Cricket autobiographies have a special charm. For fans, there’s nothing quite like reading the untold stories of the players they’ve admired for years. Some books inspire, some reveal controversies, and others answer long-standing questions about the game and its heroes.
From iconic legends to modern stars, these autobiographies bring cricket’s biggest moments and personalities to life. Here’s my list of the top 10 cricket autobiographies by Indian and foreign players that every fan should read.
1. Playing It My Way – Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar’s autobiography is as monumental as his career. From his humble beginnings in Mumbai to becoming the “God of Cricket,” the book offers a candid look into his journey, sacrifices, and the mental strength that defined him.
Metadata:
- Published: 2014
- Publisher: Hachette India
- ISBN: 9781473605206
- Formats: Print, Kindle, Audiobook
- Rating: ⭐ 4.2 (Goodreads)
2. On Fire – Ben Stokes
By Ben Stokes
Few players embody grit like Ben Stokes. In On Fire, he relives his unforgettable 2019 summer: the World Cup heroics at Lord’s and the Headingley Ashes miracle. This book isn’t just about matches, it’s about the emotional toll and resilience behind them. A must read for the cricket fans, according to me.
- Published: 2019
- Publisher: Headline Publishing Group
- ISBN: 978-1472266916
- Formats: Print, Kindle, Audiobook
- Rating: ⭐ 4.3 (Goodreads)
3. 281 and Beyond – VVS Laxman
By VVS Laxman
Best remembered for his epic 281 at Eden Gardens, Laxman reflects on his Test career, his understated personality, and the pressures of being part of India’s golden generation. The book captures his resilience and grace both on and off the field. One of the first cricket books that I read and enjoyed to the core.
Metadata:
- Published: 2018
- Publisher: Westland
- ISBN: 9789387578654
- Formats: Print, Kindle
- Rating: ⭐ 4.3 (Goodreads)
4. No Spin – Shane Warne
By Shane Warne
The late Shane Warne’s autobiography is brutally honest. He writes about his cricketing genius, controversies, and life outside the boundary. For fans of spin bowling, this is as much a cricket masterclass as it is a personal confession.
Metadata:
- Published: 2018
- Publisher: Ebury Press
- ISBN: 9781785036320
- Formats: Print, Kindle, Audiobook
- Rating: ⭐ 4.1 (Goodreads)
5. AB: The Autobiography – AB de Villiers
De Villiers’ story is a modern cricketer’s tale — full of innovation, fearless batting, and leadership insights. His book is engaging and motivational, offering lessons on adapting and thriving under pressure.
Metadata:
- Published: 2016
- Publisher: Pan Macmillan
- ISBN: 9781509800860
- Formats: Print, Kindle, Audiobook
- Rating: ⭐ 4.2 (Goodreads)
6. True Colours – Adam Gilchrist
Gilchrist revolutionized wicketkeeping and batting in one package. True Colours is about his journey from a small town in Australia to redefining the game, with candid takes on teammates, opponents, and cricket’s culture.
Metadata:
- Published: 2008
- Publisher: Ebury Press
- ISBN: 9780091920891
- Formats: Print, Kindle
- Rating: ⭐ 3.9 (Goodreads)
7. Controversially Yours – Shoaib Akhtar
Raw, fiery, and controversial, just like the man himself. Shoaib’s autobiography doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, be it Pakistan cricket politics, rivalries, or his reputation as the “Rawalpindi Express.”
Metadata:
- Published: 2011
- Publisher: HarperCollins India
- ISBN: 9788172239379
- Formats: Print, Kindle
- Rating: ⭐ 3.7 (Goodreads)
8. At the Close of Play – Ricky Ponting
Australia’s most successful captain reflects on his highs, lows, and leadership philosophy. From his early days in Tasmania to lifting World Cups, this book shows how competitive fire and discipline made him a modern great. If you liked VVS Laxman’s book, this should be your next.
Metadata:
- Published: 2013
- Publisher: HarperCollins Australia
- ISBN: 9781743099506
- Formats: Print, Kindle
- Rating: ⭐ 4.1 (Goodreads)
9. KP: The Autobiography – Kevin Pietersen
True to his style, Pietersen’s autobiography is outspoken and entertaining, just like his tweets. He talks about his battles with the ECB, dressing room politics, and his flamboyant approach to batting and life.
Metadata:
- Published: 2014
- Publisher: Little, Brown
- ISBN: 9780751557541
- Formats: Print, Kindle, Audiobook
- Rating: ⭐ 3.8 (Goodreads)
10. The Test of My Life – Yuvraj Singh
By Yuvraj Singh
This isn’t just about cricket but about survival. Yuvraj’s book narrates his battle against cancer alongside his cricketing highs, from World Cup heroics to personal struggles. This makes it one of the most inspiring cricket reads.
Metadata:
- Published: 2013
- Publisher: Random House India
- ISBN: 9788184002980
- Formats: Print, Kindle
- Rating: ⭐ 4.3 (Goodreads)
Cricket Autobiographies Comparison Table
If you’re short on time and just want to compare the best cricket autobiographies side by side, this table is for you. It highlights the publication year, publisher, reader ratings, and quick purchase links. This will ease you to pick your next cricket read.
Cricket Autobiographies Comparison Table
| Book Title | Author | Buy Here | Year | Publisher | Goodreads Rating ⭐ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Playing It My Way | Sachin Tendulkar | Amazon | 2014 | Hachette India | 4.2 |
| On Fire | Ben Stokes | Amazon | 2019 | Headline Publishing Group | 4.3 |
| 281 and Beyond | VVS Laxman | Amazon | 2018 | Westland | 4.3 |
| No Spin | Shane Warne | Amazon | 2018 | Ebury Press | 4.1 |
| AB: The Autobiography | AB de Villiers | Amazon | 2016 | Pan Macmillan | 4.2 |
| True Colours | Adam Gilchrist | Amazon | 2008 | Ebury Press | 3.9 |
| Controversially Yours | Shoaib Akhtar | Amazon | 2011 | HarperCollins India | 3.7 |
| At the Close of Play | Ricky Ponting | Amazon | 2013 | HarperCollins Australia | 4.1 |
| KP: The Autobiography | Kevin Pietersen | Amazon | 2014 | Little, Brown | 3.8 |
| The Test of My Life | Yuvraj Singh | Amazon | 2013 | Random House India | 4.3 |
📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Cricket Autobiographies
1. Which is the best cricket autobiography to start with?
If you’re new to cricket books, Playing It My Way by Sachin Tendulkar is a great start. It combines inspiring personal stories with cricketing insights that appeal to all fans.
2. Which cricket autobiography is best for leadership lessons?
The Test of My Life by Yuvraj Singh and The Autobiography by Sir Alastair Cook, (one of my favorites but not mentioned in this list), both provide strong lessons on resilience, leadership, and decision-making under pressure.
3. Are there any controversial cricket autobiographies?
Yes, books like Controversially Yours by Shoaib Akhtar and KP: The Autobiography by Kevin Pietersen created plenty of headlines for their candid takes.
4. Which cricket autobiographies are best for young readers?
Autobiographies of modern stars like AB: The Autobiography by AB de Villiers and Playing It My Way are written in an engaging style that younger fans enjoy.
5. Do bowlers and wicketkeepers have autobiographies too?
Absolutely. Bowled Over by Jeffrey Archer (about bowlers) and Adam Gilchrist’s True Colours are excellent reads from non-batters.
6. How do I know which cricket autobiography is right for me?
If you enjoy personal struggles and inspiration, go for Yuvraj Singh. If you like behind-the-scenes dressing room drama, try Shoaib Akhtar or Kevin Pietersen.
7. Where can I buy these cricket autobiographies?
Most are available on Amazon, Flipkart, and major bookstores. Kindle and audiobook formats are also widely available for newer releases. We have also listed the buying links in the table above.
8. What are the best books that focus on Indian cricket across different eras?
Sunny Days by Sunil Gavaskar captures the 70s, Playing It My Way by Sachin Tendulkar takes you through the 90s and 2000s, and 281 and Beyond by VVS Laxman reflects the golden 2000s era of Indian cricket. If you’d like a wider list that highlights some of the great cricket books dedicated to Indian cricket’s history, check out our detailed article here.
