Arun Lal: The multi-dimensional stalwart from Bengal

Arun Lal believes that being analytic, studious, impromptu, instinctive and fresh are the keys to success

However, it is the commentary part which really sets Arun Lal apart. Over the years he has established himself as a respected cricket commentator throughout the cricketing world. It was back in 1996 that this part of Lal’s career commenced. He got an offer from TWI (Trans World International), a production company, for doing English commentary on India’s tour to England that year. However ESPN, the broadcaster, was also doing a separate Hindi commentary segment for which they approached Lal, to which he agreed.

“I could have toured England and done the on-field commentary rather than doing it sitting in a studio in Singapore. But it was a career move actually. I wanted to establish myself in Hindi first as I had a pretty good hold over the language. Moreover there wasn’t much competition in this department and slowly I planned to worm my way into English as well,” he says.

That decision did pay its dividends later on as can be clearly seen now with the amount of fan base Lal has created with his commentary. Arun Lal also gives interesting insights on the commentary part of the game.

“You might be very eloquent and well read, but facing a mike live is not easy. You need to be analytic, studious, impromptu, instinctive and fresh. You need to add something extra. The viewer can see the ball hitting the bat or the move that the captain has made. You need to explain why it is such a brilliant move or why a particular shot is spectacular. Just presenting the scene is no good. Give the viewers something to think about. Add more colour to the scene,” he explains meticulously.

On what makes an ideal commentator, he feels that having played cricket over a period of time does help as one understands the psychological aspect, the heart ache and the joy related to the game.

Apart from all this not many know about the fact that Lal is an ardent animal lover and an environmentalist at heart. His academy incidentally is living proof of that. He has planted a number of palm trees in the academy premises itself and many of those are home to squirrels and a few other animals. These things aside, Lal regularly cures injured birds with the help of his ‘maali’ and other workers in the academy.

“Wildlife is a passion and I do it because I love the animals” says Lal.

There is a lot to be learnt from a person like Arun Lal; be it his discipline, his simplicity or his uncomplicated approach towards life.

“Nothing in my life has been planned or contrived. I never dreamt of playing for India. It just happened. Commentary too happened as a natural progression. Even the plan of setting up this academy happened while having lunch with a friend. We shouldn’t plan too much. Just be spontaneous and enjoy life. I have no complaints from life. I am at ease with the kids and enjoying this phase to the maximum,” says Arun Lal on a serious note before moving on to attend eager kids waiting for his tips.

Former India and Bengal captain Pranab Roy, under whom Arun Lal had played many matches, gives a fitting tribute to the man which probably best summarizes the story of Arun Lal.

“Me and Arun are great friends. The best part about him is his discipline, is an ardent student of the game and that he is so focused; a trait which helped him as a captain and now as a commentator. He took over from Dilip Doshi and took Bengal cricket to new heights. He is well and truly the Ironman of Bengal cricket.” adds Roy.