Most celebrated Indian cricket commentators who have enthralled the fans

By nature, human beings like hearing stories. A few people are gifted with the talent of story-telling more than others. But while the characters make a story, the role of story-tellers isn’t that insignificant. Take the case of Sanjaya from the ancient epic Mahabharata, probably the first known commentator to humankind. The part that he played in narrating the happenings on the battlefield of Kurushetra to Dhritrashtra could be weighed in gold if looked at from the perspective of the blind king. Story-tellers or commentators add their unique charm, making it further interesting for the listeners/viewers. Like in other aspects of life, commentators have been entertaining the followers of cricket as well.

Back in the age of radios, they had the vital responsibility of painting the picture of the action on a cricket field in the minds of listeners. With the advent of television, their role changed, but they still have an essential part to play. We, the cricket lovers, love the sound of the willow or the shattering of stumps, but the commentators add to this music. Since Test cricket began in 1877, there have been many commentators whose voices have been an integral part of the game. Some of these men have been great cricketers themselves, while others have just been followers of this great game. Both these categories of commentators bring a fresh perspective and enrich the overall viewing/listening experience.

Here, we take a look at two of the most celebrated Indian cricket commentators who have enthralled the fans of this beautiful game.

Ravi Chaturvedi was one of India’s first Hindi cricket commentator. Chaturvedi, a retired professor in Zoology, taught at Delhi University before joining All India Radio (AIR) in the 1960s. Since then he has covered more than a century of Tests, and ODIs. 

When India famously chased down 403 runs against West Indies at Port of Spain in 1976, Chaturvedi was on the air. His last radio stint for AIR was during the 2011 World Cup. Belonging to the era when people had radio sets stuck to their ears, he isn’t too pleased with the treatment meted out to radio commentators.

In an interview with Mid-Day Sports Editor Clayton Murzello, he said, “Radio helped to spread the game and take it to the interiors. What is happening now is most unfortunate and unbelievable.”

Like Ravi Chaturvedi, people of today’s generation may not have heard the name of Anant Setalvad. So, to put things into perspective, about Setalvad, the much-loved commentator Harsha Bhogle wrote, “As a young man, I imagined I was Anant Setalvad, and I would try to copy his style but could never get the lilt and authority that his unique voice produced. He was always the commentator I wanted to be. The brightest light in the finest era of radio broadcasting in India.”

Setalvad was a club cricketer who possessed a sound knowledge of the game. He was a famous voice from the 1960s till the 1980s. The mic was his canvas, and with his vivid descriptions, he would inform the listeners about the happenings across the 22-yards.