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Chasing Like Dhoni

Chasing Like Dhoni

Exploring The Underbelly Of Indian Cricket | Inside The Dreams, Struggles And Unseen Lives Of India’s Aspiring Cricketers

Aayush Puthran
,
Samod
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In recent decades, Indian cricket has become a powerful vehicle of aspiration, its promise embodied in the rise of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, which has inspired millions. In a society shaped by entrenched inequities, the sport has come to represent a level playing field, where talent seems capable of transcending inherited disadvantage.

That notwithstanding, the numbers tell a harsher story. In nearly a century, fewer than 600 men and women have represented India, while millions have played—and continue to play—the game with equal conviction.

When promised fame eludes cricketers in the country’s most competitive vocation, what sustains their pursuit, and how do they make sense of lives forged through struggle and sacrifice? This is the story of the great Indian cricketing dream.

Imprint: Penguin Play

Published: May/2026

ISBN: 9780143472087 (Paperback)

Length : 272 Pages

MRP : ₹499.00

Chasing Like Dhoni

Exploring The Underbelly Of Indian Cricket | Inside The Dreams, Struggles And Unseen Lives Of India’s Aspiring Cricketers

Aayush Puthran
,
Samod

In recent decades, Indian cricket has become a powerful vehicle of aspiration, its promise embodied in the rise of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, which has inspired millions. In a society shaped by entrenched inequities, the sport has come to represent a level playing field, where talent seems capable of transcending inherited disadvantage.

That notwithstanding, the numbers tell a harsher story. In nearly a century, fewer than 600 men and women have represented India, while millions have played—and continue to play—the game with equal conviction.

When promised fame eludes cricketers in the country’s most competitive vocation, what sustains their pursuit, and how do they make sense of lives forged through struggle and sacrifice? This is the story of the great Indian cricketing dream.

Buying Options
Paperback / Hardback

Aayush Puthran

Aayush Puthran is a Bengaluru-based journalist and author. His debut non-fiction, Unveiling Jazbaa, was shortlisted at the Sunday Times British Sports Book Awards 2023. His work as a journalist was nominated in the longlist for the L’ Association Internationale de la Presse Sportive Award. He writes for Cricbuzz.

Samod

Samod is a Mumbai-based journalist with over 25 years of experience. He has covered travel, crime and communities and worked with some of the big names of the industry. A law graduate, he discovered early on that his true calling lay in writing. Alongside journalism, he also serves as visiting faculty, teaching journalism and related subjects.

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