A Special Guest in the Commentary Box Cricket fans were in for a spectacular surprise on Day 3 of the 5th Test between India and England, held at The Oval in 2025. The commentary box, usually home to legendary voices, welcomed an unexpected guest—Google CEO Sundar Pichai. Pichai, renowned globally for his leadership in technology, joined the iconic cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle. Their candid banter, unique perspectives, and insights quickly became the talk of the cricketing world. A Tech Leader’s Love Affair with Cricket Sundar Pichai has often spoken about his love for cricket and how the game shaped his youth in India. Little did fans expect that the tech titan would one day hold the mic on one of the sport’s grandest stages. Sitting beside Bhogle, Pichai expressed his excitement, sharing nostalgic memories from his childhood and discussing the evolution of cricket. “Cricket taught me strategy, teamwork, and resilience—lessons that I carry with me every day at Google,” said Pichai. His insightful comments, mixed with a fan’s enthusiasm, added fresh flavor to the day’s broadcast. Match Highlights: India’s Commanding Position The third day began with India solidifying their lead, riding on stellar knocks from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill. Jaiswal’s composed century and a gritty 60 by Gill helped India set an imposing target for England, as the tourists looked to end the series on a resounding note. The partnership displayed technique and temperament that frustrated the English attack for much of the morning session. England’s bowlers, led by veteran James Anderson, tried their best to break the rhythm but were met with calculated aggression. As play continued, India declared at 380/7, leaving England with a mammoth fourth-innings target of 374 runs—a record chase at The Oval. Mohammed Siraj made an immediate impact, removing England opener Zak Crawley with a sharp inswinger just before stumps, leaving England at 50/1 at the end of the day. Commentary Box Reactions: Bhogle and Pichai Shine Social media buzzed as viewers tuned in to watch Sundar Pichai embracing his inner commentator. Harsha Bhogle, ever the gracious host, guided Pichai through the nuances of live commentary, occasionally quizzing him about cricket analytics and data’s future role in the sport. Pichai’s perspective as a tech leader sparked lively discussions on artificial intelligence, real-time analytics, and fan engagement in cricket. The interaction not only entertained viewers but also highlighted the growing intersection between technology and sports. Fans and Cricket Fraternity React The unique pairing of Bhogle and Pichai became a viral sensation. Fans lauded the move, with many calling it a “dream crossover.” Hashtags like #PichaiOnTheMic and #CommentaryWithSundar trended across platforms as snippets from their conversation circulated widely. Cricketing figures also joined in, with former players and pundits praising Pichai’s natural ease behind the mic. The fusion of cricket’s rich tradition with Silicon Valley’s tech vision provided a refreshing twist to Day 3’s proceedings. Looking Ahead: India Poised for Series Glory At stumps on Day 3, India stood in a commanding position, leaving England with a mountain to climb. With the pitch showing signs of variable bounce and a quality Indian attack waiting, the hosts face what could be a historic but daunting challenge. As anticipation grows for Day 4, fans will remember Day 3 not only for the cricket on display but for the digital “guest appearance” that bridged the worlds of sport and technology. For many, Sundar Pichai’s visit to the commentary box will be a moment to cherish for years to come.