Title: LBW: Love By World Cup
Author: Vinay Dhamnani
Publisher: Diamond Books
Genre: Romance, Sports
First Publication: 2023
Language: English
Book Summary – LBW: Love By World Cup by Vinay Dhamnani
The mysterious debutant fast bowler, Alok, miraculously selected in the Indian World Cup squad, made heads roll with his uncharted batting prowess. Trailing off into unfamiliar territory, he has imaginary violins playing in the background for Sheena, who is the daughter of the President of the Indian Cricket Board. The skipper of the team, Vish, did not approve of the budding romance. The captain had his eyes not only on the World Cup but also on ruling Indian cricket by becoming the son-in-law of the most powerful individual in the game. His inquest almost derailed the already chaotic path to India’s quest for a third World Cup. Will the enigmatic newbie be able to bat his way to becoming a legend and his lady’s hero, or will his name be lost from the cricket history books and her heart?
Book Review – LBW: Love By World Cup by Vinay Dhamnani
As a cricket enthusiast, I was immediately drawn to Vinay Dhamnani’s debut novel, LBW: Love By World Cup. The book’s title, LBW: Love By World Cup, encapsulates the plot of the story. This gripping tale of love and cricket explores the uncharted territory of an enigmatic debutant fast bowler, Alok, who is miraculously selected in the Indian World Cup squad. The story takes an unexpected turn as Alok displays his uncharted batting prowess and makes heads roll. However, his budding romance with Sheena, the daughter of the President of the Indian Cricket Board, creates chaos in the Indian cricketing community.
Their romance blossoms, but it is not without its complications. Vish, the team’s captain, is also interested in Sheena and disapproves of their relationship. Meanwhile, the team struggles on the field, facing unexpected losses and internal conflicts. As the World Cup approaches, the stakes get higher, and the tension between Alok, Sheena, and Vish reaches its peak. Will Alok be able to help India bring the its 3rd world cup and win Sheena’s heart, or will his dreams be shattered?
Plot Analysis:
Cricket is a game that is almost a religion in India, and Vinay Dhamnani’s LBW: Love By World Cup captures the passion and intensity of the sport. The novel follows the story of Alok, a debutant fast bowler who has a batting prowess that cannot be ignored.
Alok, the Debutant Fast Bowler
The story begins with Alok, a young man with a passion for cricket. He dreams of representing India at the World Cup and becoming a legendary fast bowler. Alok’s talent is undeniable, and he soon finds himself selected to play for the Indian cricket team. As he steps onto the field for the first time, Alok is filled with nerves and excitement. The pressure to perform is immense, but Alok is determined to make his mark.
Alok’s Batting Prowess
Despite being a fast bowler, Alok’s batting skills catch the eye of the team captain, Vish. Alok is given the opportunity to prove his worth as a batsman, and he does not disappoint. His incredible performances with the bat make him a valuable asset to the team, and he quickly becomes a fan favorite.
Alok’s Budding Romance with Sheena
As the story progresses, Alok meets Sheena, the daughter of the President of the Indian Cricket Board. The two develop a strong connection, and their relationship blossoms into a romance. However, their relationship creates chaos within the team, and Vish is not happy about it. He disapproves of their relationship and tries to put a stop to it.
The Skipper of the Team, Vish, and His Disapproval of the Relationship
Vish, the captain of the Indian cricket team, is a talented batsman and a respected leader. He is fiercely competitive and always puts the team’s interests first. When he learns about Alok’s relationship with Sheena, Vish is not pleased. He feels that the relationship will distract Alok from his game and create unnecessary drama within the team. Vish’s disapproval of the relationship creates tension between him and Alok.
The Chaotic Path to India’s Quest for a 3rd World Cup
The Indian cricket team is on a mission to win their third World Cup, and the road to victory is filled with challenges. The team faces tough opponents and struggles to find their rhythm. Along the way, Alok faces his own personal struggles as he tries to balance his cricketing ambitions with his love life. The team’s journey to the World Cup is filled with drama, emotions, and heartbreak.
The Enigmatic Newbie’s Quest to Become a Legend and Win Love
Alok’s journey is not just about cricket; it is also about his quest to become a legend and win Sheena’s heart. Alok is a talented and enigmatic player, and he soon becomes a fan favorite. He works hard to improve his game and prove his worth to the team. At the same time, he tries to win Sheena’s heart and make their relationship work despite the odds.
Themes:
The central themes of LBW are love, ambition, power, and teamwork. The book explores the complexities of human relationships, particularly in the context of the high-pressure world of international cricket. It also delves into the corrupt and flawed nature of the cricket system in India and how it affects the players’ lives and careers.
Love and Romance
The love story between Alok and Sheena is a significant subplot in the book, and Dhamnani handles it with sensitivity and care. He captures the joys and challenges of a young romance, as well as the conflicts that arise when personal ambitions clash with matters of the heart.
Ambition and Power
The book explores the various forms of power dynamics in the world of cricket. From the boardroom politics of the Indian Cricket Board to the pressure exerted by coaches and team captains, the characters navigate a complex web of ambition and influence. Dhamnani also explores the dark side of power and its potential to corrupt and destroy.
Team Dynamics
The book takes an in-depth look at the intricacies of team dynamics in cricket. It examines how individual egos and personal ambitions can affect team cohesion, and how a strong sense of unity and teamwork can overcome even the toughest challenges.
Critique of Indian Cricket System
Dhamnani doesn’t shy away from criticizing the Indian cricket system, highlighting its corrupt and flawed nature. He takes a critical view of the Indian Cricket Board and its various stakeholders, exposing the political games and nepotism that often govern team selection and player development.
Handling of Sensitive Topics
The book deals with several sensitive topics, including corruption, match-fixing, and mental health issues in cricket. Dhamnani handles these themes with sensitivity and nuance, never resorting to cliches or stereotypes. He sheds light on the darker side of cricket, while also offering hope and optimism for the future.
Writing:
Vinay Dhamnani’s writing style in LBW: Love by World Cup is noteworthy for its imagery, pacing, dialogue and descriptive language. Dhamnani’s skillful use of imagery transports the reader to the cricket field, allowing them to experience the thrill and excitement of the game. The pace of the story is excellent, as author Vinay balances the cricketing action with the romantic subplot. The pace of the story picks up during the high-octane cricket matches, while the romance between Alok and Sheena is given room to breathe in the quieter moments. The result is a story that flows seamlessly from one scene to the next, keeping the reader engaged throughout.
The conversation between characters is another strength of the novel. The characters speak realistically and their conversations are imbued with a sense of authenticity. The dialogues are peppered with cricketing jargon and slang, which helps to establish the characters’ love for the game and makes the novel more relatable to cricket enthusiasts. Dhamnani’s use of descriptive language in the cricket scenes is exceptional, as he captures the nuances of the game and its many technicalities. Whether it’s describing the bowler’s run-up or the batsman’s footwork, Dhamnani’s prose is precise and evocative.
Conclusion:
While the novel touches on several important themes, such as ambition, power, and the flaws in the Indian cricket system, there is a sense that the author could have explored these themes in more depth. Some readers may feel that the book only scratches the surface of these complex topics and leaves much unexplored. Despite the flaws mentioned above, it’s important to remember that not every novel has to be a literary masterpiece. LBW: Love By World Cup is a fun and engaging read that will appeal to many readers, particularly those with an interest in cricket. It’s certainly worth checking out for those looking for a light and enjoyable read.
