Opinion | Cricket Commentary: An Art That Breathes Life Into The Game

“Dhoni finishes off in style. A magnificent strike into the crowd! India lift the World Cup after 28 years!”

Journey with me back to that electric evening on April 2, 2011. The atmosphere was charged, not just by Dhoni’s shot but by the vibrant timbre of Ravi Shastri. Whenever one reminisces about that legendary win at Wankhede, Shastri’s fervour and cadence is that extra pinch of spice that brings the memory alive.

And then, in the echoing expanse of Eden Gardens, 2016, Ian Bishop immortalised another:

“Carlos Brathwaite!! Remember the name!!”

While Bishop’s bowling was a force to be reckoned with, it’s these five words that will forever reverberate in the annals of cricket history.

Such is the artistry, the allure, the sheer enchantment of poignant commentary. Think of it as a gourmet meal: even if you have the finest ingredients, just a misjudgement in salt can dull the experience.

For billions across the world, cricket is more than mere sport; it’s an emotion, a tapestry of life’s highs and lows. Those thrilling moments—a ball kissing the boundary or stumps flying—find their true echo in the passionate voices that narrate them. It’s a symphony, and the commentators are its maestros.

With the ICC unveiling a star-studded commentary panel for the forthcoming World Cup—including legends like Ricky Ponting, Eoin Morgan, Sunil Gavaskar, Aaron Finch, Anjum Chopra, and our very own Shastri—it’s evident that commentary doesn’t just complement the game, it elevates it.

Recall Ian Smith’s voice during the tied 2019 World Cup final? His words danced with disbelief:

“Can you believe this!! I do not believe what I’ve just seen!!” A symphony of emotion in every syllable.

Commentary, once the simple voice over the radio, has now evolved into an art. Balancing emotion with insight, today’s commentators walk a delicate line. Equipped with modern tools, they blend the nostalgia of the old with the sharpness of the new. Yet, at the heart of it, it’s unbridled passion that stands out.

Remember Tony Greig’s incredulous voice during the rain-marred 1992 World Cup?

“It’s All Happening Out There!”

Those words captured the essence of the game and resonated in every heart that beat for cricket.

Exceptional commentators are more than narrators; they’re the heart and soul, connecting the game to its aficionados. Their deep insights, woven with tales and trivia, bring out the layers in a player’s persona—those layers often masked by helmets and gear.

Who could forget Yuvraj’s smashing six sixes? Shastri’s exuberant “…And he’s put that away, or has he? Yes, into the crowd!!! Six sixes in an over!!” was the cherry on top!

As the World Cup gears up, our ears eagerly await those familiar, electrifying voices that make every six, every wicket, every sprint feel like an epic tale. For sports enthusiasts, the eloquence of commentators is the brush that paints ordinary moments into masterpieces.

So, here’s raising a toast to the upcoming Cricket World Cup. And in our heart of hearts, we yearn to hear Shastri proclaim:

“India lifts the World Cup…after 12 long years, the party’s started in the dressing room…”

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.