LOVE BEFORE CRICKET

𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁
𝗕𝘆  𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗷𝗮𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗹
𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿: 𝗦𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵𝘁𝗶 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿
𝗣𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸: 𝟏𝟕𝟔
𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱: 𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿: 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓






As the title suggests, the narrative is centred on cricket, tracing the intertwined journeys of three friends and a love story that again unfolds from the ICC World Cup 2023 to the T20 World Cup 2024. Dhruv is a passionate cricketer determined to leave his mark on the field while quietly battling the emotional weight of his past. His closest companions—Nishant, Ravi, and Seema—significantly shape his path and add depth to the story.
Told entirely from Dhruv’s perspective, the narration offers an intimate, almost vulnerable window into the raw pressures of competition, the aching uncertainty that threads through every relationship, and the unspoken comfort only true friends can offer. Dhruv emerges not just as a player, but as a young man haunted by longing and regrets, his ambitions burning bright even as old wounds throb. The ties he shares—with steadfast Nishant and Ravi, his guiding coach, and especially Seema, whose presence stirs a wild mix of hope and heartache—are drawn with tender nuance. As the trio desperately tries to reunite Dhruv and Seema through a series of matches, each scene simmers with resurfacing memories, echoes of loss, flashes of resentment, and the bittersweet ache of a love that refuses to fade.

The book is well written and offers impressively detailed insights into cricket. The character development is strong overall, though Seema’s arc feels underdeveloped. Her reconnection with Dhruv after four years seems too seamless, lessening the expected emotional impact. Additionally, the reason behind their breakup four years ago is not clearly articulated. The absence of this crucial detail leaves a noticeable gap in understanding their relationship dynamics and motivations.
The language is simple, and the narration flows smoothly, making it a fast-paced read. This book will resonate particularly with cricket fans – one might even call it a book dedicated to them. Detailed accounts of the ICC World Cup 2023, including match locations, outcomes, and key turning points, make up a significant portion of the book. Its straightforward writing style also makes it a suitable pick for novice readers or for those looking to explore something outside their usual reading preferences.

However, readers with little or no interest in cricket may feel disengaged, especially as the story delves deeper into the sport. That is precisely what influenced my own rating—while the emotional elements were well presented, the cricket-heavy narrative did not quite work for me, as I am not a cricket enthusiast.

My Rating:

3/5

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