Key Highlights
- The incident happened during the first ODI between India and New Zealand in Vadodara on Sunday. While on commentary, Bangar said that Hindi is the national language of India while speaking to former India fast bowler Varun Aaron.
- His remarks quickly drew attention and criticism from viewers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD🚨 Sanjay Bangar on mic : " Hindi is the national language" bangar dropped banger 😭😭 Puzzi Omega 🇮🇳 (@OnlyGGmatters) January 11, 2026More from First Cricket India vs New Zealand Live Score 1st ODI at Vadodara: Kohli, Iyer rebuild after Gill's dismissal Virat Kohli achieves rare milestone in international cricket, breaks Sachin Tendulkar's record: 'Most dominant ODI batsmen I’ve ever seen'During the discussion, Bangar said in Hindi that people in South India focus more on their regional languages, but Hindi is a very important language and is the national language. In response, Varun Aaron made a light-hearted remark, saying that KL Rahul might have to speak in Tamil with Washington Sundar, as Sundar understands Tamil better.
- He then asked Bangar if he agreed with that view. Bangar replied by saying that he believes more in the “national language,” which further added to the controversy.
- CRICKET HUB (@onlyjayX53) January 11, 2026Quick ReadsView All'Won't require surgery...': Real reason behind Jasprit Bumrah's absence from 5th Test revealed in new reportPCB bans players from WCL over India-Pakistan match controversyFans slam BangarMany viewers felt the comment was incorrect and insensitive, as India does not have any officially declared national language.
- Soon after the clip went viral, social media users criticised Bangar for his statement. One user wrote that a commentator saying Hindi is the national language on air shows a lack of basic knowledge, pointing out that India has no national language.
