A Story of Cricket Chapter Notes | Gul Mohar Class 6: Book Solutions, Summaries & Worksheets PDF Download

About the Author

Nikhil Naz is an Indian sports journalist and writer, known for his engaging stories about cricket and other sports. He has worked with leading news channels and is admired for making sports writing lively, simple, and inspiring for young readers.

Detailed Summary

The story begins on 25 June 1983 in Bombay, where a ten-year-old boy named Saccho, nicknamed “Junior McEnroe,” is playing cricket with his friends in the colony compound. Passionate about the game, he even ties on a headband before batting, as if preparing for battle. During the game, Saccho smashes a shot that breaks a window, but the kind resident returns the ball without complaint. Soon after, another powerful hit shatters a lamp at the colony gate, forcing the boys to scatter as the watchman, Laxman Kaka, takes over their pitch.

Though stopped, Saccho’s mind is still on cricket. He longs to play with the older boys in the central park, who use the hard white ball. Watching his elder brother Ajit play, Saccho silently pleads for a chance, but Ajit gently tells him he is still too young and promises to include him later.

That evening, Saccho joins others in a packed flat to watch the 1983 World Cup final between India and West Indies. At first, he finds the match slow and slips away to listen to a tennis game on the radio, cheering for his idol John McEnroe. But as India bowls out the mighty West Indies for just 140 runs, the whole colony erupts in joy. People dance, burst crackers, and celebrate through the night as India, led by Kapil Dev, becomes world champions.

The next morning, cricket continues in the park. Saccho, still eager, is finally invited by the older boys to join their game. With a wide grin, he takes guard as a batsman. The story ends with the revelation that Saccho is none other than Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, who would one day become one of the greatest cricketers in the world.

Moral / Message

• The chapter teaches us that sports are not just games but also reflect culture, history, and society. 
• Cricket shows the importance of teamwork, discipline, and fair play. 
• It also reminds us how sports can unite people, break barriers, and become a part of national pride and identity.

Character Sketches

Saccho (Sachin Tendulkar)
Saccho is a lively, cricket-obsessed ten-year-old boy. Nicknamed “Junior McEnroe,” he shows endless enthusiasm for sports, especially cricket. Mischievous but determined, he spends his time playing gully cricket in small colony spaces. His passion makes him dream of joining older boys’ hard-ball matches. Saccho’s respect for his brother Ajit and his eagerness to improve reflect his early discipline. 

Ajit (Saccho’s elder brother)
Ajit is a caring and protective elder brother. He understands Saccho’s eagerness to play with the older boys but also knows the risks of hard-ball cricket for someone so young. He promises to support Saccho when he is ready, showing encouragement as well as responsibility. Ajit is also deeply involved in cricket, watching the World Cup with friends and guiding Saccho’s growing love for the game.

Laxman Kaka (the watchman)
Laxman Kaka is the society’s watchman, often strict but fair. He chases the boys when they break things during cricket games and even blocks their pitch to stop play. He represents discipline and order in contrast to the boys’ carefree energy. Yet, his presence adds humor and realism to Saccho’s world, showing the challenges of playing cricket in cramped colony spaces.

Vocabulary Table