In today’s weekend blog, I am writing on cricket.
Cricket commentary has evolved from radio coverage until the 1980s to television with numerous COMMENTATORS continuing to find ways to entertain, engage, and educate the audience. The play-by-play commentators keep the viewers glued to TV screens, through varied perspectives, breakdowns and analysis. Much like fans have preferences for batters, bowlers, fields and captains, a select list of commentators also enjoy such privileges, thanks to their outstanding work behind the mic.
Here are the top 10 commentators from the post-white-ball era.
#10 Danny Morrison
He was an accomplished cricketer, picking 286 international wickets for New Zealand across Tests and ODI. Yet his commentary in the shortest format, especially his play with acronyms while conducting toss, has made him a fan-favourite in this T-20 adoring era. He continues to lend his voice to some of the most popular T20 leagues across the world like IPL,BBL, CCL and PSL. There is never a dull moment when he is on mic.
#9 Ian Chappell
Former Australian captain has been the most respected voice worldwide. Never one to hold back, Chappell’s straightforward takes without any masking has viewers glued to the TV screen, and hanging on to his every word about player or a team.
His famous line was “ The last positive thing England did for cricket was to invent it.”
# 8 Ian Bishop
It is not often that a commentator achieves the fine line between being highly opinionated and also universally respected and loved. This former West Indian pacer has managed to do both an a extremely high level. Even in a country like India where stars are considered demi-gods and any criticism of them by commentators is met with hate, Bishop has earned massive support and adulation during the IPL.
His famous line “ Carlos Brathwaite, Remember the name”. After West Indies won T20 world Cup.
#7 Mark Nicholas
He is at the forefront of almost all the Ashes series for Channel Nine with his poetic narration style adding a flavor live very few. He travels across the countries, lending his voice to several international series and the occasional T 20 league.
His famous line “ One of the great balls, given the moment, given the batsman, and given the match, that is a staggering gamble, that’s paid off for Harmison”.
#6 Geoffery Boycott
A purist by heart, he is among the rare commentators who rates technique, temperament, and tradition over style, storkeplay, and flamboyance. His ability to breakdown the nuances of sport and offer unique insights have made him significant figure in commentating. Yet, he is also quick to reverse his opinion if warranted and offer praise to some player he may have gone after if proven wrong.
His memorable line “ My grandmother could have played him with a stick of rhubarb”.
#5 Ravi Shastri
He is synonymous with punch lines that turn into social media jewel. The former India all-rounder is arguably the voice of modern cricket with his ability to create excitement through commentary even during boring matches. His introduction of teams, captains, and match officials during the toss, while greeting the crowd, has a separate fan following around cricket world. His in-your-face presentation style works brilliantly in Test matches or the middle stages of an ODI when the on-field action may be slow-paced.
His memorable line –“ 153/4, 153 all out, if someone went around the corner for a dump and has come back, India have been bowled out for 153”.
#4 Tony Cozier
Known as voice of West Indies cricket, he has been involved in the extreme highs and lows of the West Indies side during his commentating career. During his celebrated commentary career, he commentated in all but one Wisden Trophy-Test series between West Indies and England. He remains one of the rare commentators who has covered the sport from infant stages to as late as 2014/15.
His memorable line “ The Queen’s Park Oval, exactly as its name suggests-absolutely round”.
#3 Harsha Bhogle
India’s greatest commentator and the new-age voice of cricket, famous for his witty yet provoking one-liners. Despite not playing at the highest level, his ability to read the game and his unique storytelling skills while remaining diplomatic and respectful made him popular even outside India. He was the first Indian commentator to be invited by the Australian by the Australian Broadcasting Channel before 1992 ODI World Cup.
His memorable line “ Sometimes your greatest strength can emerge as a weakness if the context changes”.
#2 Richie Benaud
One of the cricket’s oldest and longest-tenured commentators. After spectacular playing career, he brought all his artistry from bowling to commentating. He made famous the use of silence and expressions during his commentary career that lasted over 50 years from 1960s to 2010s. He died in 2015 at the age of 84.
His memorable line “ captaincy is 90 percent luck and 10 percent skill. But do not try it without that 10 percent”.
#1 Tony Grieg
He could vary his tone of commentary with such distinction based on the match situation. After an outstanding cricketing career, he took to commentary like a fish to water. His ability to build excitement amongst the viewed, while creating an aura during key moments made his voice the most memorable for global audience. Sadly, he died at the age of 66 in 2012, but his voice still echoes in the memories of almost every cricket fan around the world.
His memorable line “ There is Tendulkar, then there is daylight and then there is the rest”.
Other honourable mentions- Sunil Gavaskar, Michael Holding, Mike Haysman, Ian Smith and Bill Lawry.
Waiting for your views on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
14th February 2025