In cricket analytics writing, who is the author of the book titled "Numbers Do Lie" about statistics and stories in the game?

Introduction / Context:
"Numbers Do Lie" is a book that combines cricket statistics with insightful anecdotes to challenge common assumptions about players and matches. It is associated with Aakash Chopra, a former Indian Test opener who later became a respected commentator and analyst. This question evaluates knowledge of sports literature, especially works that use data and analysis to tell stories about cricket, which is a very popular topic in Indian competitive exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The book title is "Numbers Do Lie".
• The subject is cricket analysis using statistics.
• The answer choices are Anil Menon, Akash Chopra, Ian Chapell and Kunal Basu.
• The exam assumes familiarity with cricket commentators and ex players who have written books.

Concept / Approach:
The correct approach is to identify which of the given names is closely linked to both cricket and analytical writing. Akash Chopra, whose name is often written as Aakash Chopra, played for India and later became known for his detailed commentary, columns and cricket books. He co authored "Numbers Do Lie: 61 Hidden Cricket Stories". The other options do not fit this specific profile. Ian Chappell is a former Australian captain who has written on cricket but not this title, and Anil Menon and Kunal Basu are associated with other literary fields, not this cricket analytics book.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Connect the title "Numbers Do Lie" with the idea of statistics that challenge popular myths in cricket. Step 2: Recall that Akash Chopra has published books that mix data analysis with storytelling about the sport, based on his experience as an opening batsman and commentator. Step 3: Remember specifically that "Numbers Do Lie: 61 Hidden Cricket Stories" lists Aakash Chopra as a key author, often mentioned in cricket media coverage. Step 4: Compare with Ian Chapell, who though a noted writer and commentator, is not credited for this particular book. Step 5: Recognize that Anil Menon and Kunal Basu are not cricket analysts and therefore are unlikely to be authors of a statistics heavy cricket book. Step 6: Conclude that the only plausible and correct match is Akash Chopra.

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick verification method is to think of cricket talk shows and columns where Aakash Chopra often presents breakdowns of numbers, wagon wheels and strike rates, which matches the spirit of a title that questions what statistics appear to say. Another check is to mentally list known books by Ian Chappell, which usually carry titles related to leadership and classic matches but not "Numbers Do Lie". Since Akash Chopra is the only option that fits both the Indian context and the description of the book, the identification is secure.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Anil Menon is a writer more closely associated with speculative or literary fiction and not with cricket analytics, so option A is incorrect. Ian Chapell, while a genuine cricket writer, did not author "Numbers Do Lie", thus option C is wrong. Kunal Basu is a novelist whose work is not centered on cricket statistics and therefore cannot be the correct match, making option D incorrect. Only Akash Chopra, option B, matches the actual authorship and the nature of the book.

Common Pitfalls:
A common pitfall is to pick Ian Chapell simply because he is strongly associated with cricket commentary and writing, without recalling specific titles. Another mistake is lack of familiarity with Aakash Chopra's writing career beyond his appearances in commentary boxes. To avoid such errors, candidates should connect "Numbers Do Lie" specifically with the idea of an Indian ex opener who turned analyst and used statistics in accessible ways, which clearly points to Akash Chopra. This pattern helps in tackling many questions about sports books and authors.

Final Answer:
Akash Chopra