Chapter: 13. The Malgudi Cricket Club
A. Answer these questions.
A cardboard box to make a camera. Jack Hobbs was a renowned English cricketer. His name was mentioned by Rajam to encourage Swaminathan, implying that even famous players started without knowing how to play. “Jumping Stars” and “MCC” (Malgudi Cricket Club). Rajam stated that calling someone “Sir” was what clerks did, and he was not Binns’ clerk, so he refused to address him as “Sir.” R.K. Narayan’s youngest brother, R.K. Laxman, was a brilliant cartoonist. B. Answer these questions with reference to the context.
“This was very pleasing to hear. Probably Hobbs too was shy and sceptical before he took the bat and swung it.”
a. It was pleasing for Swaminathan to hear Rajam say, “I don’t know how myself, though I collect pictures and scores,” in response to Swaminathan’s admission that he didn’t know how to play cricket.
b. Rajam implied that even a great cricketer like Hobbs might have had humble or uncertain beginnings, just like Swaminathan, suggesting that lack of experience shouldn’t deter them.
c. It suggests that Swaminathan was feeling insecure or unconfident about his cricket-playing abilities, and Rajam’s comment reassured him. “Are you dried up?” Rajam asked.
a. Rajam was asking this question to Swaminathan.
b. Rajam meant if Swaminathan had run out of ideas or names for their cricket team.
c. They were brainstorming and listing potential names for their cricket team. “It is all very well for a rich team like your Waller’s. But suppose the Government demands two taxes from us?”
a. Swaminathan said these lines to Rajam.
b. They were discussing the idea of a team having two names – one for ordinary use and one for matches, as suggested by Rajam based on his old school’s team.
c. This statement reveals the speaker’s (Swaminathan’s) practical and somewhat anxious concern about financial implications, showing a child’s literal interpretation of taxes and rules. C. Think and answer.
Swaminathan’s initial uncertainty at Board School (“rather uncertain of his happiness”) contrasts sharply with his rapid enthusiasm for the cricket club. This shows that while he might struggle with new environments, the presence and shared passion of his close friends, particularly Rajam, quickly uplift his spirits and engage him fully. It highlights how important friendship and belonging are to his happiness and confidence. Mani reacted so strongly because he is depicted as the most intense and particular about the technical aspects of cricket and the team’s supplies. His outburst (“You are not fit to be even a sweeper in our team”) shows his deep passion and almost fanatical devotion to the idea of their cricket club. He views the “Junior Willard Bat” with reverence as a specific, high-quality item, and Swaminathan’s casual dismissal of it as “any other bat” insults Mani’s expertise and commitment, suggesting that Swaminathan doesn’t take the club as seriously as he does. Based on their discussion and letter, the boys might face several challenges: Financial Issues: Their assumption that they can “send you money afterwards” and “Don’t fear” suggests they lack an understanding of financial transactions and likely don’t have the funds immediately available. Messrs Binns would likely require payment upfront or a guarantee. Lack of Formal Recognition: Their detailed, yet naive, concerns about government taxes and unique names show they anticipate official recognition but don’t know the proper procedures for registering a club or avoiding naming conflicts. They might struggle with actual bureaucratic processes. Communication Barriers: The informal and demanding tone of their letter (“quick,” “very urgent,” “Please be urgent”) combined with Rajam’s refusal to use standard polite forms like “Sir” might be taken unprofessionally or even dismissed by a formal business like Messrs Binns. Logistical Challenges: They’ve only thought about equipment. They haven’t considered practicalities like securing a proper playing ground, finding opponents (beyond “Board School mugs”), or managing team logistics. 
Answer key