Sameer Gudhate presents the Book Review of Story of Love Before Cricket by Sanjay Mittal

Have you ever caught a glimpse of someone from your past and felt your whole world pause for a second? That aching nostalgia, the warmth of memories, and the sting of what could have been? Love Before Cricket by Sanjay Mittal hits you with that kind of emotional punch—and keeps you hooked with a smile, a tear, and a whole lot of heart.

I’ve read quite a few books that try to blend sports with romance, but very few get it right. Sanjay Mittal, whose writing I’m encountering for the second time, seems to have found that rare middle ground. He’s taken the adrenaline rush of cricket and paired it with the tenderness of love and friendship. The result? A story that doesn’t just entertain—it resonates.

Dhruv is not your typical hero. He’s an ex-cricketer-turned-coder—yes, you read that right. His life seems sorted, until he sees her again. Seema. His once-love, now a face in the crowd, cheering during a cricket match on TV. Old feelings? Let’s just say they didn’t fade—they were just on mute.

What makes the story even more engaging is the friendship triangle with Nishant and Ravi—three friends who call themselves the Adventurers. Amid Bengaluru’s tech world, broken dreams, and high-stakes cricket tournaments like the 2023 World Cup and the ICC T20, these three navigate life, love, and second chances. And it's not just about Seema and Dhruv. It's about how we all carry our past while trying to find joy in the present.

Mittal’s prose feels like chatting with an old friend over chai on a rainy evening. It’s smooth, heartfelt, and peppered with just the right amount of humor and emotion. His writing captures the fast-paced thrill of cricket matches with the same ease as the quiet ache of a late-night heartbreak.

What I appreciated most was the authenticity—no melodrama, no unrealistic heroism. Just people being… well, people. With flaws, baggage, charm, and choices that sometimes make you want to hug them and sometimes shake them up!

Dhruv is one of those characters who makes you root for him even when he stumbles. His vulnerabilities don’t make him weak—they make him real. And Seema? She’s not a pushover. She holds her ground, loves fiercely, and reminds you of that one person who refused to give up on what truly mattered.

And the trio of Dhruv, Nishant, and Ravi? They reminded me so much of my own college group—where jokes flew faster than logic and loyalty was the only constant. Their camaraderie is the soul of this book.

Thematically, the book shines. It explores second chances—not just in love, but in life. It gently nudges readers to forgive, to move on, to try again. It talks about ambition, identity, and how dreams—especially the ones we bury—can still come back to life.

And the pacing? Spot on. Not once did I feel the story dragging or rushing. The plot weaves in twists just when you think you’ve figured it all out.

If I had to nitpick, I’d say some emotional arcs could have dug deeper. Seema’s inner world, for instance, deserved a few more spotlight moments. But these are minor hiccups in an otherwise deeply satisfying read.

Reading Love Before Cricket felt like watching a match that goes down to the last ball—with your heart racing and your eyes a little misty. It’s not just about who wins, but about the journey, the camaraderie, the heartaches, and the small victories that make life worth living.

If you love cricket, give this a read. If you believe in second chances, definitely give this a read. And if you're just looking for a story that makes you feel something real—then this one’s for you.

I’m definitely looking forward to what Sanjay Mittal writes next. If this is how he tells stories, I’m already a fan.

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