Sanjay Bangar Sparks 'Rashtrabhasha' Debate After KL Rahul-Washington Sundar On Field Exchange

As India and New Zealand faced off in the first one-day international of the three-match series against New Zealand at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on Sunday, another debate erupted in the commentary

box.

Sanjay Bangar and Varun Aaron were at loggerheads over language.

With Washington Sundar bowling, KL Rahul had suggested to the Indian spinner that he was bowling too fast — first in Hindi and then in Tamil.

At first, Washington did not slow down his pace after KL’s advice. Aaron even suggested on air that the bowler may not have understood, as his Hindi may not be that good, and Tamil would be better.

“Medium pacer jaise daal rahe ho yar, spinner ho, thoda ball ko dheema fekho (Bowling like a medium pacer, you’re a spinner, bowl slower),” Rahul was heard saying.

When the Indian wicket-keeper explained to him in his native tongue, the spinner significantly cut down his speed.

Former India pacer Aaron explained likewise on air. Bangar, on the other hand, chimmed in saying that he prefers the Rashtrabhasha (national language) — meaning to say Hindi.

“Mai rashtrabhasha me believe karta hun (I believe in the national language), Bangar said.

The only problem is that India does not have a designated national language.

India Vs New Zealand: 1st ODI – Live Score

As for the match, Daryl Mitchell played a composed and attacking innings, scoring a half-century to help New Zealand reach a competitive total of 300/8. Coming in during a challenging phase after a middle-order collapse, Mitchell stabilised the innings with a fluent 84 off 71 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes, providing the visitors with late momentum.

Earlier, New Zealand had made a solid start with openers Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls, who put together a partnership of 117 runs for the first wicket. Conway scored 56, while Nicholls contributed 62, as the pair batted confidently through the first 21 overs. However, India fought back through Harshit Rana, whose second spell turned the game around with timely wickets.

From a strong position, New Zealand slipped to 198 for 5, losing wickets at regular intervals. Mitchell then stepped up, forming crucial partnerships to steady the innings and push the total towards 300. Debutant Kristian Clarke added valuable runs at the end with an unbeaten 24 off 17 balls.

Despite India’s resurgence with the ball, Mitchell’s calm presence and clean hitting ensured New Zealand finished with a challenging total.

(With inputs from Agencies)