Top 5 commentators at the ICC World T20 2016

The game of cricket has evolved over the years, and the several rule changes that have been incorporated to keep the user engaged has in many ways added to capture the imagination of the audience. The art of cricket broadcasting, similarly, has evolved and has kept pace with the changes going around. It is imperative in many ways, that the broadcasters in many ways keep are a step ahead in order to offer thoughtful insight into the game and educate and inform the audience. Commentators are the gatekeepers, and they in many ways shape the perception of the audience and inform them of the dynamics involved in this beautiful game. The romance and inherent beauty of the game should be kept alive and the role of the commentators in this regard becomes all the more important. As the legendary Richie Benaud would say, avoid cliches and banalities, such as 'he's hit that to the boundary', 'he won't want to get out now', 'of course', 'as you can see on the screen'...,the commentators have to go beyond the obvious. Of course, Richie can never be replaced, but we have identified five commentators who add charm to the game with their wit, knowledge and engaging prowess. The game goes several notches higher when these people hold the microphone and start speaking.

#5 Tom Moody

Tom Moody or long Tom, was a dodgy allrounder for Australia, and ever since his retirement he has applied his cricketing brain to different avenues of the game. A coach, a manager, a tournament director and a commentator, Moody has donned several hats with distinction.

Moody is no stranger to Indian conditions after having coached Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, and hence he will in tune with the stadiums and the tactics needed to be successful in India.

Moody also has forged relationships with players across countries and knows their temperament and thus can easily provide valuable know-how. He has always been a passionate cricketer and that reflects when he hold the mike and describes the state of play.

He throws in few punch lines to keep the audience engrossed and his diction is impeccable. Heis also very active on social media and that helps because he is in tune with the recent trends and can formulate his opinions accordingly to cater to the needs of the audience.

#4 Shaun Pollock

Shaun Pollock will bring a laidback approach and a tactical brain into the WT20

Shaun Pollock was a bowler who has a left an indelible imprint on the game, especially in South Africa. His foray into the commentary box has been rather smooth, and his oratory skills even better.

A bowler who had absolute command over his trade seems to be confident while speaking on any topic. Polly, as he his referred to in the commentary box, adds more than just on-field incidents. He suggests theories and tactics that could be handy, a mark of an astute cricket brain.

He is never far away from humour and jokes and his always not hesitant to make fun of himself. Ha has also coached Mumbai Indians, and hence can offer insight from the point-of-view of a coach. Unlike several others, Polly is not combative but is also a good listener and even if he disagrees with someone, he does not jump up and down but puts his own point forward with aplomb.

He is also very close to several South African players and offers insight into their brand of cricket. All in all Shaun Pollock is a welcome entry into the panel of commentators for the ICC World T20 2016.

#3 Harsha Bhogle

Harsha Bhogle in many ways is the torch-bearer for Indian commentators

Harsha Bhogle without a doubt is the best commentator from India. There is absolutely no competition and he has captured imaginations of Indians for a very long time.

In the commentary box, Harsha is unmatched for his flamboyant language, out-of-the-box anecdotes, and lucid analysis. Also, Harsha knows very well when to keep quiet and the give the audience an opportunity to watch the game without being interrupted by someone blaring in their ears. He believes that the viewer, who effectively funds the telecast, must get what he feels he deserves.

The fact that he has had an excellent academic record, and he is an ‘outsider’ in many sense, Harsha knows exactly what the audience wants and when. He is a cricket fan, an enthusiast and a romantic, and when he speaks all these traits are so very evident. It is hence no surprise that the tempo of the game shifts whenever Harsha settles in the commentary box.

Harsha has this ability to do certain things and be ahead of the game, and his conversational attribute has made him almost a torch-bearer for the Indian broadcasters.

#2 Nasser Hussain

Nasser Hussain the former England captain is credited by many as the finest English captain after Mike Brearley. A fiery, combative and tactically very sharp character, Hussain has brought all these attributes to the commentary box.

He is never shy to voice his opinion, however controversial that may be. He did no hesitate in comparing the slow Indian fielders to a donkey which then sparked off a controversy.

What Nasser brings to the game is his brilliant analysis of situations and offering insight that enriches the audience. And then there is the dry humour that only adds colour. It seems as if his commentary career is just an extension of his playing days, as he on many occasions has injected sarcasm, frankness and his point of view, however unique or out-of-the-box it may seem.

And then there is the Indian connection, as he was born in Chennai, thus his presence in the commentary box will add great mileage to the tournament. People often after a match is over remember an anecdote or a moment that is unusual in a game, and trust Nasser Hussain to point that out.

#1 David Lloyd

If there is Bumble there is bound be humour

David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd or just Bumble as he his endearingly referred to is currently the most loved person in the commentary box wherever he goes. The game of cricket is as it is a very serious affair, and it does no one any harm if there is light banter and quirky comments.

Bumble rules the show whenever he speaks, with is quintennial English accent and light-hearted analysis of any situation. He seldom loses his cool, and that is the trait of a man who has absolute command over himself. What helps Bumble to go beyond the basics is the fact that he has been a player, an umpire and a coach and hence he can analyse situations better than the others.

Lloyd has watched the game evolve, he has been a part of the change and he knows the rich tradition as well as the qualities needed to survive the intense glare of today’s world.

Says the man, “I take cricket very seriously, but I do not myself so seriously”, we now know the reason why he defuses tension with such grace and ease.

Indeed and without any doubt, David Lloyd will be one of the stars of the ICC World T20 extravaganza.