Sanjay Bangar Sparks Language Row After Calling Hindi ‘National Language’ During IND vs NZ ODI

When Commentator Varun Aaron asked Bangar for His Opinion, He Said He preferred to Speak in the National Language During Match

Sanjay Bangar faced criticism after referring to Hindi as India’s national language during the 1st ODI between India and New Zealand. Many critics accused the former cricketer of spreading misinformation on a live broadcast.

Sanjay Bangar Language Controversy

The incident happened during the 13th over of the New Zealand innings. Former Indian coach Bangar was on commentary with Varun Aaron when KL Rahul and Washington Sundar spoke in the Tamil language.

Sundar was bowling too fast, and Rahul told him to bowl slowly. 

Varun Aaron asked Bangar: "I was highlighting how KL Rahul might have to speak to Washington Sundar in Tamil. KL had done just that. He spoke to him in Tamil and said that he was bowling like a medium pacer, toss the ball, even now, he hit 92 kph in that delivery. What do you think, Sanjay? Should KL talk to Washington Sundar in Tamil a bit more?"

When he asked Bangar for his opinion, he said he preferred to speak in the national language instead.

"I believe in the national language a bit more," Bangar responded.

Video link: https://x.com/justKohlitweetz/status/2010276236791312663?s=20

(Courtesy: X/@justKohlitweetz)

The Backlash

The clip quickly went viral on social media and triggered a debate. While a section of viewers backed Bangar for “speaking his mind,” a larger section criticised him sharply, pointing out that India does not have an officially declared national language.

“Please educate yourself,” wrote one user, calling Bangar’s statement a sign of “basic ignorance.” Another viewer termed the comment “pathetic” and said it was disappointing to hear such remarks from a former India coach on live television.

The Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India recognises 22 scheduled languages, such as Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and others. 

India vs NZ 1st ODI

Indian skipper Shubman Gill won the toss and chose to bowl first. The team’s bowlers held New Zealand to a total of 300 runs off fifty overs. While chasing, India was cruising at 234 at the loss of two openers in 40 overs. 

Virat Kohli’s fall at a personal score of 93 was a hard blow, and India was reduced to 242-5. The men in blue lost three wickets in a seven-ball period. 

Harshit Rana was promoted following Washington Sundar’s injury. He played a handy cameo of 29 runs in just 23 deliveries. KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 29 off 21 deliveries and took India home in the 49th over. 

India now leads the series 1-0. The second ODI match of the series will be played on Wednesday at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot.