15 Popular Sports Presenters in India You Must Know About
The sports presenters or commentators are the storytellers of any game. No doubt about it, right?
It’s hard to imagine our viewing experience without their commentary and presence. Sports Presenters not only engage the fans with their favorite sports & athletes but also add extra zeal by analyzing the complexities of the game, making it more lively for us.
Along with in-depth insight into sports, they also provide new angles for the viewers. Every presenter stands out with a unique style, making a statement in the industry.
Let’s know about the Top 15 Sports Presenters of India in this blog:
1. Harsha Bhogle
His voice needs no introduction. Harsha Bhogle is known as the voice of cricket among the fans for his quintessential cricket commentary.
Bhogle was the first Indian commentator to be invited by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation during India’s cricket series before the 1992 Cricket World Cup.
Despite not being a former cricketer, He stands out among many. His commentary has been part of many unforgettable matches. In the T20 World Cup 2022, the game between India and Pakistan, where everyone witnessed Virat Kohli’s spectacular performance, his commentary was etched with the fans.
His exceptional commentary style, match analyzing skills, and ability to scrutinize performances set him apart, making the audience anticipate the best.
2. Mayanti Langer
Where sports meet elegance & expertise, Mayanti Langer is one of those Sports presenters of India who stands out with her extensive knowledge & passion for diverse sports and charismatic on-screen appearance. Her affinity for football and consistent participation in the game during college led her to the world of Sports Broadcasting.
Her journey started with FIFA Beach football as a guest anchor. Very soon, she joined ZEE Sports as an Anchor & Associate Producer for Football Café and became a household name in the broadcasting world. Mayanti also conducted other shows and interviews during many matches.
She also performed anchoring for the Indian Cricket League and Nehru Cup Football Tournament; however, her career went to the next level when she anchored the FIFA World Cup broadcast in India in 2010. Her diverse knowledge about several sports, engaging style, and outstanding on-screen presentation set her apart from her male counterparts. Moreover, she was associated with the Star Sports Network and ESPN and hosted many matches during the IPL. Mayanti Langer’s journey as a sports presenter showcased significant success in the male-dominated industry, inspiring female aspirants to follow her path.
3. Gaurav Kapur
A man of multiple talents, Gaurav Kapur has been remarkable in his versatile line of work, be it RJing, VJing, acting, and hosting sports shows. He began his journey as a sports presenter with the show “Nike Football Locker Room” on ESPN-STAR in 2007. He later continued with many shows like “the 2007 T20 World Cup,” “Dream Job,” and “Cricket Crazy, positioning him as one of India’s celebrated sports presenters.
However, Gaurav came into the limelight with “Extra Innings T20” for the IPL. His analytical insight into matches and engaging interviews with players brought him recognition among fans.
He also offered his analytical knowledge on Crickbuzz Live. One of his most popular works is ‘Breakfast with Champions’ on YouTube, where he hosted many sports personalities like Virat Kohli, Mithali Raj, Rohit Sharma, Steve Smith, Geeta Phogat, and Leander Paes.
4. Sunil Gavaskar
Whether he was with the bat or now is with a microphone, Mr Gavaskar is famous for his unique technique. Hearing him commentating with insightful details of the match is a great experience for any cricket fan. Sometimes witty, sometimes analytical, his commentary amuses the fans worldwide.
After retirement from cricket, he began his commentary journey in the late 80s. He brought his perspective to the commentary that he gained from his cricketing career, and that escalated his new role to a great level. His skill in analyzing a game or offering a unique perspective earned him the place of a leading commentator in the world of cricket.
Over the years, Gavaskar has lent his voice to numerous prestigious tournaments and leagues, including the ICC Cricket World Cups, Test Matches, One-Day Internationals, and the Indian Premier League (IPL). Besides working with leading broadcasting channels like Star Sports, Sony Sports Network, and Channel Nina Australia, Sunil Gavaskar offered his insightful opinions in pre- and post-match analysis and studio discussions. He also mentored upcoming commentators.
5. Ravi Shastri
You can expect only fiery comments when Ravi Shastri is on air.
The former cricketer Ravishankar Jayadritha Shastri was famously known for his straightforward opinions. Be it the World Cup finals or the major Test series worldwide, Shastri never hesitates to speak his mind, and that resonates with the fans across the globe.
His entertaining commentary and deep understanding of the game have made him a distinguishable commentator among many. He has been a prominent commentator for ICC Cricket World Cups, IPL, ICC Champions Trophy, BBL, and more, and presented various sports programs.
Not just that, he also performed commentary across several media such as television, radio, and online streaming services.
He has worked with renowned sports broadcasters such as Star Sports, Sony Sports Network, and Channel Nine Australia.
6. Jatin Sapru
“Long-off… long off… Longg offf Suryakumar Yadav ne pakda hai apne career ka sabse important catch.”
Do you remember the famous commentary of Jatin Sapru on Surya Kumar Yadav’s iconic midair catch in the 2024 T20 World Cup? A history was made that day, and Jatin Sapru’s comment went viral.
Jatin Sapru is one of India’s Leading sports broadcasters and cricket commentators, mostly known for his work with Star Sports. His insightful commentary and engaging style made him a familiar face in sports broadcasting. He first gained recognition after winning the reality show for aspiring TV presenters, “Dream Job,” and he became a famous sports commentator in India. Sapru hosted many cricket matches and tournaments, such as the ICC Cricket World Cup, ICC T20, Asia Cup, Indian Premier League, and many post-match shows.
7. Mohammad Kaif
First and foremost, Mohammad Kaif is a renowned Indian cricketer who garnered praise as one of the greatest fielders in India. However, in 2018, after his retirement, he transitioned his career into sports broadcasting. His valuable perspective on the game and analytical insight enrich the audience’s match-hearing experiences.
Kaif is also well-known for Hindi commentary in cricket matches. Kaif has been a regular sports presenter on Star Sports for major tournaments like IPL and the ICC Cricket World Cup. Further, he’s also associated with Sony Sports Network and appeared on pre- and post-match shows.
8. Sanjana Ganesan
Known for her remarkable achievements and dynamic presence, Sanjana Ganesan has cemented her place in the sports media. Though she started her career with modeling, Ganesan soon transitioned her role into sports journalism, hosting many Cricket and Badminton shows for Star Sports. In no time, she became a popular face, hosting the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup and T20 World Cup.
Her great hold for detailed knowledge of sports led her to present many leagues, including but not limited to the Indian Premier League, Indian Super League, and Badminton Premier League.
Moreover, she worked as a digital insider for the International Cricket Council (ICC) while hosting the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup. She also graced the World Test Championship Final 2023 between India and Australia with her outstanding screen presence and engaging style. During IPL, she organized a talk series named Match Point.
9. Suhail Chandhok
A Dynamic Voice in Indian Sports.
Suhail Chandhok is a versatile Indian sports presenter and commentator, covering cricket, football, hockey, and kabaddi. He has hosted major cricket events for Star Sports, including the ICC World Cup 2015, ICC T20 World Cup 2016, ICC Champions Trophy 2017, and the IPL on Hotstar. He has also presented the Hero Indian Super League, Celebrity Classico Football, and the Hero Hockey India League.
A prominent voice in the Pro Kabaddi League for seven seasons, Suhail is known for his energetic style and ability to make the fast-paced game accessible to new viewers. Internationally, he has covered the Rio Olympics 2016, the FIA Formula E Series, and the French Open, showcasing his versatility and global sports expertise.
10. Puranjit Dasgupta
Puranjit Dasgupta, affectionately known as Mantra, is a distinguished figure in Indian sports broadcasting, celebrated for his articulate commentary and engaging presence. Over the past seven seasons, he has been a prominent host of the Pro Kabaddi League, broadcast on Star Sports and Jio Hotstar, where his dynamic hosting has captivated audiences nationwide. His versatility extends across various sports, including football, athletics, and cricket, where he has lent his voice to numerous matches and tournaments.
Beyond his hosting duties, Mantra has conducted insightful interviews with cricket legends such as Kapil Dev, Sourav Ganguly, and VVS Laxman, offering fans a deeper connection to the sport through compelling conversations.
11. Anant Tyagi
Anant Tyagi has emerged as one of the most prominent voices of Indian football, especially recognized for his hosting and commentary roles in the Indian Super League (ISL). Beyond football, he has established himself as a versatile Anchor, Commentator, Emcee, and Lead Presenter for marquee sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup, Women’s Premier League, Tata IPL, and Paris Olympics 2024 on Sports 18 and JioCinema. Formerly with Star Sports, he has anchored and presented iconic tournaments including the IPL, ICC WTC Final, ICC Cricket World Cup, ICC Champions Trophy, Rio Olympics, and Indian football properties.
12. Karishma Kotak
She has built a notable career in sports broadcasting, beginning with her breakthrough as host of Extraaa Innings T20 during IPL 2013. Over the years, she has become a familiar face in global cricket coverage, gaining prominence as a presenter at the 2019 Cricket World Cup and later as the official host of the Global T20 Canada in 2023. Drawing inspiration from trailblazer Mandira Bedi, Kotak views sports presenting as a natural extension of her passion for the game and her vibrant on-screen presence. Having transitioned from modeling and acting to live sports coverage, she now considers sports broadcasting her true home—where her love for the game and engaging style resonate deeply with fans worldwide.
13. Manish Batavia
Manish Batavia is a multifaceted sports-anchoring powerhouse who transformed a reality TV debut into a distinguished broadcasting career.
After building valuable experience behind the scenes as a producer at ESPN STAR and executive producer at Sony MAX, he officially stepped into the limelight at Star Sports in 2013, anchoring grand events such as the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, Asia Cup 2014, and the ICC World T20 2014, in addition to IPL post-match shows, Pro Kabaddi, and Kabaddi World Cup India Web Fest. His versatility spans beyond cricket and kabaddi, presenting global tournaments like Formula E, UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Asian Games, and even NBA broadcasts in Hindi on Sony Ten Sports India Web Fest.
Manish has also interviewed icons such as Rahul Dravid, Kapil Dev, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, and Wasim Akram.
14. Ridhima Pathak
Ridhima Pathak is a popular sports anchor and presenter who has hosted shows for Star Sports, Sony Ten, and Ten Sports, covering events like the IPL, Pro Kabaddi League, and international badminton tournaments. Turning her back on engineering to follow her passion, she has since graced global stages, presenting at the ICC Cricket World Cup and the Tokyo Olympics, and made history in 2023 as host of the inaugural Women’s Premier League. Known for her lively persona, research-driven approach, and engaging interviews with legends from Kapil Dev to Virat Kohli, Ridhima has cemented her place as one of the most dynamic voices in Indian sports broadcasting.
15. Sahiba Bali
Sahiba Bali is a prominent sports presenter in India, recognized for her engaging style and insightful commentary across various sports leagues. She has conducted interviews with numerous international and Indian athletes, including cricket stars like Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith, and Pat Cummins, showcasing her versatility and rapport with sports personalities. Bali has contributed to major sports leagues such as the Indian Premier League (IPL), Pro Kabaddi League, and the Women’s Premier League, further solidifying her position in the sports broadcasting industry. Her dynamic presence and ability to connect with audiences have made her a notable figure in Indian sports media
The world of sports comes alive not just on the field, but also through the voices and presence of these top sports presenters in India. From the legendary Harsha Bhogle to dynamic voices like Puranjit Dasgupta, Ridhima Pathak, they bring energy, insight, and storytelling flair that deepen fans’ connection to their favorite games.
At IISM (International Institute of Sports & Management), aspiring sports professionals can turn this passion into a career. Our comprehensive sports management programs offer specialized training in sports broadcasting and digital media. By learning directly from renowned sports presenters, students develop the skills to become future sports anchors, commentators, and presenters for renowned sports leagues & channels.
