Enjoying their roles off the field

“It is actually an advantage for me (doing commentary) because I have played with these guys day in and day out. In fact, some of them have been my selectors, teammates etc,” said Mukund, who is part of the Star Sports Tamil commentary team.   

The panel has a perfect amalgamation of youth and experience. Former India cricketers like Kris Srikkanth, Hemang Badani and Laxman Sivaramakrishnan have joined forces with relatively exuberant guys like Mukund and Subramaniam Badrinath. 

The former Chennai Super Kings batsman, who once played in tandem with Badrinath at the “Den”, appears to be relishing his role off the field. “I share a very good relationship with the rest of the panel. 

For instance, Badri (Badrinath) has taught me a lot in terms of commentary as well.. on how to end an over, what kind of modulation to use etc,” remarked the Tuti Patriots captain.   On a softer note, when queried about which overseas panellist he would love to rope into the Tamil commentary box if given an opportunity, the 28-year-old said, “I would bring in a Sri Lankan, preferably Russel Arnold or Muttiah Muralitharan, only because of the fact that they know Tamil.” 

Mukund believed that it is the responsibility of commentators to help the listeners follow the nuances of the game in an easier manner. 

“The simple reason is to make people understand the sport. There are many in rural areas who don’t know English and our basic duty is to present it with simple words in Tamil,” opined Mukund.  

Seasoned campaigner Sivaramakrishnan felt the introduction of a sports channel in a regional language (Tamil) served as a delight for fanatics who are neither familiar with English nor Hindi. 

“There is lot of fan following in Tamil Nadu. Presenting the sport in Tamil helps people from the southern districts, people who are old understand the game better. They get to know the technicalities and strategies in a language they interpret,” said Sivaramakrishnan. 

“In English commentary, you have commentators from all over the world, which makes it difficult for people to understand their accent,” added the 52-year-old. 

Speaking about his association with his comrades, the former Indian international asserted, “We have got a panel in which we have cricket experts and also people who can make fun at the same time i.e RJ Balaji and Kris Srikkanth. All the (Tamil) commentators get along well with each other. Since we all come from the same state, it helps us gel better.”  

Commenting on how the cash-rich league has fared thus far, the leg-spinner said, “CSK has been doing well and SRH (Sunrisers Hyderabad) has defended low totals too. There have been a lot of close finishes, which only add excitement to the tournament.”