Fri Mar 28 14:00:00 UTC 2025: ## IPL 2025 Hindi Commentary Faces Criticism Amidst Multi-Lingual Broadcast

**CHENNAI, INDIA** – The ongoing IPL 2025 season is being broadcast in 12 languages, including Tamil and Hindi, across digital streaming platforms, marking a significant effort to reach a wider audience. However, the quality of the Hindi commentary has come under fire from viewers.

While the television broadcast offers commentary in five languages (English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada), the digital stream expands this to include Marathi, Haryanvi, Bengali, Bhojpuri, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Gujarati, and Punjabi. Former Chennai Super Kings captain, MS Dhoni, even commented that the Bhojpuri commentary reminded him of his school days listening to radio broadcasts.

The criticism centers on the perceived shift in commentary style. One viewer posted a video online stating that while past commentators like Maninder Singh and Arun Lal provided insightful cricket analysis, the current team focuses too heavily on comedic one-liners, making it harder for viewers to connect with the game. Harbhajan Singh, one of the current Hindi commentators, acknowledged the feedback, simply stating, “Thank you for your feedback. We are taking note of this.”

Adding to the controversy surrounding the Hindi commentary, Harbhajan Singh faced backlash for a racially insensitive remark during a match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals. Commenting on Rajasthan bowler Archer’s expensive spell (76 runs in 4 overs, a record in IPL history), Singh compared Archer’s run meter to the meter of London’s black cabs. This prompted widespread calls for an apology, which Harbhajan has yet to issue.

Further controversy arose from the IPL opening ceremony in Kolkata. Singer Shreya Ghoshal performed songs representing each of the ten teams, but reportedly sang a Hindi song for Royal Challengers Bangalore, prompting criticism from RCB fans who felt a Kannada song would have been more appropriate.

Despite the availability of multi-lingual commentary, viewers ultimately emphasize the need for engaging and insightful analysis, regardless of language.

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