CHENNAI: When the Indian Premier League (IPL) opened its doors for women to be part of its commentary panel in 2015,
Lisa Sthalekar was one of the few chosen to be on air. The former Australian all-rounder - who represented her country in 8 Tests, 125 ODIs and 54 T20s with distinction - has since been a regular in the tournament, forming a great partnership with fellow women commentators such as
Melanie Jones
,
Anjum Chopra and
Isa Guha. In an exclusive chat with TOI, Lisa traces her commentary sojourn, the preparation that goes behind each game and more. Excerpts:
Was commentary always on the cards when you called it quits from playing?Yes, when I finished my career as a player, I wanted to get into commentary and IPL was a long-term vision for me. Three years ago, I got an opportunity to be part of it and it's been a great journey. I feel very privileged to have been able to commentate with some of the most recognizable voices of world cricket and the amazing atmosphere which players and spectators bring to the tournament.
In three years, how have you grown into this profession and talk us about the preparations that you do before a game?When I first came here, I wasn't quite sure how to prepare. But today, that's not the case. I can recall important matches, crucial innings or bowling spells in the last few seasons. I am lot more comfortable and confident about how I am commentating whereas when I came here I was just a rookie I guess. I am still learning but I feel am a lot more comfortable.
Is there anyone in particular whose commentary you look up to?I get to work with some of the amazing commentators and each one has their own unique style. I always observe them and look to imbibe parts from each one of them into my commentary.
Do you recall any quirky moment or incident from your commentary sojourn?In my maiden commentary stint at the
Eden Gardens
three years ago, I recall the director - who talks to the whole crew to make sure things are fine - passing on an instruction to 'stop talking'. I immediately followed suit, before my fellow commentators asked why I had just stopped talking. When I gave them the reason, they informed me that it wasn't for me. I was told that the director would call out my name while talking to me.
Would you say you have grown organically into this profession over the years?Certainly, it's been a massive learning curve for me as this profession has played a big part in me getting to know how the whole thing works, the logistics part and everyone's role. Today, when I see sports broadcast, I listen to the commentary a lot more. I look to pick up hints and learn how they go about it. It is important to know what works and what doesn't work. The more you do it, the better you are going to get. I hope people can see a change in the way I commentate today to what I was say three years ago.
What according to you will be the next level or target for women commentators?I don't think a female has commentated in Tests on the television yet. That's probably the arena that a female commentator hasn't stepped into. Test cricket is the ultimate. There are so many females who love the longer format of the game and I hope in the near future they will get to hear a female voice doing Test match cricket. I think the caliber of female commentators is there with the best. I think it's all about bringing in fresher ideas and looking at the game from a different point of view.