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How two Dubai friends uncovered forgotten stories of India’s Test cricketers
Did you know that a former Indian Test cricketer also played tennis and reached the second round of Wimbledon? All that and more in the new book, 318 — Whispers of the Indian Test Cap
- PUBLISHED: Wed 28 Jan 2026, 9:23 PM UPDATED: Thu 29 Jan 2026, 8:59 AM
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Despite his wealth of experience as a cricket writer, KR Nayar was astounded when he discovered how little he knew about the majority of cricketers who have played Test cricket for India.
“I always speak proudly about how I have covered 15 World Cups and scores of unforgettable matches around the world, and interviewed some of the most iconic names in the sport,” the Dubai-based sports journalist said.
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“But when I sat down to work on a book on every cricketer who has represented India in Test cricket, I was ashamed about how little I actually knew. I was truly blown away by some incredible details that I had no clue about.”
The book, 318 — Whispers of the Indian Test Cap, conceptualised by veteran Dubai cricket coach and Nayar’s long-time friend, Gopal Jasapara, profiles all Test cricketers of India — from members of the CK Nayudu-led side that played the country’s first-ever Test at Lord’s in 1932 to the modern era.
Cricket and Wimbledon
While working on the book, Nayar not only learned about who faced the first ball for India in Test cricket and who earned the first wicket, but he also came across multi-sport talents that were born in India.
“I found so many amazing stories in my research. Stories of players like Cotah Ramaswami, who also played tennis and reached the second round of Wimbledon in 1929 (1922),” Nayar said.
“Also, as a cricket writer, I have seen the MJ Gopalan Gate at Chepauk (stadium in Chennai). I knew MJ Gopalan was a Test cricketer, but I never knew that he also played for the Indian national hockey team. So you will find some truly incredible stories about India’s Test cricketers in the book.”
The book was launched in Rajkot a day before the second ODI between India and New Zealand.
“Indian captain Shubman Gill, head coach Gautam Gambhir and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja attended the launch,” Jasapara said.
“The response so far has been extremely encouraging, which means a lot because this is a project which is very close to our hearts.”
Nayar shared messages of support from cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar and Dilip Vengsarkar.
“Mr Gavaskar congratulated us on what he felt was a passionate effort to celebrate Indian cricket. Mr Vengsarkar appealed to the Indian cricket board (BCCI) to distribute copies of the book to state associations so aspiring cricketers across the country know about the history of the sport and the players who have contributed immensely to the growth of cricket,” Nayar said.
Dubai launch
318 — Whispers of the Indian Test Cap was recently launched at the Shyam Bhatia Cricket Museum in Dubai.
Built by Dubai-based Indian cricket enthusiast and businessman, Shyam Bhatia, the museum has drawn many legendary visitors, including Shane Warne, Viv Richards and Imran Khan, over the years.
For Nayar and Jasapara, it was an honour to launch their book at a venue that houses a rare collection of signed cricket memorabilia, old cricket books and magazines.
“This museum is like the Taj Mahal of cricket in this country. Shyam has been a passionate supporter of cricket; for both of us, it’s truly incredible to release the book here,” said Nayar.
Remarkably, the acknowledgements in the book, available at Cricket Sporto Shop in Karama, were written by the wives of Nayar and Jasapara, respectively.
“We are rarely at home and keep travelling for cricket. So we felt the most meaningful tribute to the book could only come from the women who are the constant source of support in our lives,” Jasapara said of the acknowledgements penned by Janki Jasapara and Ajita Nayar.
“We worked for more than one year on the book, planning and researching. Now, when we see the beautiful responses from people and legends like Gavaskar and Vengsarkar, it brings tears to our eyes.”
Rituraj Borkakoty is Sports Editor and has spent more than two decades writing on his sporting heroes. He also loves an underdog story, so if you have one, share it with him. He would love to bring it to life.