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From Master to King | Top 3 Moments Of A Cricketer Reading A Book

image-ljjoyx26Sachin Tendulkar reading his father's book (Twitter)

During the ongoing second Ashes Test at Lord's, an interesting scene unfolded as Australian opener David Warner took a unique approach to pass his time off the field.

After his dismissal, Warner was spotted on the pavilion's balcony during the morning session of the second day. Surprisingly, he had a book in his hand, engaging in a crossword puzzle.

The southpaw, known for his explosive batting style, had managed to score 66 runs in the first innings before being dismissed by the England quick Josh Tongue. However, instead of simply watching the game or engaging in other leisure activities, Warner opted to challenge his mind with the popular puzzle game.

While the sight of cricketers engrossed in books may be considered unconventional, it is not entirely unprecedented. Over the years, there have been instances where prominent players have gone viral for their bookish pursuits.

Let's take a look at 3 cricketers who went viral for reading a book


1. Sachin Tendulkar

In 2022, on the eve of his birthday, which coincided with World Book Day, former Indian cricketer, Sachin Tendulkar, had taken to Twitter to pay a heartfelt tribute to his late father, Ramesh Tendulkar. The Indian veteran posted pictures of himself reading poems from his father's book titled 'Sahitya'. The images quickly went viral, capturing the attention and admiration of fans worldwide.

Tendulkar’s post not only showcased his love for literature but also celebrated the literary legacy of his father. The emotional tribute touched the hearts of fans and admirers, who were moved by the display of the erstwhile cricketer's love for his father and his connection to literature.


2. MS Dhoni

Just two days after leading the Chennai Super Kings to their fifth Indian Premier League (IPL) title, MS Dhoni made a rare public appearance in Mumbai. Seated in the front passenger seat of a car, he was photographed holding a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, a holy ancient scripture. The image quickly spread like wildfire, with people hailing Dhoni for his choice of reading material and praising his devotion to the holy text.

Dhoni's encounter with the Bhagavad Gita was not temporary. Throughout his career, he has consistently emphasized the importance of the process over the outcome, adopting it as his mantra. This alignment between Dhoni's approach and the teachings of the Gita is unlikely to be a mere coincidence. 

The photo of Dhoni reading the Bhagavad Gita not only showcased his spiritual inclination but also resonated with fans who admired his philosophical outlook on life and the game of cricket.


3. Mithali Raj

Mithali Raj, who is one of the most celebrated female cricketers in the world, has had an impact on women’s cricket like no other. During a World Cup 2017 game, Mithali Raj captured the attention of fans when she was seen engrossed in a book while awaiting her turn to bat. She revealed that reading helped her calm her nerves and settle her jitters before important moments in the game.

On that particular day, Mithali's performance spoke volumes about her talent as she scored an impressive 71 off 73 balls and played a pivotal role in India's 35-run victory over England in the tournament’s opening day.

In the post-game interview, the legendary batter shared that the book she was reading was by the 13th-century Persian poet Rumi. Due to restrictions on electronic devices, she had borrowed the physical book from the fielding coach since she couldn't bring her regular e-reader with her.


Special Mention: Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli has garnered immense fame and attention for his exceptional and consistent performances across all formats of the game. Renowned for his aggression on the field, the former Indian captain has transformed significantly and has taken a spiritual path in recent years which is evident from his interviews and visits to temples. During the first Test match against the West Indies in Antigua in 2019, Kohli caught the attention of fans and media alike when he was spotted reading a book in the dressing room. 

The image of Kohli engrossed in his reading material quickly surfaced on the internet, sparking curiosity among his followers about the book he had chosen. The book that Kohli was reading in the dressing room was titled 'Detox Your Ego.' This revelation piqued further interest as fans sought to understand the significance of his choice. The book, written by Steven Sylvester, explores the concept of ego and offers strategies to overcome its negative impact on personal growth and success. Kohli's decision to read such a book showed his commitment to self-improvement and introspection, both on and off the cricket field.