Indian Sports Presenters & Commentators You Must Know About
The sports presenters & 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.
They 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. Their expert insights & opinions add a lot of in-depth insight into sports, while providing new angles & plenty of knowledge for the viewers. Every presenter & commentator stands out with a unique style, making a statement in the industry.
However, many often confuse these two roles as the same. That’s not the case. So, let’s understand the differences between a sports presenter & a commentator before getting to know about some of the popular sports presenters & commentators in India.
Who is a Sports Presenter?
A sports presenter is primarily a host who moderates the broadcast of pre-match, mid-match & post-game shows. Many presenters also have a responsibility of conducting interviews with players before, during & after the game.
Meanwhile, sports presenters also handle game coverage from the broadcasters’ studio with few experts besides them. Usually, a sports presenter’s role is given to newer younger faces who have low or moderate experience in the sports broadcasting arena. Previously video jockeys & hosts used to get such roles, and in the past decade, that trend has shifted to hiring social media influencers & podcasters. And eventually, they level up into being a commentator.
Who is a Sports Commentator?
A sports commentator narrates the play-by-play happenings of a game, providing the right blend of analytical insights & engaging humor or anecdotes. This roles is mostly behind the camera with the voice of the commentator taking centre stage.
Commentators are often veteran former players of the sport, who thrive on their extensive knowledge & playing experience, which adds depth & credibility to their commentary. Many seasoned presenters also level up into a commentator’s role as their career progresses.
A sports presenter can be both a presenter & commentator, but the vice versa doesn’t usually happen. In rare cases, former athletes who are engaging enough & have the skillset of moderating broadcasts, also handle the role of being a presenter.
Sports Presenters in India
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 Suryakumar Yadav’s iconic mid-air catch in the 2024 T20 World Cup Final? While Team India scripted history that day, Jatin Sapru’s commentary went viral.
Jatin Sapru is one of India’s leading sports broadcasters and cricket commentators, mostly known for his work with Star Sports. He first gained recognition after winning the reality show for aspiring TV presenters, “Dream Job,” began his journey in the world of sports broadcasting. Having started as a presenter with ESPN Star in 2008, he has been an integral part of their broadcast team & evolved into commentary roles. His insightful commentary and engaging style made him a familiar face in sports broadcasting.
To date, has Sapru hosted many cricket matches and tournaments & is a mainstay in JioStar’s team for all sorts of cricket coverage.
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 was an anchor 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 made her stand out among her male counterparts.
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Over the past decade, she has been associated with the Star Sports Network and is a lead presenter for Indian Cricket Team games, World Cups & 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.
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 as a presenter during the 2007 World T20 & other shows like “Dream Job,” and “Cricket Crazy, positioning him as one of India’s celebrated sports presenters.
However, Gaurav came into the limelight with “Extraaa Innings T20” for the IPL. His analytical insight into matches and engaging interviews with players brought him recognition among fans.
Since 2018, he has been the lead presenter on Cricbuzz Live, moderating a panel of experienced former cricketing legends & commentators. One of his most popular works is ‘Breakfast with Champions’ on YouTube, where he hosted many sports personalities like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Mithali Raj, Smriti Mandhana, Rohit Sharma, Geeta Phogat, and Leander Paes.
Sanjana Ganesan
In the past decade, 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 Men’s Cricket World Cup and the 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 has been working as a digital insider for the International Cricket Council (ICC) across all major ICC tournaments since the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup & regularly hosts interviews on ICC’s digital platforms. During IPL, she organized a talk series named Match Point.
Tanay Tiwari
Tanay Tiwari has seen his stock rising in the world of broadcasting in the past decade. He started his journey with temporary roles at Sportskeeda & Mumbai Indians. However, Tanay’s big break came in 2018 when he started working as an Anchor and Video Producer for Cricbuzz.
His work got the spotlight and he became a presenter for Star Sports, joining the top brass of broadcasters including Jatin Sapru & Mayanti Langer. Since 2023, Tanay Tiwari has been regularly hosting feature shows, player interviews along with pre & post-match coverage for majority of cricket series & tournaments, including the IPL.
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.
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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.
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, Karishma Kotak 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.
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, covering the ICC Cricket World Cup, the NBA and the Tokyo 2020 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.
Top Sports Commentators in India
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 cricket commentators. He has also handled sports broadcasts as a presenter for ESPN & Star Sports in cricket as well as football during the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
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 in fans’ minds.
His exceptional commentary style, match analyzing skills, and ability to scrutinize performances set him apart, making the audience anticipate the best.
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Sunil Gavaskar
Whether he was with the bat or now is with a microphone, Mr. Sunil 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 journey as a cricket commentator 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.
Over the years, Gavaskar has lent his voice to numerous prestigious tournaments and leagues, including the ICC Cricket World Cups, Test Matches, ODIs, and the Indian Premier League (IPL). Besides working with leading broadcasting channels like Star Sports, Sony Sports Network, and Channel Nine Australia, Sunil Gavaskar offered his insightful opinions in pre- and post-match analysis and studio discussions.
Ravi Shastri
You can expect only fiery comments when Ravi Shastri is on air. “Like a Tracer Bullet!”
The former cricketer Ravi 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 Indian commentator for ICC Cricket World Cups, IPL, ICC Champions Trophy, Big Bash League, 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, Fox Sports, and Channel Nine Australia.
Navjot Singh Sidhu
One of the most excitable commentators in India, Navjot Singh Sidhu has left a unique imprint in the broadcasting world. Have started his commentary career in the early 2000s after his retirement from cricket, Sidhu became famous for iconic, witty one-liners, in both Hindi & English. These “Sidhuisms” became very popular among the masses, which earned him recognition.
Sidhu worked with ESPN-Star for their cricket coverage, but had to face a controversy when he sweared on-air & was sacked. He returned to ESPN Star Sports in 2012, for both Hindi & English commentary but again faced a dispute when he was featuring on Sony’s IPL coverage in 2014. Despite these ups & downs, Sidhu remains one of the country’s popular commentators, with his fluency and dyanmic delivery being absolute top-notch.
Suhail Chandhok
Suhail Chandhok is a name that doesn’t pop out in many lists of Indian top commentators. Son of Indian Rallying Champion Vicky Chandhok & former Indian F1 driver, Karun Chandhok, Suhail Chandhok has been a rock of many sports’ coverage in India, from cricket to kabaddi, hockey & football.
A presenter as well as commentator Chandhok is mainly seen commentating & moderating the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) coverage. His voice during any PKL game is quite recognizable. Besides commentating, he also works as a presenter and is often seen taking interviews & handling coverage during the Indian Super League (ISL) and the Hockey India League (HIL).
Soumil Arora
At the age of 22, Soumil Arora is making waves in the world of broadcasting as a presenter & commentator. A massive motorsport enthusiast, he has worked in all sorts of capacities: from writing to presenting & commentating for various motorsport series including F1, Formula E, Endurance racing, Supercross racing, and MotoGP. Soumil has also worked for Sony extensively to work on WWE, UEFA Champions League, Nations League and even the Australian Open.
He is one of the lead commentators for FanCode’s coverage of F1 in India, predominantly handling the Hindi commentary & race coverage. He has covered the recently established Rugby Premier League as well. Soumil is currently one of the commentators during the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup for Zee5. Besides commentary, Soumil has been a dynamic presenter for Red Bull India, hosting many of their motorsport events, including the Red Bull Moto Jam held this year in Noida.
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Sunil Taneja
Sunil Taneja is one of those energetic commentators who doesn’t feature in mainstream broadcasts for cricket but has recently diversified his reach massively. Besides calling the Pro Kabaddi League, Pro Wrestling league, the Hockey India League, particularly in Hindi, Taneja has also started leading the Punjabi commentary panel of JioStar’s IPL coverage, which started growing in 2023-24.
Alongside Suhail Chandhok, Sunil Taneja is one of the most recognized commentary voice in the PKL. He has also featured in the coverage for the Asian Games back in 2022 and the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Who are the best sports journalists in India?
Every sports journalist & presenter has made his/her impact in the industry. So, it is difficult to single out one particular individual as the best sports journalist or presenter in India.
However, here are some of the top sports presenters who are setting the benchmark currently:
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Jatin Sapru
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Mayanti Langer
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Tanay Tiwari
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Sanjana Ganesan
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Suhail Chandhok
Are sports commentators different from sports presenters?
Yes, a sports presenter is essentially a host who moderates the broadcast, mainly the pre & post-match coverage besides other feature interviews. Meanwhile, a commentator calls the play-by-play happenings of any game, providing analytical insights.
A sports presenter can be both a presenter & commentator, but the vice versa doesn’t usually happen. In rare cases, former athletes who are engaging enough & have the skillset of moderating broadcasts, also handle the role of being a presenter.
Any Indian broadcasters who do both presenting & commentary?
Yes, there are several Indian broadcasters who do both sports presenting & commentary.
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Harsha Bhogle
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Ravi Shastri
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Jatin Sapru
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Suhail Chandhok
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Soumil Arora
Who are the top female sports presenters in India?
There has been an increase in female sports presenters in India in the past decade and a half. Here are some of the top female presenters currently active.
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Mayanti Langer
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Sanjana Ganesan
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Ridhima Pathak
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Karishma Kotak
Who is the male anchor of Star Sports?
Over the years, Star Sports has seen many hosts lead their pre & post-match cricket coverage. Jatin Sapru initially was one of the most recognized faces of their broadcast. Post which, many presenters like Arjun Pandit, Mayanti Langer, and Tanay Tiwari have anchored these shows.
Currently, Navneeth Krishna is one of the male anchors who moderates their cricketing coverage from the studio with Jatin Sapru, Tanay Tiwari and Mayanti Langer often being on-ground.
CONCLUSION
Those are the voices who have been echoing through out TV & mobile screens, giving us the most engaging & analytical view of the sports we love. These leading sports presenters & commentators of India inspire many youngsters to enter the world of sports broadcasting.
And at IISM, many such budding youngsters come to learn & explore how they can someday share the same broadcast room & commentary box with the likes of Harsha Bhogle, Jatin Sapru, Tanay Tiwari, Suhail Chandhok & Mayanti Langer. While the journey seems difficult, at IISM, we have been making it simpler, with many of our Sports Management students interning & working at top broadcasting agencies & networks including JioStar — where they have interacted with these stalwarts. So, if you also wish to become a sports presenter or commentator in the future, ensure you enquire about our Sports Management programmes at IISM.
