In the realm of cricket broadcasting, a disconcerting trend has emerged that warrants serious attention. The Hindi commentary on Jio Cinemas broadcast of the recent cricket tournament has been characterized by an excessive focus on Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MSD), a player who, notably, is not even captaining the team in this tournament.
The issue at hand is not Dhoni’s presence in the team, but the disproportionate attention he receives from the commentators, often at the expense of the ongoing match. There have been numerous instances where the camera has been trained on Dhoni in the dressing room, while pivotal moments of the game are unfolding on the pitch. This incessant focus on Dhoni raises questions about the objectivity and balance of the commentary.
It is crucial to clarify that this critique is not directed at Dhoni as a player. His contributions to Indian cricket are immense and widely respected. However, the problem lies in the overemphasis on Dhoni by the commentators, which detracts from the broader narrative of the game.
Objective cricket commentary should ideally provide a balanced view of the match, highlighting key moments, strategies, and performances of all players. However, the current scenario seems to be a deviation from this ideal, with the spotlight firmly fixed on Dhoni, regardless of his involvement in the games proceedings.
This trend of over-hyping Dhoni has led to a growing discontent among cricket enthusiasts who believe that it undermines the essence of objective commentary. They argue that such an approach does not do justice to the other players on the field who are directly influencing the outcome of the match. The Hindi commentary team of Jio Cinema has been under scrutiny for their apparent bias towards Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MSD) during the recent cricket tournament. Here are some instances that have raised eyebrows:
1. Hindi Commentary:
The Hindi commentators have also played a part in this trend of overemphasis on Dhoni. They have often been found making vague reasons to bring Dhoni into the conversation. For instance, they have attributed seven different aspects of the game to Dhoni’s influence, ranging from team strategy to player morale, even when he is not directly involved. This has led to the phrase “Thala For A Reason” being used frequently during the broadcast. While “Thala”, a term of respect for Dhoni, is a testament to his immense contribution to the sport, its overuse in the commentary box raises questions about the balance and objectivity of the broadcast. It’s crucial for the commentary to reflect the collective efforts of the team and not just one individual, irrespective of their stature in the sport.
2. Bhojpuri Commentary:
Former India cricketer Suresh Raina revealed that Dhoni has been enjoying Bhojpuri commentary during the ongoing IPL season. While its heartening to see regional languages being promoted, the focus on Dhoni’s preference over the actual game raises questions about the objectivity of the commentary.
3. Dhoni’s Cameo:
There was a segment where the commentators extensively discussed Dhoni’s cameo. This was despite the fact that Dhoni was not actively participating in the game at that moment. The disproportionate attention given to Dhoni’s off-field activities over the live match is a clear indication of bias.
4. Dhoni Review System (DRS):
A segment was dedicated to explaining the Dhoni Review System. While Dhoni’s strategic acumen is well-known, dedicating an entire segment to him during a live match again shifts the focus away from the ongoing game.
5. Dhoni’s New Role:
An advertisement involving Dhoni was released by Jio Cinemas broadcasting partner. In the ad, Dhoni is seen playing a double role, further heightening the focus on him. These instances clearly indicate a bias in the commentary towards Dhoni. While Dhoni’s contributions to cricket are immense and he is undoubtedly a crowd favorite, the role of a commentary team is to provide a balanced and objective view of the match.
By focusing excessively on one player, the commentary team risks undermining the performances of other players and the essence of the game itself. It is crucial for the commentary team to reassess their approach and ensure that all players are given equal importance. After all, cricket is a team sport and every player, irrespective of their stature, plays a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the match. The beauty of the game lies in its unpredictability and the collective efforts of the team, and it is important that the commentary reflects this.
In conclusion, while Dhoni’s stature in Indian cricket is undisputed, the need for balanced and objective commentary cannot be overstated. It is high time that broadcasters reassess their commentary strategies to ensure a fair representation of all players and aspects of the game. After all, cricket is a team sport, and every player deserves their moment in the sun.