For 15 years, the IPL has been an inseparable part of the soundtrack in Indian households every summer. But for the first time ever, the action from the world’s most exhilarating T20 league is being called, analysed and shared in Bengali, thanks to JioCinema (where the IPL is streaming for free in 12 languages). Among the voices telling the story of IPL 2023 in Bengali is that of the most decorated female cricketer from Bengal, World Cup finalist and Padma Shri recipient Jhulan Goswami.
After an iconic career spread over two decades, during which she became the leading wicket-taker in women’s ODI cricket, Goswami has turned to commentary to kickstart a fresh innings of her career. My Kolkata caught up with Goswami to get her insights on JioCinema’s Bengali broadcast, her take on the Impact Player rule in the IPL, what made the Mumbai Indians (MI) win the first Womens’ Premier League (WPL) and more. Edited excerpts from the conversation follow.
My Kolkata: How has your experience as a panellist on JioCinema’s Bengali coverage been so far?
Jhulan Goswami: It’s been really interesting. Honestly, I was rather nervous at the start, since this is my first instance of commentary box work. But I’m learning gradually. I’ve worked as an expert before, but commentary is a different challenge, and I’m starting to enjoy it. Plus, it helps when the panel is so good, with quality cricketers from Bengal who have played the game a lot and understand it really well.
‘There are words and phrases being used in the IPL’s regional commentary that one might come across in gully cricket’
Goswami on the panel of JioCinema’s Bengali coverage of the IPL Viacom18/JioCinema
How do you think JioCinema’s coverage of the IPL in regional languages is going to influence the viewership and the fanbase of the tournament?
Regional content is always very powerful because it resonates strongly with people. One of the most beautiful things about the IPL is that in a country with such different cultures, one tournament can connect us all at the same time, but do so in different ways. Being from Bengal, I love listening to content in my own language, because it creates a different understanding, relatability and emotional appeal. There are words and phrases being used in the IPL’s regional commentary that one might come across in gully cricket. This makes the experience much more localised and authentic for the audience on JioCinema.
Moving to on-field matters, what is your take on how the Impact Player rule is functioning in the IPL?
I think it’s been a very interesting addition, with many teams using it quite cleverly. What I like is that the rule brings the captain, the coach and the team management together in terms of testing them on strategy, which only adds to the beauty of the IPL.
‘The team that is losing right now might suddenly start winning and change the course of their game’
Delhi Capitals (DC) have begun in a terrible fashion, but Goswami feels that momentum can change very quickly in the IPL TT Archives
Any early picks for the IPL playoffs? Who do you think can go all the way?
It’s difficult to predict this early in the tournament. Anything can happen in the IPL and there are always surprises in store. But we should remember that momentum changes quickly in this competition. The team that is losing right now (such as the Delhi Capitals who have lost five out of five matches) might suddenly start winning and change the course of their game. It has happened before (especially with the Mumbai Indians).
‘My role at MI was to provide little tips as guidance that can make the difference’
MI skipper Harmanpreet Kaur lifting the WPL trophy TT Archives
Before the latest season of the IPL kicked off, we saw the inaugural season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Talk us through your stint in the WPL as a mentor and bowling coach for the Mumbai Indians (MI).
It was a really exciting time for me! I had just finished my international career a few months ago and joining a franchise with so much legacy and passion for the game was a great opportunity. It was important for us to bring the same kind of competitive culture to the women’s team of MI that the men’s team is identified with. Personally, understanding and imbibing that culture was both fun and challenging. At the same time, working with a highly professional franchise such as MI makes a lot of things easy, as does the presence of world-class players in our ranks. My role was not to make anyone understand the game, since they all know it rather well. It was mostly to highlight some basics every now and then, and provide little tips as guidance that can make the difference.
According to you, what were the keys to MI winning the first edition of the WPL?
I think the best thing was that MI had already won the IPL five times as a franchise. So, an example was set for our team. We followed the same model of playing as a unit and enjoying each other’s success. We also had the right balance of uncapped domestic players along with Indian and overseas stars.
‘I really had to control myself from bowling and tell myself that my role has changed!’
Goswami found it hard to resist a bowl in the middle during the WPL TT Archives
During the WPL, did you ever feel the urge to go and have a bowl in the middle yourself?
Absolutely! As a cricketer, there’s nothing like being inside the boundary ropes. There were times when I really had to control myself from bowling and tell myself that my role has changed! I had to keep my emotions in check and keep reminding myself that as a coach and mentor, I can’t react as spontaneously to things as I used to when I was a bowler on the pitch.
Lastly, what other roles can we expect to see you in connection to cricket in the near future?
At this moment, I’m enjoying working with MI as well as with the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) as a mentor. There’s also the commentary stint with JioCinema. I don’t know what other roles I’m going to play in future. For now, I’m really enjoying whatever I’m doing.
