The broadcast of sporting events in India has never been as exciting as it is in its current stage. From the days when only ESPN-Star Sports offered sports content to the current phase of a bouquet of sports channels catering to different sports and regional audiences, viewers are now spoilt for choice.
Leagues of every sport and even state-based leagues are now being beamed live into our drawing rooms. Not only has it given a fillip to the sporting culture in the country, it has also seen a rise in sports analysts/commentators.
Many of those who dream of appearing on TV and put forth in-depth views on games and analyse players' performances, are now getting a chance to live their dreams. But for those aspiring to emulate legendary commentator Harsha Bhogle's achievements, it may remain a long shot.
Many kids who grew up in the 90s aspired to be like Bhogle. But despite cricket’s craze in the country, no one apart from Bhogle has been able to make the cut as a top-notch non-cricket commentator/analyst.
ESPN-Star had started a talent hunt programme titled Harsha ki Khoj, in 2004. Joy Bhattacharya, the brain behind the show, reflects poignantly on the state of commentary and his show, which served as a platform for commentators like Sunil Taneja, Manish Batavia and Padamjeet Sherawat, who are now a regular in competitions such as Pro Kabaddi League and Hindi feeds of top global tournaments like FIFA World Cup and Olympics.
"The main idea behind Harsha ki Khoj was to create a pipeline of commentators, presenters and interviewers. ESPN-Star at that point had the tools and resources to pull off a show like that.
"But the show died due to lack of momentum. For budding commentators now, the door is only closed for international cricket. But fortunately, a lot of domestic tournaments and regional feeds of global tournaments are there for them to showcase their talent," said Joy, who was associated with ESPN-Star Sports as Head of Productions from 2000 to 2006.
But why is English cricket commentary out of bounds? The primary reason is cricketers are now serious about building it as a career option after retirement.
"Former cricketers look at it as a viable career option. Earlier, many top cricketers were reluctant to do the so-called dirty job - pitch report, field reporting, etc., was not preferred by them. But nowadays, many top cricketers have realised they have to be game for it," Joy added.