Scroll, Laugh, Repeat: Tanay Chawda’s Spin on Cricket Commentary

In India, cricket is not merely a game. It's a collective enthusiasm that binds millions. A game that's often called a religion, its appeal lies not only in the action on the field but also in the voices that bring it to life. 

Cricket commentators are individuals who offer live analysis, insights, and play-by-play commentary for matches. They may be employed by TV, radio, or internet sites. A professional commentator sets an interesting mood for viewers, keeping them glued to the screen for the entire game.

But the era of commentary has changed. Led by ex-players and older broadcasters in the past, nowadays cricket narration is being reshaped by online content creators reaching new-age, mobile-first fans.

Cricket Career Options

As per the GroupM ESP 2024 report, India's sports sector reached Rs 15,766 crore in 2023, where cricket alone generates 87% of the industry's revenue. The most growth has been experienced in digital connect—YouTube, Instagram, and OTT media—wherein creators are bestowing new directions to conventional styles.

One such content creator is Tanay Chawda from Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. An engineer turned content creator, Tanay is the brain behind TanayCricket, a YouTube channel that combines match analysis with biting wit and offbeat skits. His content appeals to Gen Z and millennials alike, making him gain over 1 million subscribers.

"I love cricket. I just want to make people enjoy it the way I do," says Tanay. His content spans IPL match reviews, player roasts, and satirical takes on the game’s big moments.

To come, Tanay hopes to work with IPL teams and leverage his platform to bring under-the-radar cricketing talent to the forefront. "There's so much potential that's untapped," he concludes. "If I can provide them with a voice—through humour, story-telling, or exposure—that would be a dream." he adds.