Google CEO Sundar Pichai Embraces New Avatar During IND vs ENG 5th Test

The CEO of Google, Sundar Pichai, played a part in the fifth Test of the five-match series between the England Cricket Team and the Indian Cricket Team. The series decider between the teams is taking place at The Oval in London. Both teams have been neck-and-neck for the major part of the tournament, but the hosts still have a 2-1 advantage over the visitors.

Sundar Pichai, who often has spoken about his love for the game, was there to witness the IND vs ENG 5th Test. He was there at The Oval during day three of the match. Not only this, he also made his presence felt in the commentary box. Sundar Pichai was spot on with his commentary stint as he worked like a professional, allowing the game to breathe as he paused between deliveries.

Sundar Pichai Commentary Avatar Leaves Fans Elated on Social Media

Sundar Pichai was there for a brief stint of commentary with Harsha Bhogle. The CEO of Google talked about his love for the game and also revealed that he used to have posters of players on his room's wall during his childhood days.

Pichai also revealed that he was a big fan of Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar, two of the greatest cricketers of all time. Not only this, he was also amazed by the brand of cricket played by both teams in the ongoing series, backing India to win the Oval Test. He said, “Gavaskar was the big one, and I was a big Sachin fan. I really used to enjoy watching him bat. What a series it's been. Loved the fight between both teams. At this point, I'd put money on a 2-2.”

Harsha Bhogle Applauds Sundar Pichai Commentary Stint During IND vs ENG 5th Test

Harsha Bhogle, who was there alongside Sundar Pichai in the commentary, was in awe of the 'down-to-earth nature' of the Google CEO. He shared a picture with him on his Twitter account, saying: "I don't think I have been in a commentary box with a corporate leader of this stature. Loves cricket, is extraordinarily down-to-earth."

Coming to the fifth Test between England and India, the game hangs evenly poised. The Shubman Gill-led side, who were asked to bat first, didn't have a great outing with the bat in the first innings as they managed just 224 runs on the board with Karun Nair (57) hitting a glorious fifty. However, they came up with a vital effort with the ball. Even though Zak Crawley (64) and Harry Brook (53) hit fifties, India didn't allow England to take a big lead. They ended the opposition's innings on 247, letting them take a lead of just 23 runs. The Englishmen seemed to be in control of the game despite missing Ben Stokes from their line-up. The red-ball captain is a major absentee since he is easily among the best all-rounders in the world.

In the second innings, India had a solid outing with the bat as Yashasvi Jaiswal (118) hammered a brilliant century while Akash Deep (66), who came in as a nightwatchman, hit his maiden fifty in Tests while batting at four. A valiant contribution from Ravindra Jadeja (53), Washington Sundar (53) and Dhruv Jurel (34) powered India to a total of 396 runs, setting a target of 374 runs for England to chase.

The hosts didn't have a great start to their chase as Zak Crawley (14) lost his wicket early. Ben Duckett (54) hit a brutal fifty while Ollie Pope contributed 27 runs. However, both the batters couldn't convert the start into big knocks as England were reduced to 106 for three. The onus now will be on Joe Root and Harry Brook to take their team home. The series is currently in favour of England by a margin of 2-1.