Blog 37 – Cricket in Fiction: The Impact of Cricket Literature and Films – 10 Reasons Why the Cookie Crumbled the Way It Did

Sports have long been acknowledged for their potency in bringing people and communities together, huddled around a television screen or screaming at a pitch, joined together in their love for the game. Cricket, especially in the Indian context, is one such sport that holds an extremely special place in the hearts of millions, enabling communities to come together and rejoice. Be it a cricket match or a film portraying the sport, it serves as a true inspiration for many.

When thinking about cricket in literature, R.K. Narayan’s work immediately comes to mind. A childhood favorite novel, ‘Swami and Friends,’ set in a small town in Southern India during the end of the British Rule, is replete with instances of cricket. For instance, the protagonist, Swami, forms a cricket club with his friends, and the charm and simplicity of his days are told through his love for cricket and the first wicket he takes. Cricket is used as a metaphor for the simplicity and carefree childhood days of the children in that small town. Given that the sport originated in England, it’s only natural to speak of P.G. Wodehouse’s tales of cricket when thinking about cricket in literature. His fiction, too, was tailored for a youthful audience, and he published a trilogy of novels that were centered around cricket, including ‘Mike at Wrykyn’, ‘Mike and Psmith’, and ‘Psmith in the City.’ Named ahead of its time, the protagonist in ‘Mike at Wrykyn,’ Michael Jackson, was a phenomenal batsman with equally phenomenal cricketer brothers who underwent a series of cricketing trials while at boarding school.

Cricket has also graced the silver screen numerous times, and especially in the world of Indian cinema, where it has been portrayed with great fervor and passion. Films like ‘Lagaan’ and ‘Dil Bole Hadippa!’ are fan favorites that have showcased the sport’s unifying power and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries. ‘Lagaan,’ in particular, not only delves into cricket but also addresses the themes of colonialism and social justice, making it a cultural phenomenon. Cricket also plays a pivotal role in shaping characters and narratives in Indian films. In the romantic film, ‘Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna,’ a chance encounter during a cricket match leads to a series of events that challenge societal norms and relationships. Although cricket is not central to the theme of the film, it is used to push the storyline along, demonstrating the ubiquity of the sport in Indian cinema.

Sources:

https://transhindi.org/savita/node/410