IPL 2025: Dhoni praises energetic Bhojpuri commentary reminiscent of classic radio
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Synopsis
On March 24, 2025, cricket legend MS Dhoni commended Bhojpuri commentary in IPL, calling it energetic and nostalgic of classic radio styles. He appreciates the regional language initiative and its engagement with fans, having experienced the tournament for 18 seasons.
Key Takeaways
- MS Dhoni commends Bhojpuri commentary for its energy.
- Bhojpuri made its debut in IPL 2023.
- The IPL is streamed in 16 languages.
- Dhoni values insights from former player commentators.
- Regional languages enhance fan experience in cricket.
New Delhi, March 24 (NationPress) Indian cricket icon MS Dhoni has praised the introduction of regional language commentary in the Indian Premier League (IPL), expressing his admiration for Bhojpuri commentary. He described it as “energetic”, reminiscent of the classic radio commentary.
Bhojpuri commentary made its debut during IPL 2023 and quickly captivated fans. This year, the 18th edition of IPL is available for streaming in 16 languages, including English, Hindi, Marathi, Haryanvi, Bengali, Bhojpuri, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Gujarati, and Punjabi on the digital streaming platform.
“I haven't had much exposure to regional language commentary because when watching live matches, replays are limited. Most commentary I hear is in English or Hindi, which aids in analyzing the game effectively. I enjoy listening to commentators, many of whom are former players. While I may participate in 17 matches per season, they cover hundreds across various tournaments and countries. Their vast experience with different situations and teams is invaluable.
“As players, we understand our team’s strengths and weaknesses, but commentary provides an outsider’s viewpoint. It ignites new ideas, like 'why not try this strategy?' - which can be assessed through data and intelligence to see its relevance to the team’s approach.
“Although I haven't listened extensively to regional commentary, I know that Bihari (Bhojpuri) commentary is extremely lively. It takes me back to the days of classic radio commentary, where commentators were very engaged. This aspect is quite fascinating. Many fans prefer to listen in their native language - it’s their mother tongue, and they want to enjoy the game authentically. I would be keen to experience Haryanvi commentary as well since it is quite distinctive,” Dhoni shared on JisHotstar's 'The MS Dhoni Experience'.
Dhoni is currently in his 18th season of the tournament in 2025, having played 265 matches and achieved a total of 5,243 runs, including 24 half-centuries.
