Social media is angry at ex-India player for terming Hindi as India's national language during India-New Zealand ODI

It is a well-known fact that India doesn't have an official language. Of course, Hindi is the most common language if we take the percentages as a majority in the country speaks and understands it. Regardless, terming Hindi as India's official language directly or indirectly is bound to invite criticism. That's what Sanjay Bangar did on commentary in the first India-New Zealand ODI in Vadodara.

The incident happened in the 13th over of New Zealand's innings when Washington Sundar was bowling. The off-spinner had started his spell by bowling too quickly and it didn't go down well with wicket-keeper KL Rahul. After a few deliveries, Rahul could be heard speaking to Sundar in Tamil, criticizing him for bowling like a medium pacer than a spinner.

This conversation, audible from the stump mic, was in Tamil and shortly, Sundar got his pace right and started bowling better. Varun Aaron, who was on commentary with Bangar, noticed the chatter and told Bangar that explaining in Tamil probably got the message through to Sundar who hails from Tamil Nadu. It was all told in a jovial manner.

When asked whether he agreed to the Tamil chatter, Sanjay Bangar replied, "I believe more in my national language", indirectly hinting at the use of Hindi as the medium for communication. Aaron, though, continued to take the matter in a fun spirit but users on social media were visibly furious at this statement from Bangar.

Users on X were unhappy at an experienced cricketer making such an illogical statement, even if the matter wasn't supposed to be in a serious tone at all. Apart from being India's assistant coach in the past, Bangar also had stints in the IPL with the Punjab Kings.