There is something special about knowing the real-life stories of the people who inspire us. Their struggle, failures, and route to success inspire us to overcome our failures. Diving into the world of an unknown person whom we know from the outside but not from the inside is a wonderful feeling. Reading about inspirational lives and painting a fictional world inside our minds is everything a book lover needs. Reading good books, spending quality time, learning, and getting inspired is what these 15 autobiographies are all about. These 12 books are not only about the sports persons glorifying lives but also every hidden truth and struggle behind this dreamy life.

1. 281 and Beyond

Author- R. Kaushik and VVS Laxman

Where to buy: Buy Now

The autobiography 281 and beyond is all about VVS Laxman's experience of his cricket career. The stories revolve around the dressing room, the champagne evenings, the opponents, tactics used in different formats, lessons learned from John Wright, and hard times with Greg Chappell. He also shares his fair share of struggle and pressure of being a part of the Indian squad.

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2. A Century is not Enough: My Roller-coaster Ride to Success

Author- Gautama Bhaṭṭacarya and Sourav Ganguly

Where to buy: Buy Now

In this biography, the former captain of the Indian cricket team discussed all the good and bad faces of his cricket career. The story revolves around how he fought back against the bad and brought glory to the nation and how he developed himself in this long journey.

Read also: Most Test Tons by Captains

3. Faster Than Lightning: My Autobiography

Author- Book by Matt Allen and Usain Bolt

Where to buy: Buy Now

The world's fastest man shared his story from the beginning in Jamaica to his popularity in Beijing and each step of his success since lighting up London in 2012.

4. Playing It My Way

Author- Boria Majumdar and Sachin Tendulkar

Where to buy: Buy Now

It is nearly impossible to find someone like Sachin Tendulkar in the history of cricket. A player overwhelmed with everyone's love and burdened with everyone's expectations. This story summarises his initial days, his entire career, the journey from injuries to failure to extreme success to criticism and little unknown facts about him. He has always been a private man so this book gives a little sneak peek into his private life as well.

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5. No Spin

Author- Mark Nicholas and Shane Warne

Where to buy: Buy Now

One of the greatest spinners in the history of cricket wrote his life story here. Shane was loved by everyone yet he faced many challenges during his time. He opened about those moments in this book. Starting from his career in 1992 and his retirement in 2013, he said his story with utmost honesty. It gives insight into his life and glittering years.

6. The Mamba Mentality: How I Play

Author- Kobe Bryant

Where to buy: Buy Now

This autobiography is entirely based on Kobe's personal views and outlook on his personal and professional life. After he retired he decided to share his knowledge and views of basketball with the audience and readers to give them insights about the thinkings of the basket place and inspiring the young players and fans. Kobe revealed his own applied tactics and steps that he took to prepare himself both physically and mentally to win the matches and prosper. This book is quite a visual treat because it is a combination of Kobe's own stories and photographs of Hall of Fame Photographer Andrew D. and Bernstein.

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7. Cricket Drona: For the Love of Vasoo Paranjape

Author- Jatin Paranjpe

Where to buy: Buy Now

Cricket Drona is everything about the life of the cricket genius, Vasoo Paranjape. He had a major impact on the game, and the lives of some of Indian cricket's greatest figures like Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Rohit Sharma. This book has essays on life lessons and experiences by the people who were mentored by Paranjape in their careers. He guided a lot of cricketers during his time. Paranjape has been an inspiration for many all around the world.

8. Madman: Out of the Shadows of Shame and Into the Light of Grace

Author- Jeremy Affeldt

Where to buy: Buy Now

In Madman, Jeremy Affeldt shares his story of being a good Christian to the world but living like a different person at home. He described how living two lives damaged his personal life and marriage. Jeremy poured his heart into this book. He played Major League Baseball for 14 years, finishing his career with the San Francisco Giants during their championship years. He shared instances and memories of the field and those days. After winning the World Series in 2012 and the birth of his third child, his personal life changed entirely. The time was hard and everything was falling down.

9. Dipa Karmakar: The Small Wonder

Author- Bishweshwar Nandi, Digvijay Singh Deo, and Vimal Mohan

Where to buy: Buy Now

The biography of Dipa Karmakar tells the story of her passion, hard work struggle, and journey from Tripura to representing India in the Olympics. She is the first Indian Female Gymnast to participate in the Olympics and this story depicts her determination and perseverance to reach glory.

10. Neymar: the Ultimate Fan Book

Author- Nick Callow

Where to buy: Buy Now

The biography of the football star Neymar by Nick Callow is a virtual tour into his life. The book is updated with all his records, stats, fats, and lots of illustrations and photographs. After reading this book, you can understand his techniques and skills and how he used them to become a global icon at such an early age.

11. Driven: The Virat Kohli Story

Author- Vijay Lokapally

Where to buy: Buy Now

The entire world knows about Virat Kohli. Everyone is well aware of his records and achievements at such an early age. His glory is dominant but most people do not know his past or the struggles he faced before joining the Indian cricket team. At a very young age, his father passed away, and moving on from that phase and struggling to reach victory is everything this book depicts. This book also takes you on a journey to the happy, successful moments of his life and his contribution to different charities for the underprivileged.

12. Harry Kane: The Ultimate Fan Book

Author- Adrian Besley

Where to buy: Buy Now

The Fan Book celebrates his victories, greatest moments, famous and unbelievable goals, the goals that made him famous, and one of the world's most loved and appreciated superstars. The biography has been written in a high-spirited style and has lots of photographs and quotes.

These are our 12 most favourite biographies and autobiographies. Let is know yours in the comments below.

South Africa has long been renowned for some of the most fearsome fast bowlers in Test cricket history. ln this lineage of greats, Kagiso Rabada has now made his mark by surpassing Allan Donald in terms of most test wickets for South Africa during the intense WTC 2025 Final.

Get ready to uncover the legendary names and legacies of world-class pacers of Proteas.

5. Allan Donald (330 wickets)

Allan Donald was one of the most feared fast bowlers of his era, known for his blinding speed and approach. He holds the 5th place with 330 wickets at an average of 22.25 for South Africa.

Donald earned the nickname "The White Lightning" because of his rapid speed and intense stare downs. His fiery spells often hit batsmen on the helmet and shook their confidence.

Donald stats in tests for SA:

Read Also: Most Wickets in ICC Tournament Finals

4. Kagiso Rabada (334 wickets)

South Africa's modern-day pacer, Kagiso Rabada, recently surpassed Donald with his five-wicket haul in the Day 1 of WTC 2025 final against Australia. He leaped to the fourth place with a total of 334 wickets in tests so far, and there's more to come.

Rabada is a key bowler who carries the bowling unit with his abilities of restricting strong batting lineups and imposing threat to the opponent. He holds the potential to climb more up in the coming years.

Rabada stats in tests for SA:

Read Also: Highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25

3. Makhaya Ntini (390 wickets)

Makhaya Ntini was a genuine speedster who bowled with attacking energy and an unique action. His on-field enthusiasm at all times was something that made him a crowd favourite.

Makhaya took 390 wickets in tests for South Africa, holding his place tight in the 3rd place for over a decade. He also made history by becoming the first black South African to take 10 wickets in a test match at Lord's in 2003.

Ntini stats in tests for SA:

2. Shaun Pollock (421 wickets)

Shaun Pollock was an excellent all-rounder who had an amazing bowling record in tests for the Proteas. While not as quick as Donald or Steyn, his consistent length and accuracy always did the job brilliantly.

Pollock served as a wicket-taking source and helped to keep the pressure on. He took 421 wickets with an economy less than 3 and has the second-most test wickets for South Africa.

He also has the most maidens among every bowler in the list.

Pollock stats in tests for SA:

1. Dale Steyn (439 wickets)

One of the greatest fast bowlers of all-time, Dale Steyn, has the most test wickets for South Africa. He was known to be a fearsome outswinger, who could swing the ball late at high speed.

He was famously known as "Steyn Gun" for his destructive bowling that made him nearly unplayable at times. He took 439 wickets in just 93 matches, which is believed to remain unmatched for many years to come.

Read Also: Fastest to complete 200 Test wickets by balls bowled

Steyn stats in tests for SA:

Paris Olympics medallist Manu Bhaker reached the finals of the 25m Pistol event at the ongoing ISSF World Cup here but failed to secure podium finishes as India failed to win a single medal on Wednesday.

Manu lost by one point

Two-time Olympic bronze medallist shooter Manu finished sixth in the eight-shooter final of the 25m pistol event after finishing fifth in the qualifying round with a total score of 588. Bhaker shot 290 in precision and a superb 298 in the rapid fire round to aggregate 588 going into the finals. However, the medal round didn’t go as expected, Manu missed the chance to move further in the final.

Sun Yujie captured gold

It was a hat-trick of gold medals for the 20-year-old Sun Yujie of China as she beat Oh Yejin of Korea 38-36. Sun had won the gold medals in the last two World Cups in Buenos Aires and Lima.

Chain Singh placed seventh

In the men’s 50-metre rifle 3-position event, Olympian Chain Singh made the final with an impressive score of 592 but eventually placed seventh. Jon-Hermann Hegg of Norway won gold, which put the team in second place on the medals table, behind China, which has won the other three gold medals so far.

ISSF World Cup: Results so far

Multiple Asian Games medallist Esha Singh finished 11th with a combined ‘precision’ and ‘rapid fire’ score of 585 and could not make it to the eight-shooter final. The other Indian in the fray Simranpreet Kaur Brar tallied 577 to finish 32nd.

Meanwhile, Paris Olympics bronze medallist Swapnil Kusale and Ankush Jadhav shot 587 and 580 to finish 38th and 67th respectively.

In the men’s air pistol on Tuesday, Varun Tomar had made the final but finished sixth. Thus, India has only the bronze medal so far, won by Elavenil Valarivan in women’s air rifle in the ISSF World Cup.

Australia's star fast bowler Mitchell Starc added a big achievement to his name on Wednesday by becoming the bowler to take the most wickets in ICC tournament finals. Starc achieved this feat by taking two wickets on the first day of the World Test Championship 2025 final against South Africa at Lord's. Starc, playing his fifth ICC final, has taken 11 wickets so far and is expected to increase it.

Also Read: Highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25

With this, Starc also broke the record of Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami as soon as he took the second wicket. This record was earlier in the name of Shami, who had taken 10 wickets in four ICC finals.

So, let's take a look at the bowlers with most wickets in ICC tournament finals.

Most Wickets in ICC Tournament Finals

6. Glenn McGrath | 8 Wickets

The former legendary Australia pacer Glenn McGrath featured in a total of 5 ICC finals for the Baggy Greens and took 8 Wickets for his team. McGrath was one of Australia’s most important players for several years and he always stepped-up big time in finals of major tournaments.

McGrath was the second-highest wicket-taker in the 2002 edition of the ICC tournament with 8 wickets in 3 matches after Muttaih Muralidharan who has claimed 10 wickets in as many games.

5. Kyle Jamieson | 8 Wickets

New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson also took 8 Wickets in the ICC tournament finals after appearing in 3 innings. In the 2019–2021 World Test Championship Final, Jamieson was named as the man of the match, after taking seven wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the first innings.

4. Ravindra Jadeja | 8 Wickets

Ravindra Jadeja comes fourth on this list. Jadeja’s evolution from a utility player to a match-winner is reflected in his 8 ICC final appearances. In his 8 finals, Jadeja dismissed 8 players in ICC tournament finals.

His all-round prowess was key to India’s Champions Trophy triumph in 2013, where he was the leading wicket-taker. He has since played vital roles in T20 World Cup finals and two successive WTC finals (2021, 2023), as well as the 2025 Champions Trophy. 

3. Trent Boult | 8 Wickets

New Zealand's veteran pacer Trent Boult is true to the 'big-match player' tag with 8 wickets in his 4 ICC Finals. Boult played a massive role in the Kiwis' success in ICC tournaments and gave brilliant bowling performances in the finals as well.

Boult was also the joint leading wicket taker at the 2015 Cricket World Cup. In 2018, he became the third bowler for New Zealand to take a hat-trick in ODIs.

2. Mohammed Shami | 10 Wickets

India's star bowler Mohammed Shami now comes second in this list. In four ICC finals, Shami has taken 10 wickets at an average of 38.90, an economy rate of 3.95 and best bowling figures of 4/76 in the WTC final 2021 against New Zealand.

Shami is also the leading wicket-taker among Indian bowlers in ODI World Cups and also led all bowlers in the 2023 edition with 24 wickets in seven outings. He continued his magical run in ICC events with a five-wicket haul in his maiden Champions Trophy game (ongoing contest against Bangladesh).

Also Read: Most Runs in WTC 2023-25

1. Mitchell Starc | 11* Wickets

Australia's pace ace Mitchell Starc has became the highest wicket-taker in ICC tournament finals. The left-arm quick achieved the milestone during the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa at Lord's. Starc, playing in his fifth ICC final, has now taken 11 wickets across tournament deciders.

The milestone came in style as Starc struck early in South Africa's second innings, cleaning up Aiden Markram for a duck. He followed it up with the dismissal of Ryan Rickelton for 16, ending Day 1 with figures of 2/10 in a fiery spell.

He also became the joint second-highest wicket taker in ICC knockout games. He is sharing the spot with former Aussie legend Glenn McGrath and Mohammed Shami, who each have taken 22 wickets. The top spot is with former Sri Lankan great Muttiah Muralitharan, who has 23 wickets.

The ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 Final is in full swing at Lord's, an intense battle unfolding between cricketing giants Australia and South Africa. As Day 2 heats up, legendary all-rounder Ellyse Perry has stepped forward to reveal her predictions and insights.

Which team does the Australian icon believe has the edge? It it now time to find out.

Here's what Ellyse Perry predicts the winner of WTC 2025:

Ellyse Perry's WTC 2025 Champion

Ellyse Perry has backed her home nation, Australia, to emerge as the champions of the WTC 2023-25, without hesitation. She clearly has strong faith and confidence in the Australian side and their squad pick for the final, and believes they will take the title home for the 2nd time.

Read Also: Can South Africa escape the "chokers" tag in the WTC Final against Australia?

Perry's picks for individual glory: Smith for runs, Starc for wickets

Perry has also revealed the key performers she expects to dominate this monumental clash at Lord's:

• Most Runs: The Australian batter, Steve Smith, who is currently at the 6th position for most runs in WTC 2023-25 cycle with 1390 runs, will score the most runs in WTC 2025 final, according to Perry. Smith scored 66 runs in Day 1 and was dismissed by Aiden Markram.
• Most Wickets: Mitchell Starc is the pick for most wickets in WTC Final, who is currently at number 3 at highest wicket-takers list in WTC 2023-25 cycle, having taken 74 wickets. Starc took down both the South African openers in the conclusion of Day 1 in final.
• Player of the Match: Perry has gone with the wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey as the POTM pick, for his contributions as a middle-order batter and sharp dismissals.

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In the sphere of international football, legacy is not built on sentiment but on unmatched achivement. What truly counts for a national team are the trophies won at the global stage, leaving everyone behind in the race!

This list will provide you an overview of the football teams with most international trophies. Read the full article to know about their dominance in the world of football.

1. Argentina (23 international trophies)

Argentina stands as the titan in international football, having 23 trophies in their cabinet, with a rich legacy shaped by raw talent and passionate play.

Their identity is deeply rooted in the genius of legendary players such as Diego Maradona, whose individual brilliance almost single-handedly sealed the 1986 World Cup, and Lionel Messi, who finally cemented his legacy in 2022 World Cup after years of carrying the team's hope.

These players, along with Alfredo Di Stefano and Gabriel Batistuta have contributed to their style of play.

International trophy cabinet of Argentina:

Read Also: Trophies won by Argentina in International Football (Men's)

2. Brazil (20 international trophies)

One of the greatest footballing nations, Brazil, holds 20 international trophies in their stunning cabinet. They are widely recognised as a nation that produce players who redefine the sport.

Legendary figures like Pele, Garrincha, and modern maestros like Ronaldinho and Romario, have all contributed to Brazil's success in achieving this milestone. Their contributions have not been just about winning, but about entertaining and inspiring.

International trophy cabinet of Brazil:

3. Uruguay (19 international trophies)

Uruguay possesses a truly remarkable legacy in international football, regardless of its small population. They are just one trophy away to reach enter the twenties in their international trophies count, with 19 so far.

Legendary players like Obdulio Varela and Alcides Ghiggia, who had immense contribution in 1950 World Cup win, and more recently, Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez, have all profoundly shaped Uruguay's rich footballing narrative.

International trophy cabinet of Uruguay:

4. Mexico (14 international trophies)

Mexico holds a proud legacy as the dominant force in CONCACAF football, known for their passionate fan base, technical prowess, and ability to frequently challenge stronger nations.

Hugo Sanchez, Rafael Marquez, and Cuauhtemoc Blanco, are some names served in achieving the 14 international trophies.

International trophy cabinet of Mexico:

Read Also: 11 players who have won the most trophies in football history

5. USA (9 international trophies)

The USA has steadily built a legacy of growing competitiveness and professionalism, establishing itself as a successful team within the CONCACAF region.

Players like Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, and Tim Howard, have elevated the team's standing and inspired a new generation of American footballers. They currently hold the 5th place with 10 international trophies.

International trophy cabinet of the USA:

6. France (8 international trophies)

France holds the sixth place with 8 international trophies achivement elegantly with the efforts of world-class players and athletic brilliance. From Michel Platini of the 1980s to Kylian Mbappe, an explosive forward who's carrying the winning legacy in recent years, this team have come a long way.

Their contributions have led to some historic victories that shaped French football.

International trophy cabinet of France

Read Also: Football facts: Players with most Champions League finals without winning it ever

7. Germany (8 international trophies)

Germany's legacy in international football is built on resilience, discipline and strong winning mentality. They have won 8 international trophies which gracefully shine in their cabinet.

Legendary players like Franz Beckenbauer, the elegant "Der Kaiser" who revolutionized the sweeper role; Gerd Muller, the prolific striker; and Lothar Matthaus, a midfield powerhouse, have shaped the team's consistent success.

International trophy cabinet of Germany:

8. Egypt (7 international trophies)

Egypt holds an unparalleled legacy as the most successful nation in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations, having great consistency and dominance on the continental stage.

The "Pharaohs" are known for their tactical discipline, and ability to perform under pressure in crucial matches, which brought them 7 international trophies.

The most memorable victory for Egypt was their achievement of winning three consecutive Africa Cup of Nations titles in 2006, 2008, and 2010, a feat that cemented their status as the kings of African football.

International trophy cabinet of Egypt:

9. Spain (6 international trophies)

Spain's legacy in international football is linked to their "tiki-taka" style, a philosophy of possession-based, intricate passing football that brought unparallaled success.

This approach led to an era of consistent dominance, including a historic treble from 2008 to 2012. Legendary figures like Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Iker Casillas were instrumental in this golden age.

Recently, the new generation talents like Lamine Yamal and Pedri, has emerged, further contributing to add up the numbers of their international trophies, which currently counts to 6.

International trophy cabinet of Spain:

Read Also: Football Wonderkids: Is Lamine Yamal the best 17-year-old footballer ever?

10. Italy (6 international trophies)

Italy won 6 international trophies in their football journey, with four World Cup wins among them. They have the capability to rise when it matters most for the nation.

Legendary players like Paolo Maldini, Gianluigi Buffon, and others have left an incredible mark on the history of team's success. The 2006 FIFA World Cup remains a memorable victory where the Azzurri peaked.

International trophy cabinet of Italy:

11. New Zealand (6 international trophies)

New Zealand won 6 international trophies and all of them were OFC Nations Cup wins, reflecting their dominance within the Oceania confederation. Their strong team spirit and discipline gets them the ability to qualify for the World Cup despite being a smaller footballing nation.

Their qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where they remained undefeated in the group stage, drawing all 3 of their matches against strong opponents, stands as a particularly memorable achievement.

International trophy cabinet of New Zealand:

12. Cameroon (5 international trophies)

Cameroon, known as the "Indomitable Lions," has forged a legacy as one of Africa's most successful footballing nations. They have achieved 5 international trophies so far, and are in own by their raw power, athleticism, and a fearless, adventurous approach to the game.

The 1990 FIFA World Cup remains their most memorable victory, where they shocked reigning champions Argentina in the opening match and became the first African team to reach the quarter-finals, with their commendable performances.

International trophy cabinet of Cameroon:

Read Also: The most shocking goal misses in Football history

13. Australia (5 international trophies)

Australia, also known as "Socceroos," have evolved from a dominant force in Oceania to a competitive presence in Asia and a consistent participant on the global stage of football.

They have won 5 international trophies so far, with players like Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka being the central to their footballing journey.

A standout memorable victory for Australia was winning the AFC Asian Cup on home soil in 2015, that increased their status as a leading footballing nation within the Asian confederation.

International trophy cabinet of Australia: