gathered at the Bangalore International Centre (BIC) last Tuesday for the launch of Pitchside, a book penned by former Indian cricket team manager, Amrit Mathur.

The evening was not just a book launch, but a trip through the golden era of Indian cricket, as recounted by those who lived it.

The event was conducted by renowned sports journalist Sharda Ugra, who facilitated an engaging conversation among the attendees, each one contributing their anecdotes and memories related to Mathur and his time with the team.

The book itself is a testament to Mathur's experiences during his tenure as the manager of the men's cricket team, capturing vivid snapshots of his interactions with some of the greatest names in Indian cricket.

Mathur's narrative spans from the time of Kapil Dev to Rahul Dravid, painting a rich tapestry of cricketing history.

Among those present at the launch were cricketing stalwarts like Anil Kumble, VVS Laxman and Syed Kirmani, all of whom came under one roof to celebrate the release of the book.

Anil Kumble, one of India's most successful bowlers, praised all the captains he played under, expressing his gratitude for their leadership and guidance. VVS Laxman, remembered for his iconic 281 runs against Australia, told News Trail that his and Dravid's innings were a combination of sheer dedication and unyielding determination.

He also spoke about the technological evolution he witnessed over the years, from training sessions to boardroom discussions. Mathur added, "There is a story on Laxman with a horse in the book".

Kumble, who had missed the match due to an injury, recalled how he kept himself updated with the proceedings after returning to India.

His commitment to the game, even when not physically present on the field, highlighted the passion these players harboured for cricket. Syed Kirmani, another legend of the game, expressed his fond memories with Mathur, adding to the warm reminiscences of the evening.

There were lighter moments too, as the players shared amusing anecdotes about Mathur, much to the delight of the audience.

The launch of Pitchside was more than just the unveiling of a book; it was a celebration of Indian cricket's illustrious past, viewed through the lens of Amrit Mathur.

As the evening concluded, the BIC resonated with the echoes of laughter, applause, and the shared love for the game of cricket.

The event was a testament to the bond shared by these cricketing greats, a bond forged in the crucible of the pitch, and immortalised in the pages of Pitchside.