Navjot Singh Sidhu IPL 2024:
'Commentary is a gift, it defines me, it flows in my veins.' These are Navjot Singh Sidhu's words, as he looks to jazz up the IPL 2024 commentary box with his unique flair. Sidhu, known for his witty one-liners and poetic quips, is a beloved commentator.
After a stint in politics, Sidhu returns to cricket live action as a commentator after a hiatus. For IPL 2024, he's reviving his role as a Hindi commentator for the official broadcaster Star Sports. Chatting with 'India Today', Sidhu shared insights on Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Rishabh Pant, and the new Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya, along with his thoughts on various facets of cricket.
Sidhu, on returning to commentary, said - 'Commentary is in my blood. It is my identity. Just as the great guru bestowed upon us our turban. My identity comes from my turban. I’m fortunate that my passion is my profession. You will find people who wanted to be cricketers and are now doctors, those who wanted to play matches and are now running a business. There are very few who get the chance to do what they enjoy the most. If you do something that is full of joy, you lose track of time.' Sidhu finds commentary to be a blessing, enjoying immense comfort behind the mic.
How did Sidhu prepare for commentary?
The preparation for commentary is mental agility, spontaneity, and control over language. Thanks to my father, waking me around 4:30 or 5 AM, handing me three newspapers - The Tribune, one in Hindi, Punjab Kesari, and another in Punjabi...
'I had to read them all and headline them, when I returned from school, I was required to listen to the news. Half an hour in English, half in Hindi and then a bit of Urdu. At that time, I would get annoyed watching those TV anchors, and my father used to make me listen to the news.'
Later, when I started commenting, I realized it was quite easy for me because words were naturally coming to me.
Will Dhoni play beyond 2024? Sidhu's response
Sidhu said about Dhoni playing at age 42 - 'What he’s done is nothing short of a miracle. Being mentally strong and looking extremely fit at this age. He's a maestro at batting when a few overs remain. If you're fit and can play, it’s miraculous. Dhoni stands firm like the Rock of Gibraltar, while others have fallen like ninepins.' He noted that Dhoni is the exception to the rule. A superstar with extraordinary abilities.
Sidhu on Rohit Sharma not captaining
Rohit Sharma, a successful and celebrated Indian captain, is sure to be relieved of some mental pressure by not captaining. Every leadership role is a bed of thorns, whether admitted or not. Some have enjoyed it, others have felt it as a burden. Sidhu confidently stated that Hardik Pandya will incessantly seek Rohit's advice.
'The thing with Rohit's situation, has it made him step down a notch?' Sidhu responded - 'It's been a perennial occurrence, be it the Chappells, Sunil Gavaskar, or Tendulkar, there comes a time when everyone must depart. I believe if Rohit maintains his fitness, he could play several more years. I've seen his unique front-foot six-hitting – it’s his USP that nobody can take away.'
Sidhu said, 'In our times, players were retained even during slumps because there wasn’t anyone ready to take their place. Now, Hardik Pandya steps in as Mumbai Indians' captain because he’s performed well. It’s not demeaning to Rohit; it's a deliberate process.'
Virat Kohli labeled as Best Batsman by Sidhu
He said, 'I would rate Kohli among India’s best batsmen, and it’s all thanks to his fitness. Getting fitter with age, he’s a fantastic batsman technically and is adept at adapting across formats.' Sidhu also praised the Indian team's performance at last year's World Cup, 'They played fantastically well, just one unfavorable match doesn't dictate the team's future. I believe the Indian team will dominate for a long time, thanks to a great system for nurturing cricketers.'
Sidhu's thoughts on Rishabh Pant's comeback
'Without the sculptor's hammer, no deity's idol is formed,’ Sidhu used this analogy to describe Pant's journey and temperament. Citing Dennis Lillee's determined recovery from a back issue, Sidhu affirmed, 'The word 'impossible' only exists in a fool’s dictionary. Everything is possible with willpower and determination. A resolute person deems nothing impossible. That’s what I see in Pant. His gameplay against England had them at their wits’ end.' He cherished watching Pant's match after a friend's recommendation – 'It's not a textbook style.'
