Commentators Spark 'Tamil vs Hindi' Row During 1st ODI in Vadodara: 'I Believe in Rashtriya Bhasha'

Ind vs NZ: During the opening ODI between India-New Zealand on Sunday in BCA Stadium in Kotambi, an interesting incident took place which lit up the commentary box and social media. 

Former India cricketers Varun Aaron and Sanjay Bangar engaged in a conversation about language. 

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‘Hindi vs Tamil’ Row

In a bid to get the initial breakthrough, KL Rahul was heard advising Washington Sundar from behind the stumps. Rahul was giving all the advise to Sundar in Tamil, which is the latter's native language. 

Aaron, who was in the commentary box, reckoned Rahul spoke in Tamil in order to help Washington understand the instruction better. To this, Bangar, who was next to Aaron cheekily said that he still prefers the national language.

Rahul was basically asking Sundar to bowl slower through the air. 

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What Was Said…

Varun Aaron: "KL Rahul might have to speak to Washington Sundar in Tamil. He is telling him to bowl slower, and not like a medium pacer. Sanjay bhai, do you not agree that Washington understands Tamil better?"

Sanjay Bangar: "I believe more in the rashtriya bhasha (national language)."

Aaron: "Where am I saying that I only believe in regional languages?"

Bangar: "See, he bowled the previous ball at 92 kmph. So I don't think it (the language) is that important."

Sundar bowled five overs in the game and conceded 27 runs. He went wicketless and also picked up an injury, yet he walked out to bat and scored seven off seven balls, taking India over the line. 

India won the opening ODI by four wickets to go 1-0 up in the ongoing three-match series. The next game takes place on January 14 and India would like to continue their winning momentum and take an unassailable 2-0 lead.