Former spinner takes on a new role

For former India left-arm spinner S.L. Venkatapathi Raju, it’s a different experience donning the role of a Telugu TV commentator on Star Maa Movies channel for the ongoing Vivo IPL.

“It takes time for the viewers to get used to Telugu commentary given the kind of limitations it has in terms of using the right words to describe an action. Even Hindi commentary took some time to get popular,” says Raju in an exclusive chat with The Hindu from Mumbai, even as he and his fellow players-turned-commentators Y. Venugopala Rao and D. Kalyanakrishna enter the business end of the IPL.

“Given the feedback, I can say that the pre-shows and the game plan segments, with anchors Vindhya and Nandu doing a good job, are already a big hit with the audiences. Mind you, we are live in these programmes and have to be spot on,” says Raju. “During the live TV commentary, coining the right words to describe a particular moment on the field is difficult sometimes. I am sure Telugu TV commentary will evolve as it is already a big hit in the rural areas and even in some parts of the urban areas,” says Raju.

Reflecting on IPL, Raju says it has entered a decisive phase and one cannot just write off any team even at this stage.

On wrist spinners’ success in this IPL, the former left-arm spinner felt it was primarily because of their ability to come back strongly even after being hit all over.

“With the pitches drying up in May, these players have a major role to play and that’s why many franchisees have picked so many quality spinners,” he explained. “In a way, the power-hitting by many against the pacers have forced the think-tanks to look to spinners,” he reasons out.