India's Legendary Commentator Retires Ahead of IPL 2026

Indian Cricket has been blessed with various stars, who have took up the commentary role after their retirement. Their voices have made the game interesting and their analysis surely has helped viewers to understand the game more.

One among these famous commentators was Laxman Sivaramakrishnan, also known as L Sivaramakrishnan. After playing 9 Tests and 16 ODIs for India, the Tamil Nadu Cricketer took the commentary role and held the mic for a long period of more than 20 years.

However, the voice won’t be heard anymore. L Sivaramakrishnan, on Friday, announced his retirement as the commentator for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), meaning that he won’t be commentating on any games related to Indian cricket.

L Sivaramakrishnan Retires Ahead of IPL 2026

L Sivaramakrishnan retirement has come just ahead of the beginning of IPL 2026 season. Sivaramakrishnan, who is regarded as one of the best cricket commentators, made the decision public through a Twitter post.

His decision to retire as a commentator stems from a controversy. In the next post on X, the former Indian cricketer openly mentioned that he felt disrespected despite being an experienced commentator.

The former India leg-spinner narrated how young commentators were allowed to do the tosses and presentations while he was never allowed despite giving 23 years to the job.

L Sivaramakrishnan commentary retirement marks the end to an era. He has been in the panel for quite some time now. Previously, he has been in the IPL commentators list, but hasn't found a place there in the last few years.

L Sivaramakrishnan's Controversial Commentary Career

L Sivaramakrishnan’s commentary career was marred by controversies, with one of the biggest ones being with Ravichandran Ashwin. On the eve of off-spinner’s 100th Test, Sivaramakrishnan stated that he tried calling him but he didn’t answer his call, showing disrespect towards seniors.

Ashwin, one of the best spinners in the world, later took a cheeky jibe at Sivaramakrishnan when he replied to a fan use the former cricketer's picture. Notably, Ashwin also reacted to the commentators retirement, saying that he should have stayed till IPL 2026.

The IPL 2026 will begin on March 28 with the hosts and defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing Sunrisers Hyderabad in the first match. Sivaramakrishnan wasn't in the commentators list which includes some of the iconic names of the sport.