5 reasons why we miss Harsha Bhogle in the commentary box
The 2016 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was supposed to lose a bit of shine before its start because of the World T20 which preceded it. There was only a week’s gap in between the two tournaments and the fans seemed not too keen on having an overdose of cricket. But then just after the World tournament, there was a controversy which shook the cricketing world.
Renowned commentator Harsha Bhogle was sacked. Talking to the Indian Express, Bhogle had said that he did not know why the BCCI had terminated his contract.
“No one told me anything. I have not been formally told of the reason even now. All I have been told is ‘it is a BCCI management decision,” Bhogle had said after the sacking.
There were reports that the BCCI had taken the decision after the commentator was highly criticized during the World T20 for not favouring the Indian cricket team. Even Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan had a veiled attack on the 55-year-old with a tweet. Indian limited overs Mahendra Singh Dhoni also joined in and had supported the Bollywood star then.
Also Read: A letter to Harsha Bhogle because even the story of the storyteller is important
Other reports suggested that the commentator had a heated exchange with a Vidharbha Cricket Association official and that could have led to his ouster.
It’s been six months now and Bhogle’s presence in the commentary cubicle is missed. Here we look at some of the reasons as to why we still miss him.
#1 He wasn’t too keen on taking sides
Bhogle was always neutral when he was commentating matches involving India. He neither criticized India much when they lost nor did he praise the team too much after their wins. There were times when his co-commentators would laud the Indian cricketers but Bhogle would not jump to conclusions too soon. He would wait for the player to achieve a milestone and then he would appreciate the efforts in his own unique style. He also treated each team as equal and therefore would never take sides.
Maybe that is what irked fans during the World T20 and that is precisely what might have gone against him. However, isn’t commentating suppose to be about being neutral? If they start praising players all the time should not they be tagged as supporters?