The cricketing world is abuzz as IPL 2024 gears up for its inaugural match on March 23, pitting the Chennai Super Kings against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. But ahead of this highly anticipated clash, a video has captured the internet’s attention, showcasing Australian cricket sensation Steve Smith conversing fluently in Hindi.
In the viral clip, Smith, part of the IPL commentary team on official broadcaster Star Sports, effortlessly describes Virat Kohli’s cover drive in Hindi, surprising many with his linguistic prowess.
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Speaking about this tech initiative, Steve Smith remarked, “Namaste India! Being part of the StarCast with such a stellar lineup of commentators has been a thrill for me. More importantly, my family, friends, and fans around the world got very excited after the hologram clip went viral last year. This season I’m part of another breakthrough technology where you’ll hear my IPL insights in Hindi. I’ve received some great feedback from fans, and I’m excited to connect with millions of viewers through the Star Sports Hindi feed.”
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Interestingly, Smith was delivering his commentary in English, with an AI-generated Hindi translation overlay, as part of Star Sports’ efforts to enrich the IPL 2024 viewing experience, bridging language barriers and engaging a wider audience.
While Smith remained unsold in the IPL 2024 auction, he has embraced a new role in the commentary box, offering insights and analysis to viewers worldwide. Reflecting on his transition from the field to the commentary panel, Smith expressed enthusiasm for connecting with fans in India and globally through this innovative technology.
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As IPL 2024 unfolds, fans can look forward to hearing their favourite international cricketers, such as Matthew Hayden, Stuart Broad, Kevin Pietersen, and Brian Lara, sharing their perspectives in Hindi. This initiative not only transcends language barriers but also fosters a deeper bond between players and fans.
