Harsha Bhogle interview: On being cricket’s voice, Sachin Tendulkar’s impact and Team India’s future

Harsha Bhogle on his journey in cricket commentary, and how he prepares for key moments, like the upcoming India-England Test series clash.

“I’ve never seen a stronger statement in favour of sport than this.”

Way back in 1999, this line by Harsha Bhogle flowed through our TV screens even as a joyous Pakistan cricket team went on a victory lap in Chennai’s Chepauk. “There’s not a man or woman in the stadium who is sitting. They are cheering Pakistan. What a sight this is,” he said in awe, even as the visuals focussed on the crowd and the players without breaking for an advertisement.

This moment is etched in cricketing history thanks to Pakistan’s narrow 12-run victory despite Sachin Tendulkar’s heroics. It is also one of the highlights of Harsha’s initial years in commentary, a career which would go on to cover more significant events and tournaments.

“It was a coming-of-age moment for me, because I was thrust into that situation, with no time to think. Hence, I was able to say what I genuinely believed. It is in these situations that you cannot wear a mask,” recalls Harsha, over a virtual call.

Since then, Harsha has come to be described by many as one of the best cricket commentators across the world. His evocative lines have served as an accompaniment for riveting cricketing encounters in various formats. From poetically describing many memorable Sachin knocks — with lines like ‘If Sachin plays well, India sleeps well’ — to wittily describing on-field incidents — with lines like ‘He had so much time in the world to play that ball that he could have read a newspaper’ — Harsha’s warm, reassuring voice has flooded our drawing rooms whenever cricket is being played. “I have always love the sounds of the game. When I was six, I remember reading Sport and Pastime, from The Hindu, and this particular photo of Tiger Pataudi at the Oval in 1967 is still fresh in my memory.”

The big clash

The bespectacled sports commentator will be at it yet again, in the upcoming high-stakes India-England Test series clash. With a young Shubman Gill at the helm, leading a relatively-young side following the retirement of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, all eyes are on how India will perform. “I am looking forward for different reasons,” says Harsha, “I want to see how the core Indian batting group is going to adapt to English conditions. It’s still a largely inexperienced line-up in those conditions. And I would like to see how England responds to Jasprit Bumrah, the best bowler in the world now.”