Happy Birthday, Harsha Bhogle – The artist who can paint with his words

We have all known the brutal war that unfolds in the 22 yards starring gentlemen who would take every single step to deal a telling blow upon their counterparts when the time comes knocking. But then every iconic on the field needs music to complement it that turns into a masterpiece narrative.

Now, when we are talking about cricket, words are music and since we are talking about hard-hitting distortions that play the perfect two-to-tango to the on-field unravelling, let us talk about the carnival’s frontman, Harsha Bhogle.

The cricketing poet stepped into his 63rd year as he marks his birthday today. He has been a constant voice through the generations, establishing life even in the dullest moments of a game. Someone once said, that Harsha is capable of even making a maiden over in Test cricket as interesting as a sizzling finale of a T20 affair with the last two balls about to be bowled.

The man has made countless followers rediscover their love for cricket and the constant modulations in his voice with the effervescence brimming in every word he sings, he has made commentary an art for the incessant slugfests that bores witness to chin-crushing bumpers and handshakes alike. Here are a few quotes that Harsha said about the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and its prized warriors.

When you talk about the fans of IPL, how can one not rave about the 12th Man Army? This is for you from Harsha, “Tell me, is there more emotion than there is with RCB? What fans! Every year, they turn up. Hats off. Amazing fans!”

Harsha is a fierce admirer of Virat Kohli and talking about the latter’s achievements, he would quote, “Virat Kohli can be very proud of what he achieved as a Test match captain. The numbers will tell a story but they won't tell you of his fierce desire to play and win at Test cricket.”

Bhogle never holds back his punches when it comes to summing up paeans for cricketers who dared to dream of a comeback and made it happen. Talking about a returning Dinesh Karthik, he said, “So so much to admire about Dinesh Karthik. This has been sensational. Never say never with DK.”

If you are cricket fan, you cannot simply ignore the presence of the extra-terrestrial ABD and Harsha Bhogle is no exception to this unstated adage. He would quote, “There is no doubt in my mind that AB de Villiers has been one of the most influential players of his generation. A genius, Lara’s true successor. Best wishes to you AB. I am sure your countless fans at RCB would like to bid you a fitting farewell. You are a great player.”

Let’s conclude this on a high-flyer from the man of the moment, as he replied to RCB’s birthday wish, quoting, “Thank you RCB. When the “cup” is yours, I want to be around to see you celebrate.”