LUCKNOW: Laxman Sivaramakrishnan is a self-confessed “promoter” of spin bowling.
Siva walking up to a bowlers’ group and seeking out the slow men and talking about the art of spin is a common sight at cricket grounds.
Fascinating sight
“You may say I am obsessed, protective, but I feel spin is the best component of the game. Batsmen may attract more viewers, but a spinner in action is a fascinating sight,” says the former Test bowler-turned-commentator.
In Lucknow as part of the broadcasting team that includes Amol Muzumdar, Vijay Dahiya and Vivek Razdan, the leg-spinner is at peace with his assignment.
“Domestic cricket may lack glamour but not the purpose. It is the responsibility of the commentator to attract more viewers. Reputed former players do add value to commentary in domestic cricket.”
Making his commentary debut in 2000 at Dhaka with Ian Chappell, Michael Holding, Tony Greig and Ravi Shastri, Siva remembers, “I would sit with them every evening and learn the art of commentary.
“I have always admired Ian (Chappell) and Ian (Bishop) for their technical knowledge and insights. They are great students of the game, too.”
For Siva, “credibility” is the key factor to be accepted as a good commentator. “You can establish your credentials with honest comments. One can interact with players, tell them the areas they need to work on by giving them technical inputs. I love doing that.
“I talk to spinners. If it is turning, obviously, I tell them to cut out the flight. Everyone talks of bowling in the right areas but, pray, what are the right areas. Good length, full length. But I am careful too because some players don’t want to interact and share their problems.”
Comments on air carry a lot of weight. “For example,” insists Siva, “take the case of Prithvi Shaw. Is he ready for international cricket? It is my duty to give the viewer the true picture.
“Youngsters are aspiring to excel and we commentators should not demoralise them. We must convey the drawbacks in a positive manner. We need to build their confidence.
“At the end of the day I ask myself I I have done justice to my work. That is more important than worrying about domestic or international cricket.”
Siva has his rules for commentary. “Stating the obvious or describing the visual does not help. You need to add value to the screen. Building up the atmosphere with voice modulation and choice of words is critical.
“I didn’t do justice to my cricket as a player. Now 17 years as a broadcaster I am doing my bit. I am very happy with the work I have done.”
