Sunil Gavaskar Launches ‘Rag Rag Mein Cricket’ in Indore
Legend Sunil Gavaskar launched the book ‘Rag Rag Mein Cricket’ in Indore, celebrating the incredible cricket journey of Sanjay Jagdale.
In a star-studded event held in Indore, legendary former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar officially launched ‘Rag Rag Mein Cricket’, a new book that chronicles the remarkable life and career of former cricketer and BCCI administrator Sanjay Jagdale.
The book, authored by Kiran Waikar and Sunil Dudhale, provides an in-depth look at Jagdale’s evolution from a competitive player to a pivotal figure in cricket administration, serving roles as a coach, selector, and high-ranking official within the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
An 'All-Rounder' Beyond the Field
During the launch, Sunil Gavaskar lauded Jagdale for his multifaceted contribution to the sport, noting that his impact extends far beyond his playing days. Gavaskar remarked that while Jagdale was an all-rounder on the pitch, his true versatility shone through his transition into various leadership roles.
“You don't necessarily have to be a batsman or a bowler to serve cricket. He was an all-rounder on the cricket field, but he truly became an all-rounder by becoming a coach, a selector, an administrator, and a player. Very few people get that kind of opportunity. The way you've served cricket—and continue to serve it—is truly unparalleled and highly commendable,” Gavaskar said.
A Friendship Spanning Decades
The event also highlighted a deep-rooted personal connection between the two legends. Sanjay Jagdale reminisced about a friendship with Gavaskar that traces back to 1965, beginning in school cricket during the Cooch Behar Trophy. Their paths crossed repeatedly through college cricket, the Ranji Trophy, Indian Universities tours, and the Duleep Trophy.
Reflecting on the greatness of his long-time friend, Jagdale stated: “Sunil Gavaskar was an exceptional player. Players like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli and Sunil Gavaskar are born once in a long time. Such players do not come along every day.” He further noted that in the modern era, only Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah stand out as truly great red-ball specialists in India.
The Story Behind the Title
The title ‘Rag Rag Mein Cricket’ (Cricket in every vein) was chosen to reflect Jagdale's absolute obsession with the game. Co-author Kiran Waikar explained that the book captures how Jagdale’s life has been entirely consumed by the sport.
The narrative covers several critical turning points in Jagdale's career, including:
- His transition to administration: How he stepped into leadership roles at the MPCA and BCCI, often out of necessity rather than initial interest.
- The 1997 Turning Point: How he took over MPCA administration following the cancellation of an India-Sri Lanka international match in Indore.
- BCCI Leadership: His journey from serving as a junior selector to becoming the BCCI Secretary.
- Vision for the Game: His continuous efforts to improve player facilities and the overall infrastructure of Indian cricket.
The book serves as a comprehensive biography, documenting how a man who "talks about cricket all day long" dedicated his life to ensuring the betterment of the sport for future generations.