Top 10 cricket commentators in the world currently

Cricket commentators play a bigger role in ensuring the entertainment of the television viewers than their counterparts in any other sport. The reasons are many. Cricket is a very complicated game and is usually played over a longer period than most other sports.

It is also a sport where a lot of activity (field placements, interactions between the players, etc.) takes place off the camera which the TV viewer is unaware of.

Hence, the commentator’s job is to enlighten the viewer about the intricacies of the strategies and tactics being employed by the teams; provide information about the movements and demeanour of the players; and also keep the listener entertained with relevant information, anecdotes and occasional doses of humour.

Those who can accomplish any one of these tasks to perfection or all three with efficiency deserve to be counted among the best broadcasters in the game.

So, let’s look at ten people who are best in the business when it comes to cricket commentary. Though 10 is too small a number to include all those who contribute to increasing our joy of watching the game, this article seeks to identify the best among them.

The list is composed of broadcasters who are regulars on the microphone or in the television studios.

But before we start, here are some honourable mentions: Ian Chappell, David Lloyd, Sanjay Manjrekar, Fazeer Mohammed, Simon Doull, Mark Richardson, Russel Arnold, Rameez Raja, Kepler Wessels, Graeme Smith and Ian Ward. Many others are also good but including their names would make the list endless.

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#10 Fazeer Mohammed

Fazeer Mohammed's passion and vast knowledge is unmatched (image source: Fox Sports)

Not being a top-level cricketer could be a handicap for a commentator but Fazeer Mohammed has shown that it can be easily overcome with the knowledge, energy and passion.

Mohammed’s great strength as a commentator is his encyclopedic knowledge of West Indian cricketing history.

This was symbolized by a memorable commentary segment with Rameez Raja in 2016, where he gave a detailed description and history of each one of the top-10 bowling figures recorded by a West Indian bowler in Test history when a list of them was shown on the screen.

What further adds to his brilliance is the forthrightness of his comments that land him in trouble occasionally but endear him to the fans. He is also full of energy and never lets the play seem stale.

Being a journalist, he is fully up to date with the goings on in the world of cricket, especially in West Indian cricket, which is not easy to accomplish owing to the multi-national nature of that entity.

Lastly, it’s his enormous passion for the game which oozes out of his words that makes his commentary compelling and enjoyable.

#9 Michael Holding

Michael Holding (R) provides insightful and serious analysis whenever he is on the microphone

The distinctively Jamaican accent and the sugary voice make Michael Holding one of the most respected and well-recognised commentators in the game. Holding, a true legend of the game, presents a valuable analysis of the game every time he gets on the microphone.

What makes his presence in the commentary box all the more valuable is his vast knowledge on the art of fast bowling. Having been a bona fide nightmare for batsman around the world in his playing days, few are as qualified as him to bring to the viewer’s attention to the nuances of the art and the subtleties of pacer’s tactics during the game.

He has been a key member of the Sky Sports commentary team during the English home season and also regularly commentates for other broadcasters during the English winter.

Holding’s unbiased insight and fearless frankness about the issues of the game make him a treat to hear while he is on air. To add to that, ‘Whispering Death’ doesn’t waste time in pointless chatter. Holding is a legend of the game and remains a powerful voice.

#8 Ian Bishop

Ian Bishop (R) is one of the most popular voices in the world of cricket

Another fierce fast bowler from West Indies in his day, Ian Bishop didn’t have the success he deserved due to various injuries. But as a commentator, he has been a consistent performer, being the first choice of various broadcasting companies when looking for a West Indian voice.

Bishop’s commentary is full of useful analysis which includes explaining the complexities of fast bowling as well as the point of view of the batsman. What makes him a great broadcaster is his willingness to remain neutral and give the other team their due credit.

He can raise the pitch of his voice to match the crescendo of a momentous event and has provided memorable voice-overs on numerous occasions.

The only flaw in Bishop’s commentary has been the occasional overstatement like suggesting Windies’ 2012 World T20 win as a major turning point in that team’s fortunes or suggesting that Carlos Braithwaite is a future great with his famous “Carlos Braithwaite, remember the name” line after the 2016 World T20 Final.

But that is too little to blight his great reputation.

#7 Mike Haysman

Mike Haysman combines analysis and good presentation in his work

If it wasn’t for his accent, Mike Haysman may well be mistaken for a South African. It is in the rainbow nation, after all, that he has made his name as a major broadcaster. Originally an Australian, Haysman has been around the world and has lent his distinctive voice to cricketing events all over the world.

He brings an energy and vibrancy to the commentary box and couples it with an insightful expert view. His dual role as an exciting narrator of events coupled with his ability to notice the most minute aspects of the game have made him a broadcaster’s delight.

He has also proven his mettle as an interviewer and his interactions with the players are far more interesting to listen to than most other cricket interviews.

What makes Haysman a great asset for any commentary team is his universalism as a broadcaster and vast experience of playing and covering cricket in various countries.

He remains in touch with the latest events in the cricket world and makes sure that the viewers are informed about them. A consummate cricket commentator.

#6 Ian Smith

Ian Smith has been the voice of New Zealand cricket season for many years

The leading voice of New Zealand cricket for a long time, Ian Smith is a former wicket-keeper batsman who is now an integral part of the New Zealand cricket summer.

He too possesses the great ability to both bring moments alive with his powerful voice when important things happen and also pierce through the banality of the game with expert comments that make the viewer more knowledgeable about what is happening.

In many ways, Smithy, as he is referred to by his co-commentators, is a true all-rounder with the mike. Apart from being an astute analyst and a lively voice, he also has great stories to tell and frank opinions to give on various issues related to the game. A great sense of humour and wittiness contribute to the quality of his commentary.

Smith has become the de facto leader of the Sky New Zealand commentary team and is carrying this responsibility proficiently for nearly for a long time.

#5 Shane Warne

Shane Warne's analysis is always worth listening

Considered by many as the greatest spinner of all time, Shane Warne’s opinions are bound to carry a lot of weight. The fact that he has a colourful personality and also a liking for being in the spotlight made him a great prospect as a commentator. And, he hasn’t disappointed.

What makes Warne a great commentator is the same quality that made him a master spinner: his brilliant mind that has the ability to read the game and the players’ mind.

It has been said that Shane Warne was the best captain Australia never had. Anyone who has listened to his analysis during matches would agree. Few other analysts can study the game and players as brilliantly as he does.

Some people have accused Warne of having an agenda of helping the Australian team with his commentary, especially when he criticized Alistair Cook’s captaincy. But that is not a universal view.

Warne’s perspicacity as an expert commentator is matched by few and he can enlighten the viewers about tactics and strategies better than most.

#4 Nasser Hussain

Nasser Hussain understands both the physical and psychological aspects of cricket

Former England captain Nasser Hussain took to commentating like a duck takes to water. He became an analyst soon after his retirement in 2004 and has risen to become one of the most influential voices in the game.

Hussain was known for being an aggressive and clever captain who has a great understanding of the dynamics of the game. He has brought that astuteness to his analysis and gives an in-depth view of the action on the field as well as a peek into the mental side of the game as well.

His unbiased opinions have earned him a place in commentary teams around the world but it is as a Sky Sports commentator that he has cemented his reputation.

He has a unique understanding of the English game but has also studied the way many other countries play their cricket. Hussain excels in detailing the psychological part of cricket which is no less important than the physical one. Overall, Hussain is a great analyst and commentator.

#3 Michael Atherton

Michael Atherton is the most intelligent voice among cricket commentators

Former England captain Michael Atherton is possibly the most cerebral voice in the world of cricket, especially among former players. He is not just a commentator but also a professional journalist who has worked as the cricket correspondent for The Times.

This displays itself in the weighty and meaningful analysis of the game that he presents for the viewers. Combining his immense knowledge of the game’s nuances and also a deep understanding of the mental aspect of the game, Atherton analysis lets the audiences understand the depth of the game.

Be it technical analysis, dissection of strategies, explanation of tactics or even the mindset of players, few can enlighten the viewers about them as well as Atherton does.

His sobriety, occasionally mixed with a bit of wittiness, is just what a true cricket fan would enjoy. The complete lack of unimportant talk and forced humour make his commentary a delight for the true fans.

#2 Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly's ability to understand the game is unmatched

Regarded by many as the greatest Indian captain of all time, Ganguly’s cricketing acumen came into full public view when he took up the mike.

The tactical nous, in-depth understanding of strategies and psycho-analytical ability which Ganguly possesses makes him a great analyst. He is able to spot the methods being employed by teams quickly but is also exceptional in cutting out the meaningless over-analysis that can attribute qualities to players which are non-existent.

Dada also has the ability to read the minds of the players and understand their personality. While others may struggle at times to understand the mode of play in a particular passage, Ganguly knows what’s going on, both in the playing field as well as the mind of the players.

To add to that, the Prince of Kolkata is completely devoid of bias and never fails to appreciate the good cricket of other teams. He is also devoid of the unnecessary belligerency that some other Indian commentators display regarding countries like Australia and England. Ganguly is truly a great analyst.

#1 Michael Vaughan

Michael Vaughan's commentary gives a thorough understanding of the game to viewers

Michael Vaughan has a lot in common with Saurav Ganguly. Both were great captains of their teams and changed the course of their cricket. Both were equally brilliant as tacticians and man-managers; hence, their understanding of strategies and players’ mentality is better than any other commentator.

Vaughan has every attribute that one wants in a commentator. He can break down the technique of a player, understand the complexities of the tactics and strategies being employed, understand the psychological make-up of a player and diagnose the problems facing a team accurately.

Vaughan has occasionally landed up in controversy, for instance, when he suggested that Stuart Broad should be dropped after England’s loss to Pakistan in the first Test of the 2018 English summer. But that is only because he is frank and candid and doesn’t sugarcoat his comments to suit the players of his erstwhile team.

Whether it is understanding the requirements of a team to accomplish a certain challenge for figuring out the reasons for their performance, Vaughan’s analysis is highly rewarding to listen to.

With him, the depth of the game and its various aspects, as well as the minute technical details, all become clear to the viewer.

That’s why he is the best.