Before the World Cup triumph in 1983, Indian cricket was saddled with the idea that ‘to draw a match was as good as a victory’. Every batsman occupying the crease had the solo objective of ensuring that the game was not lost. During those days, runs scored were incidental in the quest for staying longer at the crease. Gundappa Vishwanath lived in such times, ensuring that India never lost a cricket match in which he scored a century. Rare distinction for a cricketer known for the classic square cut, which made 5’2” diminutive batsman a giant in the game. In an international career spanning two decades with 91 test matches under his bat, Vishwanath had rubbed shoulders with all-time greats like Garfield Sobers, Ian Chappel, Vivian Richards and Tony Greig and had let his wristy batting do the talking against fearsome speedsters in Denis Lillee, Andy Roberts, Jeff Thomson and Joel Garner.
Co-written with veteran sports journalist R Kaushik, Wrist Assured narrates the humble beginning of a committed cricketer who braved odds and inadequacies of life in attaining dizzy heights over the cricketing landscape. Vishwanath’s debut was momentous, his dismissal for zero in the first innings of the Green Park test against Australia in 1969 had earned the debutant the ire of the fans. Undeterred, he returned with a resolute 137 in the second innings to announce his arrival on the international circuit. The journey from zero to hero in a matter of few days became the catalyst for his smooth ride in international cricket.
Vishwanath’s autobiography could not have been better titled – a recognition of the wristy square cut being his signature cricketing shot that helped in scoring 4,000 of his 6,080 test runs. The square cut may have fascinated viewers but it was a stroke born out of necessity. ‘A slight, thin boy with no power to speak of, used the pace of the ball to reach the boundary’. Batting for Vishwanath was more than just a power game, it was more about crafty finesse with exquisite control. ‘At that level, it is more about your mind than your skills’, asserts Vishwanath. With no bloated coaching and support infrastructure on offer, players during those days had to go by their basic instinct in making the most of the opportunity on offer.
Wrist Assured makes for an absorbing reading, as it not only traces the cricketing journey of the little genius but offers great insights on the game itself. Much as the game might have changed in favor of its popular shorter version, it is all about honing one’s skills against the wares of the bowlers. Vishwanath has drawn extensive lessons from his batting experience on the most iconic cricketing venues in the world to conclude that one should be ready for change in thinking, attitude and mindset. In nutshell, be mindful of situations and conditions is the key message.
In his playing days, not much was known about the making of the little genius. In Wrist Assured, it is all in the open – the tennis-ball experience in the dusty by-lanes, the magical touch on the iconic cricketing grounds around the world, the bonding with illustrious domestic and international stalwarts, and the role as an ICC referee and a national selector. Viswanath pays rich tributes to his mentor Tiger Pataudi. When Pataudi learnt that Vishwanath did not go to the gym, he gave him a tip ‘I’m sure you must have buckets at home? Fill up two buckets with water and lift one with each hand 20 times in a row. Do this three to four times a day, regularly.’ Lifting buckets strengthened his forearm and wrist, and the rest as they is history.
It is a delight to read the sincere and honest reflections of a living legend. Credit to Kaushik for letting the feelings and emotions of the wristy genius get rich expressions that are laced with amusing anecdotes and innocent playfulness. That they didn’t slide on the ground to stop the ball during those days had more to do with their daily allowance and less for the risk of throwing oneself around. ‘With daily allowance of two pound sterling, a dive translated to a green patch on the trousers, and a spell in the washing machine. That also meant going without one, sometimes two meals’. This and much more, Wrist Assured is a sheer joy to read.
If you’re a fan of the wristy genius, you must read the book. If you love the game of cricket, you better not avoid reading it. And, if you are neither of the two, you must read to learn how sincere efforts and honest commitment makes legends out of the ordinary.
by Gundappa Vishwanath with R Kaushik
Rupa, New Delhi
Extent: 267, Price: Rs.595.
First published in Deccan Herald on May 22, 2022.
This is my third attempt at reviewing a book twice. And, I enjoy testing my abilities.
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