IND vs NZ 2026: Varun Aaron and Sanjay Bangar clash over language in commentary box during first ODI

Published - 11 Jan 2026, 17:50 IST | Updated - 11 Jan 2026, 18:34 IST

Arguments between commentators inside the commentary box are not new in Indian cricket, and the first ODI between India and New Zealand in Vadodara witnessed a similar moment. This time, the debate took place between Varun Aaron and Sanjay Bangar, who held differing viewpoints.

The incident occurred during the 12th over of the New Zealand innings, when Washington Sundar was bowling to Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls. KL Rahul, keeping wickets, offered Sundar some bowling advice in Hindi. Sundar’s initial overs were less effective, as he was delivering the ball quicker through the air, making it easier for the batters to play. Rahul suggested, in Hindi, that Sundar bowl slower through the air to make it more challenging for the opposition.

“Medium pacer jaise daal rahe ho yar, spinner ho, thoda ball ko dheema fekho,” said Rahul during the first ODI.

Aaron suggested that instead of giving tips in Hindi, Rahul could have used Tamil to communicate more easily with Sundar, as the all-rounder hails from Chennai. He then asked his co-commentator, Bangar, for his opinion, but Bangar held a different view.

"Mai rashtra bhasha me believe karta hun (I believe in the national language - Hindi)," said Bangar in the commentary.

🚨 Sanjay Bangar on mic : " Hindi is the national language" bangar dropped banger 😭😭

Iyer’s bullet throw ends Bracewell’s innings in Vadodara

Rahul was advising Sundar because, during his spell against the New Zealand batters, the spinner was pushing the ball quicker through the air and, as a result, was not getting enough purchase from the surface. Sundar conceded 27 runs in the five overs he bowled, operating at an economy rate of 5.40, which allowed the openers to score freely, with singles and doubles coming easily.

Speaking about the match, New Zealand posted a total of 300 runs, with Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, and Daryl Mitchell scoring half-centuries. For India, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna picked up two wickets each.