LONDON: We know
David Lloyd
as a well-known commentator who helps to bring forth the lighter side of the narrative in addition to serious analysis of the game. It’s another matter though that Bumble (his popular nickname) had played nine Test matches for
England
and had a highest score of 214 against India in the 1974 series where Ajit Wadekar’s men got whitewashed 3-0.
It’s his style of commentary with a fair blend of wit and humour that has charmed fans and Bumble explained the mantra that he follows during television commentary. “I started off in radio where you had to paint pictures, but in television you watch a monitor and the pictures go out to the homes. So in television, there’s no need to describe the game ball by ball, you can just be yourself,” Bumble said.
But even while discussing broadcasting, it didn’t take him too long to get into the VIrat Kohli-topic. “Kohli is such a broadcaster’s delight, he goes through every emotion on the field. I have met him outside
cricket
too, he is so polite, but on the field he is so animated and it’s impossible to take the camera off him,” Bumble said.
Explaining the Kohli magic on television, the former England player says that the way he leads the team on the field is also a broadcaster’s delight. “The way he constantly talks and inspires the bowlers is quite a treat. He obviously gets the respect because he is a fabulous player, but you can see that the emotion apart, he is very honest with his players as well. There’s been a massive turnaround in this Indian team in the way quick bowlers have taken over completely and I feel Kohli is the perfect man to develop them. He looks a natural leader,” the former Lancashire man, who has 19,269 runs in 407 first-class games, added.
Any Kohli discussion these days invariably leads to comparisons and Bumble had no hesitation in terming the Indian captain as “the bestever Indian batsman” he has ever seen. “Sachin Tendulkar was aesthetically very pleasing, easy on the eye. But if I had to win a game I would have banked on Brian Lara and I see that trait in Kohli. He is a bit like Viv Richards too — he can absolutely dominate an era. Sachin was a great player but Kohli can inflict more damage,” Bumble explained.
Does he think India can turn it around from here? “Well, no other team but for Don Bradman’s 1936 side has done it…So it will be difficult. But in England this season, teams getting 300 should be in a position to win and I believe India would be in the game,” Bumble’s words are bound to make him popular among Indian fans.