A Voice from the Heartland
On a bustling highway in Bihar, a man stops for a meal, and before he can place his order, the owner of the dhaba recognizes him. “You’re the one doing Bhojpuri commentary!” the owner says with a big smile. “It feels like we are actually there watching the game.”
This man is Robin Singh—a coach, talent scout, and now a familiar voice in regional cricket commentary.
In a cricket tournament that celebrates star batters and bowlers, Robin is carving out a unique path: providing a spotlight for 50 million Bhojpuri-speaking fans.
When JioCinema rolled out Bhojpuri commentary during IPL 2023, alongside Punjabi, Odia, and Gujarati options, it was a bold move driven by audience demographics. The decision paid off dramatically, with the opening weekend attracting a staggering 147 crore video views, making it the highest for IPL on digital platforms. By the 2024 season, the number of viewers reached an impressive 620 million, marking a 38% increase from the previous year. The buzz around Bhojpuri commentary even caught the attention of MS Dhoni, who described it as “highly energetic,” reminiscent of the classic radio commentaries.
Giving the Heartland Its Own Voice
Robin understands exactly why this approach resonates.
“Whenever we visit Bhojpuri-speaking regions or meet fans who see us on Star Sports or JioHotstar, they approach us with enthusiasm,” Robin Singh shared in a recent chat facilitated by JioStar. “They feel like they are not just watching the game, but living it. The way we express things reminds them of conversations back home in their villages—right from the emotions to the humor. People often talk about how their village names pop up during commentary, creating a personal connection, and it’s wonderful to see people sharing clips on social media.”
However, the heartfelt response doesn’t come without hard work. Achieving this lively tone while providing accurate cricket analysis is no easy task, and Robin acknowledges this challenge.
“Keeping that regional flavor alive is demanding and needs thorough preparation,” he explains. “We visit villages, spend time with families, and connect with elders, students, and young cricketers. We keep in touch with our audience to stay updated on what’s trending and engage actively on social media. It’s a continuous effort to introduce fresh styles and expressions. Our producers also play a major role in capturing the essence of players from the Bhojpuri-speaking states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand for each match. It’s hard work, but it’s all coming together beautifully.”
The Talent-Spotter Behind Bihar’s Rising Stars
Robin’s influence extends beyond just commentary. For years, he has been discovering hidden cricket talent in the dusty fields and local academies of Bihar, bridging the gap between promising athletes and wider recognition.
Take, for instance, Sakib Hussain—a talented pacer from Gopalganj. Robin spotted his potential during trials, despite his rough bowling accuracy. He encouraged Sakib to leave tennis-ball cricket behind and supported him. This IPL season, Sakib made a memorable debut for SRH, taking four wickets for 24 runs against the Rajasthan Royals and earning the nickname “Gopalganj’s Rabada.”
Then there’s Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Robin first met him in 2019 at GenNext Academy. He was a “small, cute kid with long hair” from Samastipur, but Robin saw something special in him from day one.
“I knew he was unique,” Robin recalls. Over time, as Vaibhav trained with dedication, the world noticed him when he became the youngest centurion in IPL history in 2025. But for Robin, this was no surprise.
A common thread connects all these efforts—be it commentary, coaching, or scouting. At his core, Robin Singh believes that the heartland has exceptional talent to offer, and he is determined to ensure that it finally gets recognized.
