IPL 2025: Former Umpire set for Debut as Commentator, will participate in Two Languages

After spending years making tough decisions on the field, a well-known Indian cricket umpire has now stepped into the world of commentary. He has been part of the game for over a decade, officiating in Tests, ODIs, and T20 matches. Fans who once saw him raise his finger for dismissals will now hear his voice analyzing the game.

The experienced umpire, who was a part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inception in 2008, has transitioned smoothly into this new role. Having recently retired after turning 60, he is now part of the IPL 2025 commentary team, offering expert insights in Haryanvi and Hindi.

Anil Chaudhary, a respected name in Indian cricket umpiring, officiated in 12 Test matches, 49 One Day Internationals, and 64 T20 internationals. His final international appearance as an umpire came in September 2023, and his last assignment on the field was in the Ranji Trophy final between Kerala and Vidarbha in Nagpur earlier this year.

Speaking about his transition, Chaudhary shared to PTI, "I have been commentating for the past three-four months, so this move was natural. Along with that, I have also been teaching umpiring and commentary through an online platform." This new role allows him to stay connected with the game while being involved in nearly 50 matches in a season, far more than the 15 he would officiate as an umpire.

Despite never making it to the ICC elite panel, Chaudhary looks back at his career with pride. He officiated in five Ranji Trophy finals and the 2022 Asia Cup final. "I was an international umpire for more than 12 years. I have been part of IPL since 2008 and have officiated in more than 200 games. Kuch na kuch toh reh hee jata hain life mein," he reflected.

His years on the field brought him close to many top players, including M S Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma. "I have known Virat since his younger days. We often joked around on the field. Sometimes he didn't like my decisions, but later, when he saw the replays, he would appreciate them," Chaudhary recalled.

One of the biggest challenges he faced as an umpire was handling Kuldeep Yadav's bowling. "Kuldeep is very tricky. His variations, the bounce, and the way he gets the ball to carry make it difficult. When he is in rhythm, picking his deliveries is really tough," he explained.

Chaudhary also spoke about the challenges Indian umpires face in reaching the ICC elite panel. He believes that too much emphasis on theoretical knowledge rather than practical application holds them back. "We take a lot of stress on the field. Sometimes, umpires even forget to eat properly. There's too much focus on rules rather than learning how to apply them in the right way," he noted.