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Sunil ‘Sunny’ Gavaskar is an idol for millions all over the world. The magic he created with a cricket bat created many records, and made him known as the ‘Little Master’. His transition from cricketer to a critic and columnist was a welcome one. Straight Drive was published as a tribute to him on his sixtieth birthday and comprises sixty of his best articles. Mincing no words, Gavaskar talks about the great players of the yesteryears and his heroes that include M.L. Jaisimha and Don Bradman. He also talks about what ails the cricketing world, and how the Indian cricket team is truly a force to be reckoned with. Straight Drive, like its author, is timeless. It is a must-read for all Sunil Gavaskar fans. ABout the Author Sunil Manohar Gavaskar was brought up in Mumbai where he attended St. Xavier’s High School and St. Xavier’s College. He inherited his interest in cricket from his parents and uncle and justified their high hopes when, in 1961, at the age of twelve, he distinguished himself in inter-school tournaments. The College XI, the Irani Cup and the Ranji Trophy paved the way for selection in Test cricket. In 1971, Gavaskar made his debut in the West Indies where he scored an astounding 774 runs in 4 Tests at an average of 154.8. With 34 Test centuries to his credit, Gavaskar surpassed Donald Bradman’s thirty-five-year-old record of 29 Test centuries. He has played 125 Test matches scoring 10,122 runs; 108 One-Day matches and scored 3,092 runs and holds the distinction of captaining India in 47 Tests. Gavaskar has been felicitated with the Arjuna Award in 1975, Padma Bhushan in 1980, and the Maharashtra Bhushan Award in 1999. Gavaskar is also a TV commentator for the BBC, Channel 9 Network, ESPN Star Sports and Neo Sports. He has held several important posts including that of Chairman of ICC Cricket Committee, national Cricket Committee and the BCCI Technical Committee. He also has to his credit four books including Sunny Days (1976), Idols (1983), Runs ‘n’ Ruins (1984) and One Day Wonders (1985).