#Review: Her Story, Her Glory by Aditya Bhushan

Her Story, Her Glory: The Making of Women’s Cricket in India 
Author: Aditya Bhushan
Publisher: Rupa Publications
Rating: 5/5

Women’s cricket in India didn’t begin with sold-out stadiums, million-dollar leagues, or viral celebrations. It began with women who played despite indifference, limited resources, and countless barriers. Her Story, Her Glory is a heartfelt tribute to those pioneers, capturing a journey that deserves to be remembered just as much as it deserves to be celebrated.

Aditya Bhushan has meticulously documented the evolution of women’s cricket—from its little-known beginnings in colonial India to the historic 2025 World Cup triumph that forever changed the landscape of the sport. The book is rich with archival research, interviews, newspaper accounts, and personal recollections, yet it never feels like a dry historical record. Instead, it reads like a compelling narrative where every chapter introduces the reader to remarkable women who refused to let circumstances define their dreams.

What I appreciated most was the author’s balanced storytelling. The book celebrates iconic victories while refusing to gloss over the years of neglect, administrative struggles, financial hardships, and social prejudices that shaped the game. These challenges make every milestone feel genuinely earned, and by the time the narrative reaches India’s recent success, it carries a powerful emotional weight.

The writing is engaging and accessible, making it equally enjoyable for passionate cricket fans and readers who simply love stories of perseverance. The chronological structure allows the reader to witness the gradual transformation of women’s cricket rather than viewing its recent popularity as an overnight success.

Visually, the book maintains a clean and elegant design. The chapter-opening cricket icons add a subtle charm without overwhelming the pages, while the generous margins and uncluttered typography make long reading sessions comfortable. The detailed appendix, statistics, bibliography, and index further enhance its value as a reliable reference for anyone interested in the history of Indian sport.

If there’s one minor drawback, it’s that the wealth of historical information can occasionally slow the pacing, particularly for readers looking for a lighter sports narrative. However, that thoroughness is also one of the book’s greatest strengths.

Her Story, Her Glory is far more than a book about cricket. It’s about resilience, forgotten trailblazers, and the relentless pursuit of recognition. It reminds us that every trophy lifted today stands on the shoulders of generations who played for little more than the love of the game. For anyone interested in sports history, women’s achievements, or inspiring true stories, this is an immensely rewarding and important read.

Find this book here.