10 current cricketers who could go on to become good commentators

A slight modification to the popular adage goes thus – you can take cricketer out of the game, but you cannot take the game out of him. As with most sportsmen requiring peak, or near-peak physical prowess to remain competitive, cricketers have a shelf-life. Even the seemingly evergreen Sachin Tendulkar also retired, after two and a half decades of pure magic, crushing a billion hearts when he did. The only silver lining for fans is that most cricketers do tend to return, in a different avatar of course – some as head coaches, others specializing in their specific skill areas, and yet others hooking onto the concept of mentorship which has been a direct product of franchise cricket, on the upswing in recent times.The favourite, and perhaps the most lucrative, as a recent report suggests, option is to get back to the game in the form of a commentator, a dream job (a popular sports channel even hosted a reality show by that name to hunt for the commentating talent) for cricketers who are reluctant to move on from the game, which is usually the greatest love of their lives. In all fairness, ex-cricketers have done a wonderful job in the box, bringing in a touch of authenticity to the multiple opinions being aired during every match.This article evaluates the potential exuded by some of the current cricketers who could be top commentators post retirement. While personal opinion has been a key factor, I have also tried to break down the selection criteria across the following parameters:Voice – How pleasing is it to the earDiction – Overall command over the language and choice of wordsThought clarity – Ability to put forth his opinions clearly, without confusionKnowledge of the game – As the phrase suggestsExcitement generation potential – Likelihood of thrilling audiences with words and mannerisms

#10 Ryan ten Doeschate

Calm, composed, and deep-voiced, Ryan ten Doeschate would add value to any commentary team around the world. A thinking cricketer, his USP would definitely be the experience he has garnered playing with multiple franchises around the world. This should generate the attribute of open-minded thinking which is sometimes missing from the box, with rival commentators only keen on getting their own points proven right.

On the downside, a shy nature and a tendency to be diplomatic, could steal some of the excitement which audiences these days crave. A lack of experience in the longer formats of the game could also be a challenge.

Voice: 8/10

Diction: 8/10

Thought clarity: 7/10

Knowledge of the game: 7/10

Excitement generation potential: 5/10

#9 Misbah-ul-Haq

This one is primarily for Rameez Raja fans – the current Pakistan ODI captain, Misbah-ul-Haq, bears an uncanny vocal similarity with the former opener, and is very capable of communicating intelligently in a rustic voice and accent, which would only add more flavor to the commentary box. Irrespective of often being subject to scathing criticism, at times, from fans and media alike, I definitely believe the calmness he brings to the mercurial Pakistan cricket team is invaluable, something he can replicate in the box.

The only fear is that, if his commentary turns out to be anything like his batting, he may sit silently during the initial overs and only open out towards the fag end of the innings.

Voice: 7/10

Diction: 6.5/10

Thought clarity: 7/10

Knowledge of the game: 7/10

Excitement generation potential: 7/10

#8 Dwayne Bravo

I believe that no commentary box can be complete without some Caribbean flavor, and among contemporary players, I find current ODI captain, Dwayne Bravo, the best fit. Blessed with a baritone voice and flamboyance one can associate with commentating greats from the region like Michael Holding and Ian Bishop, the all-rounder also possesses a shrewd cricketing brain and does not seem to shy away from controversy or trying out new things.

His emotional side came to the fore during the recent conflict with West Indies Players' Association president and former player, Wavell Hinds. This can be considered either a positive or a negative in the commentating context, depending on which side of the fence you are seated.

Voice: 8/10

Diction: 7/10

Thought clarity: 7/10

Knowledge of the game: 7/10

Excitement generation potential: 7/10

#7 George Bailey

Arguably the nicest cricketer in the world currently, and definitely the nicest Australian cricketer ever, George Bailey could bring some much needed optimism to the commentary box, and could prove to be an excellent mediator, a la Harsha Bhogle, for warring commentators, which seems to be the norm these days.

The Australian ODI and Kings XI skipper may roam the field with a permanently fixed, and sometimes annoying grin on his face, but there is no denying his skills as an excellent strategist, something he could carry forward into the box.

The only worry – what if, in Joker mode, he patiently explains to each co-commentator, how he got that permanent smile?

Voice: 7.5/10

Diction: 7.5/10

Thought clarity: 8/10

Knowledge of the game: 8/10

Excitement generation potential: 6/10

#6 AB de Viliers

Currently in the form of his life, and arguably the most consistent performer across all three formats of the game, AB de Villiers is an excellent candidate for the box, making up for his relatively weaker diction with his edginess and unpredictability.

Famous for his unconventional style of play, I would expect him to the take the path not often trodden by the relatively ‘safe’ commentators today, and that would be his key differentiator.

The only weakness in his game, if I am overtly critical, is the tendency to try too many things at the same time, sometimes resulting in the loss of his wicket. In the commentating context, it could create confusion and cause focus shifts during tense moments in the game.

Voice: 7.5/10

Diction: 7.5/10

Thought clarity: 8/10

Knowledge of the game: 8/10

Excitement generation potential: 8/10

#5 Kumar Sangakkara

While several Sri Lankan cricketers have wielded the mike over the years, I believe that Kumar Sangakkara would be the worthy successor of the only one I admire – Ranjit Fernando. The elegant left-hander possesses a good voice and has an admirable grip on the English language, while his trademark calmness appears to have flowed onto his vocal capabilities as well.

The former captain has been a media favourite over the years, not shying away from questions, just like he rarely backs down against bouncers from the fastest bowlers. I can envision him following a style similar to Rahul Dravid – calm, composed and highly analytical, in the commentary box.

Voice: 8/10

Diction: 7.5/10

Thought clarity: 8/10

Knowledge of the game: 8/10

Excitement generation potential: 7/10

#4 Michael Clarke

Perhaps the best on this list, if only classic commentating traits are considered, Michael Clarke has come a long way from debuting as a floppy haired, chubby faced young man, to becoming the streamlined captain of the Australian Test team. Articulate and focused, he could be an ideal replacement for Ian Chappell in future.

While usually calm and composed, he has sometimes been subject to mood swings, a particularly severe example being his sledge against Dale Steyn, which even in the current competitive scenario, must have been quite personal, given that the South African pacer stated that he is not likely to ever forgive the Aussie skipper for that. Clarke should ideally keep that aspect of himself well away from the commentary box.

Voice: 8/10

Diction: 8/10

Thought clarity: 8/10

Knowledge of the game: 8/10

Excitement generation potential: 7/10

#3 MS Dhoni

From a commentating perspective, Indian captain MS Dhoni makes up for slight drawbacks in voice quality with an exceptional clarity of thought and ease of subsequent communication. Entrusted with the mammoth responsibility of often being the flag-bearer at media conferences, the destructive right-hander has most often than not, conducted himself with perfect ease.

His logic is usually immaculate, an example being his calm words during the Ravindra Jadeja – James Anderson conflict, wherein he presented a very objective representation of the case at hand, while obviously defending Jadeja.

He could however, insist on commentating during the last over of every match, and look to sign off with trademark flourish each time.

Voice: 7.5/10

Diction: 8/10

Thought clarity: 9/10

Knowledge of the game: 8/10

Excitement generation potential: 8/10

#2 Daniel Vettori

My favourite voice in this group – Daniel Vettori, who harbors confident dreams of playing the 2015 World Cup on home soil, is one of the natural commentators in this list. A rich baritone, along with a very serious look, aided well by the spectacles and beard, along with an excellent knowledge of the game, should earn him a ticket to the box the moment he retires.

Being an integral part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise, both as a player and now head coach, has developed the strategist within him, something which can hold him in good stead as a future commentator.

His intensity can work to his advantage or disadvantage, depending on how he chooses to position himself to the audience.

Voice: 9/10

Diction: 8/10

Thought clarity: 8/10

Knowledge of the game: 8/10

Excitement generation potential: 7/10

#1 Kevin Pietersen

While his autobiography continues to wreck havoc even as I write this, Kevin Pietersen, the king of controversy, putting it mildly, would easily wow audiences with the sheer chutzpah he exudes every time the spotlight is on him.

The former England captain, who can quip one-liners with the same nonchalance as some of his switch-hits, will have no hesitation in calling a spade a spade, and could develop into a more boisterous version of the ever-popular Ravi Shastri (hopefully, minus the clichés).

Wonder if he would attempt to avenge the kind words his ‘good friend’ Andrew Strauss bestowed on him while himself undertaking commentating duties – knowing him, he probably would, and will not exactly sugarcoat his feelings.

The only question would be – how long before he gets banned for making one controversial remark too many?

Voice: 7.5/10

Diction: 8/10

Thought clarity: 8/10

Knowledge of the game: 8/10

Excitement generation potential: 9/10