Harsha Bhogle: “The Voice Of Cricket”

Harsha Bhogle, born on July 19, 1961, has earned his place as a celebrated figure in global cricket commentary, frequently hailed as the “Voice of Cricket.” Bhogle’s distinct presence in the cricketing world has been shaped by both his professional insight and his natural flair for engaging audiences. 

Born in Hyderabad, India in a Marathi-speaking family, he is the son of academics: Achyut D. Bhogle, a professor of French, and Shalini Bhogle, a psychology professor. In a podcast interview, he mentioned that his mother’s family originally hailed from Lahore and moved to India during the partition of 1947.

Bhogle’s educational journey began at Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet, followed by a B.Tech. in chemical engineering from Osmania University’s College of Technology. He later pursued a postgraduate program at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, after which he worked in advertising and later in sports management, each for over two years.

A Remarkable Career in Cricket Commentary

Harsha Bhogle’s cricketing roots go back to his days as an A-Division cricketer in Hyderabad and a representative of Osmania University at the Rohinton Baria Tournament. His commentary career began early, with All India Radio at age 19, and in the 1991-92 season, he became the first Indian commentator invited by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation for India’s tour, just ahead of the 1992 World Cup. Bhogle continued to contribute to ABC Radio Grandstand for future Australian tours, and was a part of the BBC’s World Cup commentary team for the 1996 and 1999 tournaments.

In 1995, Bhogle joined ESPN STAR Sports and became a familiar voice for live broadcasts, working alongside prominent names such as Ravi Shastri, Sunil Gavaskar, and Alan Wilkins. Over the years, he also collaborated with cricket greats like Ian Chappell and Sanjay Manjrekar, enriching his experience and rapport with cricket fans worldwide.

Since the Indian Premier League’s inception in 2009, Bhogle had been a constant presence in the league's commentary lineup. However, in 2016, the BCCI unexpectedly dropped him from IPL coverage. Reports suggest various reasons for his removal, including criticism from players and an incident during the T20 World Cup where Bhogle clashed with an official over VIP access, an altercation that reportedly escalated following a tweet from a well-known Bollywood actor.

Television, Writing, and Online Presence

Apart from live commentary, Bhogle has hosted television shows like "Harsha Online", "Harsha Unplugged", and "School Quiz Olympiad" for ESPN and Star Sports. He also sought to identify India’s broadcasting talent through his show, "Harsha ki Khoj". Expanding his online footprint, Bhogle started "Out of the Box with Harsha Bhogle" on YouTube, where he explores the sport’s nuances.

ESPNcricinfo users ranked Bhogle as their favourite TV cricket commentator in a global poll, a testament to his popularity and impact. Additionally, he has hosted BBC’s "Travel India" series and the "Business Today Acumen Quiz". Bhogle’s contributions to the IPL extended beyond commentary; he advised the Mumbai Indians team during the inaugural season in 2008.

A prolific writer, Bhogle has authored and co-authored several books, including "Out of the Box – Watching the Game We Love" and "The Winning Way", written with his wife Anita Bhogle. "The Winning Way" draws on sports lessons to offer insights into team success and management, praised for its engaging approach by publications like "The Hindu" and "Business Today". Bhogle has also written for "The Sportstar", offering his perspectives in a popular column, "Hitting Hard".

Personal Life and Contributions

Married to Anita, a fellow IIM Ahmedabad graduate, Bhogle lives in Mumbai with his two sons. He has been a vegetarian since he was 17. In 2011, during the ICC World Cup, he led pre- and post-match analysis alongside well-known figures like Simon Hughes, Sunil Gavaskar, and Tony Greig. His role in broadcasting has often gone beyond commentary, with memorable moments such as hosting Sachin Tendulkar’s final interview in 2013, reflecting Bhogle’s prominence in cricket broadcasting.

Since 2016, he has contributed regularly, providing articles and video insights. Bhogle also serves on the Board of Governors at IIM Udaipur, showcasing his commitment to education. In 2019, he was among the selected commentators for the ICC World Cup in England and Wales.

In addition to his accomplishments, Bhogle’s commentary occasionally attracts attention for his candid remarks. During India’s first day-night Test against Bangladesh, Bhogle raised concerns about the visibility of the pink ball, leading to an on-air exchange with fellow commentator Sanjay Manjrekar, who dismissed Bhogle’s concerns as uninformed. The incident sparked discussion, underscoring Bhogle’s willingness to question norms and his dedication to the game’s integrity.

Harsha Bhogle’s story is one of enduring dedication, versatility, and influence in the cricketing world. From commentary and TV hosting to writing and digital content creation, he continues to leave a lasting impact on cricket fans worldwide.