New Delhi: Aditya Iyer’s debut book Gully Gully offers a unique narrative that blends the excitement of sports with the art of travel writing. Published in the backdrop of the 2023 Cricket World Cup, the book provides an in-depth exploration of cricket’s cultural significance in India while also taking readers on a journey through various cities and states hosting the World Cup matches. He spoke to media veteran Arup Ghosh at Ekamra Sports Literature Festival.
Book Concept and Structure
Iyer’s book stands out for its dual focus: while it offers an intimate portrayal of cricket’s impact on India’s national identity, it also introduces readers to the cities and cultures tied to each match. By traveling to these locations during the World Cup, the author weaves a compelling story of human connection, geography, and passion for the sport. This structure creates a deeply immersive experience that not only discusses cricket but also paints a vivid picture of the cities that serve as the backdrop for these high-stakes tournaments.
One of the key features of the book is its exploration of the sport’s role in uniting the diverse nations of India. Cricket, a unifying thread, is depicted as a powerful force that transcends regional identities, offering a common ground for the country’s disparate cultures.
The Unique Blend of Cricket and Travelogue
The book stands out because of its unconventional approach to narrating the World Cup journey. While cricket is central, Iyer’s incorporation of travelogue elements allows him to explore the local flavors of each place, the people, and their stories. In this way, Iyer’s narrative is much more than just a recounting of cricket matches. It is a celebration of India’s vibrant culture, with each chapter taking the reader to different parts of the country—each city with its own story to tell.
The travel writing aspect becomes particularly captivating as Iyer introduces readers to characters and places that embody the spirit of the region. One such character is Sarvanan Hari, a fervent MS Dhoni fan from Chennai, whose passion for cricket reflects the city’s intense loyalty to its sports idols. Hari, who became famous for painting himself in yellow and following Dhoni, represents the deep cultural connection between the people and cricket.
Chennai’s Fascinating Story
The segment on Chennai stands out for its compelling portrayal of Sarvanan Hari, a local who embodies the fervor of Tamil Nadu’s cricket culture. Initially, Hari’s obsession with Dhoni’s image seemed like an eccentricity, but it eventually led to remarkable access to the cricketing legend himself. Hari’s story begins with his accidental immersion into Dhoni fandom, which evolved into a more profound connection with the player.
Hari’s tale reaches its climax when, after texting Dhoni’s manager during the birth of his child, Hari makes the bold decision to leave his wife and newborn in a hospital to meet Dhoni at the hotel. Upon meeting the cricket icon, Dhoni learns of the new arrival and, in a gesture of generosity, names the child after him. Hari’s devotion to Dhoni, which might seem excessive, is presented without judgment, showcasing the intense love some fans feel for their sports heroes. The story encapsulates the powerful emotional bond that cricket fosters in its fans.
The Influence of Cricket on National Identity
The book emphasizes the way cricket has shaped India’s identity, particularly in the context of the World Cup. As Iyer himself notes, the team’s success and subsequent heartbreak were experienced by not only the players but also the millions of fans who followed their journey. The tragic ending of India’s World Cup campaign left a sense of collective grief, a “bathed in blood” feeling that was felt across the nation.
This grief wasn’t just limited to the fans but extended to those involved in the media, and the players themselves, who faced immense pressure to deliver the perfect ending. The phrase “bathed in blood” symbolizes this sense of despair and lost opportunity, capturing the emotional toll of the tournament’s outcome.
The Travelog Format
While the narrative around cricket is powerful, it is the travel aspect of the book that adds depth to Iyer’s work. By focusing on individual cities, Iyer’s writing introduces readers to the unique cultural elements that make each location special. He draws parallels between the local culture and the passion for cricket, demonstrating how each region has its own distinct way of relating to the sport.
His travelog format also serves as a vehicle for storytelling, giving voice to the common people whose lives revolve around cricket. Through their stories, Iyer captures the essence of India, painting a portrait of a nation united by its love for cricket, yet deeply diverse in its regional identities and traditions.
Inspirations and Writing Process
Iyer’s inspiration for combining cricket with travel writing came from previous works by other authors. Rahul Bachara’s Pandits from Pakistan and Mike Marusi’s War Minus the Shooting were two of the major influences on Iyer. These authors had similarly used travel writing to explore cricket’s cultural impact, and Iyer aimed to do the same with a modern touch.
Iyer chose to focus on the World Cup of 2023, a time when India’s cricket team was experiencing a new level of success and dominance. This period marked a fresh era in Indian cricket, one where the sport had transcended its 1990s and early 2000s struggles to become a global force. The excitement surrounding the Indian team’s performances provided the perfect backdrop for a narrative that was both topical and culturally significant.
The book not only highlights the way cricket shapes national identity but also offers a window into the people and places that make India’s cricket culture so unique. Iyer’s insightful storytelling and vivid descriptions make Gully Guly an essential read for cricket fans and those interested in the cultural impact of sports.
