Well, taking up the role of a television commentator is considered to be one of the most sought-after career opportunities for a majority of international cricketers. Numerous former legendary international cricketers, including Michael Atherton, Ravi Shastri, Richie Benaud and many others became successful commentators after officially announcing their retirement from cricket.
While the profession of being a commentator allows cricketers to stay connected with their mainstream passion for cricket, it undoubtedly also provides them with a secure financial future. Additionally, global recognition never lets the stature of these iconic cricketers fade away.
In this article we will take a look at the top four international cricketers who became successful commentators after announcing their retirement.
Top 4 Cricketers Who Became Successful Commentators After Retirement
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Richie Benaud
Late Former Australian cricketer, Richie Benaud is at the first spot in our list of top four international cricketers who became successful commentators after announcing their retirement. Benaud represented the Aussies on the international stage for twelve long years, from 1952 to 1964. Richie Benaud captained the Australian cricket squad in a total of twenty-eight tests, clinching twelve of them.
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With a phenomenal total of 2201*runs in the test format and 248 wickets, Richie Benaud announced his official retirement from international cricket in 1964 and became a highly successful and respected commentator. Richie Benaud did commentary for numerous well-established sports channels including, Sky Sports – UK, ITV (Independent Television) – UK, Channel Nine – Australia and BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) – UK.
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Ravi Shastri
At the second spot in our list of the top four international cricketers who became successful commentators after announcing their retirement, we have former Indian international cricketer and head coach of the Indian national cricket team, Ravishankar Jayadritha Shastri, popularly referred to as “Ravi Shastri” by the fans of Indian cricket. Also, Ravi Shastri was a member of the Indian team that won the 1983 Cricket World Cup.
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After witnessing a glitzy international cricketing career that lasted for eleven long years from 1981 to 1992, Ravi Shastri announced his retirement from international cricket in December 1992 at the age of 30. After retirement, Ravi Shastri transitioned into the commentary box and soon became one of cricket’s most engaging voices on the panel. Ravi Shastri has been a part of the commentary panel during numerous high-pressure cricket tournaments, including World Cup finals.
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Tony Greig
Anthony William Greig, often popularly referred to as “Tony Greig”, is at the third spot in our list of the top four international cricketers who became successful commentators after announcing their retirement from international cricket. Greig captained the England national cricket team from 1975 to 1977 and announced his official retirement in 1978.
In the same year, Tony Greig took up the profession of being a commentator and did commentary for numerous crucial international cricket matches, including the 1992 Cricket World Cup, 1996 Cricket World Cup, 1999 Cricket World Cup, 2003 Cricket World Cup, 2005 Ashes Series, 2007 T20 World Cup Final and many more.
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Sir Geoffrey Boycott
Often hailed as England’s most successful and greatest opening batsman, Sir Geoffrey Boycott witnessed a glitzy yet controversial cricketing career from 1962 to 1986, playing for Yorkshire and the England national cricket team. Sir Geoffrey Boycott made his debut for England in a test match against Australia in 1964. Sir Geoffrey Boycott became the first-ever English batsman to average over 100 in a season (1971 and 1979). Additionally, Sir Geoffrey Boycott was also a crucial part of the England squad that finished up as the runners-up at the 1979 Cricket World Cup.
Sir Geoffrey Boycott announced his retirement from international cricket in 1982 and became a professional commentator. Sir Geoffrey Boycott worked with numerous sports channels including, Sky Sports, Channel 4 (UK), ABC (Australia), ESPN Star Sports, Sony Sports Network (India) and many others. During his glorious commentating journey, Sir Geoffrey Boycott commentated on numerous crucial international cricket matches, including the 1996 Cricket World Cup, 1999 Cricket World Cup, 2005 Ashes Series and many others.
