Anil Chaudhary, who has dedicated his career to the role of an umpire in the Indian Premier League for the past 17 seasons, has transitioned into a commentator following his recent milestone of turning 60. This shift marks the end of his officiating duties. Chaudhary's last assignment as an umpire was during the Ranji Trophy final held last month between Kerala and Vidarbha in Nagpur, while his final international appearance took place in September 2023. Over his career, he officiated in a total of 12 Test matches, 49 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 64 T20 matches.
As he steps away from the on-field responsibilities of an umpire, Chaudhary has already planned for his future career. He has ventured into regional commentary, an area that has seen significant growth over the past couple of years. He is set to contribute to the Haryanvi commentary feed of the upcoming IPL season, which begins on March 22, with occasional assignments in Hindi as well. He has been involved in commentary for the past few months, indicating that he is already familiar with this new role. In addition to his commentary duties, he is also teaching umpiring and commentary through an online platform.
Chaudhary expressed enthusiasm about this career transition. During his tenure as an umpire, he typically officiated around 15 matches per season. In contrast, he anticipates taking part in more than 50 matches in his new role as a commentator. His extensive experience as an umpire provides him with a unique viewpoint on the game, enriching the commentary experience for fans. Having officiated in the IPL since its inception in 2008, Chaudhary leaves that chapter of his career feeling fulfillment, despite not being selected for the International Cricket Council (ICC) elite panel, which currently features only one Indian umpire, Nitin Menon, since 2020.
Chaudhary reflected on his lengthy association with umpiring, noting his service as an international umpire for over 12 years and officiating more than 200 matches throughout the IPL. He also highlighted notable achievements, such as officiating in five Ranji Trophy finals and the Asia Cup final in 2022, which he takes pride in.
While discussing the current state of Indian umpires, Chaudhary pointed out the pressing issue of their performance on the international stage. Despite India's prominence in world cricket, it has not consistently produced elite panel umpires. He offered insights into the challenges faced by Indian umpires, emphasizing the stress they experience during matches, which can affect their physical well-being and decision-making.
He noted that there is an overemphasis on theoretical knowledge, which detracts from the practical skills essential for effective umpiring. Chaudhary cautioned against overly technical approaches that solely rely on regulations, advocating for a deeper understanding of the spirit of the game rather than mere memorization of the laws. He asserted that successful umpiring requires a balance between knowledge and application in real match situations.
Chaudhary addressed the question of whether former players have an advantage in umpiring roles. He believes that individuals with playing experience, even at the grassroots level, are better suited for umpiring compared to those without any playing background. Furthermore, he highlighted the increasing demands for fitness in contemporary cricket, indicating that there is substantial work to be done in this regard for aspiring umpires.
As an international umpire, Chaudhary faced immense pressure from players on the pitch. His interactions with renowned cricketers like M S Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma contributed to mutual respect and rapport on and off the field. He indicated that consistency in decision-making is crucial to earning the players' respect and that developing relationships beyond the confines of the game can foster a positive environment.
Chaudhary reminisced about his relationship with Virat Kohli, noting how their camaraderie developed over the years. He acknowledged that while Kohli sometimes disagreed with his decisions, they eventually upheld the integrity of the calls made. He also spoke fondly of Rohit Sharma, praising him as an exemplary individual whose batting style made decision-making straightforward during matches.
In contrast, he detailed the challenges presented by certain bowlers, specifically highlighting the skills of left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Chaudhary found him to be a particularly difficult bowler to officiate due to his variations and the bounce he generates, particularly when he is in rhythm. Moreover, he mentioned that international players such as David Warner and Stuart Broad also posed challenges during matches, but those experiences were ultimately enjoyable.
Anil Chaudhary's transition from umpiring to commentary signifies not only the culmination of a distinguished career as an umpire but also an opportunity to share his extensive knowledge and insights with a broader audience. His commitment to the sport and dedication to nurturing the next generation of officials will undoubtedly contribute positively to the future of cricket in India.