Jatin Sapru: From Kashmir to the World Stage

Jatin Sapru, a sports journalist who turned into an incredibly talented cricket commentator, a face that we all are so familiar with seeing on television, that may be the World Cup, India -Pakistan match or T20 league series

Sapru, was born at their ancestral home in Narsinghgarh, Srinagar, hails from the beautiful region of Kashmir valley and whose journey on and off the field has been nothing short of inspiring. Jatin’s roots are deeply connected to his family and the picturesque landscapes of his home even though, when he shifted along with his family from Kashmir under difficult circumstances, he was less than four years old listening from his family, relatives, and Kashmiri friends, following Kashmiri traditions at home with festivals. Jatin has grown up with memories of his family in Kashmir, his toddling days and something he wants to give back to Kashmir.

Not only Jatin has made a significant mark in the global cricket world as a commentator with his eloquent knowledge/analysis about the game, his everlasting smile, patience, and neutrality but also his skills to win over the cricket players in his conversation with them who always feel at ease in his company on air or off the air. 

Jatin’s personal life also gives us insight into the man behind the player. Jatin is married to Lara Sinha, a sports geek and was part of the reality show ESPN dream job, that Jatin won to get the job as a sports presenter. Lara still continues to play cricket at various club levels in India and sometimes in England. The couple is blessed with two children and live in Mumbai. His grandfather, Prof L N Sapru was a known Professor of SP College in Srinagar and was masters in Sanskrit from Lahore University. Jatin’s connection to his heritage, Kashmir Valley continues to remain central in his life not forgetting his roots.

In this candid interview with GK National Editor Surinder Oberoi, Jatin opens up about his journey, his experiences, and his love for the game. Here are the excerpts:

Tell us about your early life in Kashmir. How did growing up there shape your love for cricket?

I was merely three and a half years when we were forced to move to New Delhi owing to the deteriorating conditions in the valley. Like thousands of other pandits, life had changed overnight. But I still reflect on some beautiful photos from our house. Sitting on my grandfather’s lap, posing next to the cherry tree, walking to get milk from the neighbourhood. I was too young to think about cricket or any sport for that matter. From the photos and stories, I can tell, those few years were beautiful.

Were you always interested in cricket commentary, or did this passion develop later in life?

I started playing the sport seriously from grade 8. Captaining my school team and then participating in Delhi Zonal. Cricket took a backseat owing to academics. Then I fell in love with storytelling as I pursued a degree in journalism. So, passion for the game and interest in story telling combined to allow me to grow into the role of a commentator. It’s not something that happened overnight. I only started commentating after putting in 8 years into learning the ropes at Star sports.

What challenges did you face in your early career, and how did you overcome them?

It felt almost impossible to get an opening anywhere. In the early 2000s Internet and job websites hadn’t boomed, parents were still wary of professions apart from engineering and medicine and I had almost no one to seek guidance from. News channels were the only viable option for a journalism student but without a source, it was extremely difficult to even get an interview. I remember going channel to channel with my resume and being turned away from the reception itself.  

Your rise to fame as a cricket commentator has been rapid. What do you attribute your success to?

Anything rapid doesn’t last too long. While people may only see my graph as a commentator, the fact is that it came after almost a decade of working behind the scenes too. All along the early days, I learnt production, camera handling, editing, conceptualising and producing a show, on-ground player interviews etc. Many times it felt that I hardly had any on-screen time but it never deterred me. Only motivated me to hang in there. It’s like a test match knock. Sometimes you’ve to grind hard to even earn a draw. So, my success comes from giving this profession my sincerity, commitment, and handwork over many many years. 

Who were your role models in the field of cricket commentary and analysis?

Alan Wilkins - The ease with which he broadcast on camera. And the fact that he could present, commentate, and analyse so many different sports.

How do you balance your analytical skills with your love for the game while commenting on live matches?

That’s the real tricky part sometimes. But love for the game means being neutral to whoever plays better. That’s the ultimate reality of sport. Invariably, the better team wins. And even though you’re suffering and simmering in your own heartbreak like the 2023 world cup final - You have to do justice to the team that played better. It sometimes is a hard thing to do, but that’s the sincerity and professionalism a commentator needs to have. 

You’ve developed close friendships with some of the best cricketers in the world. Can you share a memorable experience with a couple of them?

From intense flight conversations with Virat, to very emotional dinner conversations with Hardik, to bindas Biryani sessions with Mohammad Shami, there are too many to share. These are very special bonds which I truly cherish.

How have these relationships influenced your understanding of the game and your commentary style?

The access these elite athletes have given to me is precious. To be able to speak to them about their work ethics, their game, the mindset, the vulnerability, the fears, the emotions - it’s always a case study, a learning curve. It allows me to know the story behind the action. To understand why somebody is going through a purple or a lean patch. To clear any unnecessary rumour doing the rounds on social media. To help fans understand the reasons behind their change in technique or game play and the put their human side out to the world which sometimes imagines them to be heartless machines.

What insights do you gain from cricketers that help you provide a more in-depth analysis during matches?

Their technique, mindsets, thoughts on conditions and the opposition. Whether someone has changed their grip, stance, body alignment, training drills. Whether the weight of the bat or the length of the handle has changed. In case they’ve changed their style of workouts to avoid injuries or correct recovery. It’s usually the minor, minute things which make their big differences.

As both a commentator and an analyst, what do you think is the key to providing sharp and engaging analysis during a match?

Stay involved in the game, every single ball. And be true to yourself - you can’t please everyone out there.

How do you prepare for major matches, especially when you know you will be analysing complex situations live on air?

Pre-tournament prep is the most important time. A comprehensive in-depth study on all players, their recent performances, match-ups, previous tours, the list is endless. Then every match morning and post-game - a quick revision and prep forward. Let’s say it takes about a couple of hours of prep a day to feel at ease in any situation. And oh yes, a good night’s sleep if possible. 

Your experience of covering the India Pakistan Match?

Very Nervy - since mostly these matches are in high stake tournaments. But once the game starts, then it normalises. Obviously if things are not going well in a world cup game, your heart races more than usual, but invariably India is always the better team and ends up on the winning side. It’s important to remember and remind the audience that as much as you want your own team to win, it’s just a game of cricket and not a matter of life and death.

How do you control your patriotism while also trying to remain neutral?

Since I mostly broadcast to the Indian Hindi speaking audience, patriotism is a part of the narrative. But my patriotism does not teach me to be unfair to the others. So, there’s a very healthy balance which I try to maintain at all times.

Your journey has been inspiring. What has been the most rewarding moment of your career so far?

The 2011 and 2024 World Cup wins. And opening the commentary broadcast of the 2019 India Pakistan world cup match with Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and Wasim Akram as my co-commentators. 

Have there been any challenging moments where you questioned your path?

Early on, when I barely got any on-air time. But I reminded myself that the handwork will pay off one-day.

How did you stay motivated?

By enjoying every small milestone and victory. Sometimes when we dream big, we stop enjoying the everyday joys. I set myself small goals and stayed focussed. 

What advice would you give to aspiring sports commentators and analysts, especially those from smaller regions like Kashmir?

Dream big but start small. You have to start small. Big channels don’t have the time to teach anymore. They want promising talent which has a fair idea of how television works. Knowledge of the sport is just one of the many aspects of commentary. So whether it’s YouTube, a local news channel, a news paper or radio - begin your learnings. Join in any capacity and be keen to learn. You never know when your chance comes knocking - but when it does, be prepared. 

Cricket is evolving rapidly, with T20 leagues, money, and new formats. How do you see the future of cricket evolving?

Sometimes it’s a scary thought. I think format experimentation will come to an end. This boom may not last forever because the viewership numbers are promising only for the iconic tournaments and games. International cricket and the IPL are here to stay. The BBL and PSL are the two other leagues that have been consistent. But more must be done from the stakeholders and fans to preserve test cricket - it’s still cricket’s most rewarding format. International cricket needs meaningful context. The audience needs a good reason to watch - And Indian cricket has done extremely well in maintaining all these parameters. 

How do you think the role of cricket commentators will change with the growing use of technology and data analytics in sports?

You’ve got to get more savvy with the use of tech. It makes it easier to explain thoughts to the audiences with tech tools and data. So it’s a big plus. But it’s our job to humanise data - it’s not 11 computers playing on the field.

What are your personal goals for the future? Do you see yourself continuing as a commentator, or do you have aspirations to move into other areas of cricket?

Very happy in the space I am. Wish I’d played the game at a higher level to be looking at other roles in this sport.

How do you stay connected to your roots in Kashmir, and what message do you have for the youth back home?

Honestly, I’d like to explore more ways to be connected to my roots. As it stands it's been the rituals followed at home - ranging from Vatuk Puja in Shivratri to Roth making on Ganesh Chaturthi.

For the youth the message is simple - The past is to read, the future is to live. Explore your passions, travel the country, travel the world - Meet new people, different people, learn about different cultures, expand your thought horizon - and enjoy differences. Growth happens in the mind, not in bank accounts. There won’t be a better time to follow your passion.

Finally, how do you hope to be remembered in the world of cricket? What legacy do you want to leave behind?

A non-cricketer who made people fall in love with cricket through history telling. And a person who encouraged and helped others grow, and personally lived a life full of integrity.