A heated moment unfolded during the three-match ODI series opener between India and New Zealand at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, but it did not happen on the field. Actually, a Hindi vs Tamil debate sparked live on air between Sanjay Bangar and Varun Aaron.
Sanjay Bangar and Varun Aaron’s on-air Hindi vs Tamil debate during IND vs NZ 1st ODI stuns fans
The first ODI between India and New Zealand first ODI in Vadodara has witnessed a viral moment in the commentary box. It all started with the former Indian pacer Varun Aaron, and it was eventually turned into the on-air commentary row by the former batting coach Sanjay during the IND vs NZ 1st ODI.
The incident took place during the 11th over of New Zealand’s innings. The New Zealand openers Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls had already settled in and added a solid 50-run partnership, putting India under early pressure in the three-match ODI series opener in Vadodara on January 11.
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Given the situation, Indian wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul was seen giving advice to off-spinner Washington Sundar from behind the stumps. At this moment, Aaron suggested that Washington Sundar may not have understood the message properly because his Hindi is not very strong, as KL Rahul was speaking to him in Hindi.
Jatin Sapru steps in as language row explodes live
This sparked a sharp exchange in the commentary box. Sanjay Bangar did not agree with Aaron’s view and felt that he was trying too hard to protect Sundar. The discussion then took an awkward turn when Aaron laughed it off. Notably, Aaron also hails from Chennai.
Meanwhile, Aaron pointed out that if they spoke in English, even the New Zealand batters would understand it, suggesting they had only a local language to use. As the debate intensified, Jatin Sapru tried to cool things down between Sanjay Bangar and Aaron by reminding everyone that “cricket itself has only one language.”
Here’s how the Hindi vs Tamil debate unfolded between Bangar and Aaron
Varun Aaron: I feel Washington Sundar may not have heard properly because his Hindi is not very strong, and KL Rahul was speaking to him in Hindi.
Sanjay Bangar: I don’t completely agree with you, Varun. I think you are trying too hard to defend Sundar in this situation.
Varun Aaron (laughs): I was not about defending anyone. Washington genuinely does not know Hindi very well, but KL Rahul can speak to him in Tamil a bit.
Read Also: Shubman Gill prays to God and India instantly win toss vs NZ in Vadodara; video breaks internet
Sanjay Bangar: South Indians mostly focus on their regional languages, but Hindi is a very important language since it is the national language.
WATCH: The Viral On-Air Exchange
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Harshit Rana ends the Conway–Nicholls party in Vadodara
Speaking about the match, India’s young pacer Harshit Rana managed to bring crucial breakthroughs for the hosts, as he dismissed both openers, Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls, with New Zealand’s score reading 126/2 at the time of writing.
Conway and Nicholls both have smashed brilliant fifties and provided the tourists a flying start in the first ODI against India in Vadodara on Sunday.
