Golla, Dada, Ladla! IPL gets a Haryanvi makeover with Sumit Narwal

Years after making a mark on the cricket field with his sharp bowling and powerful strokes, Karnal’s Sumit Narwal is winning hearts all over again — this time, with his voice. The former all-rounder is now a rising star in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a Haryanvi commentator, bringing raw energy, wit, and local flavour to cricket broadcasts.

A native of Chirao village in Karnal district, Narwal has added a unique ‘desi’ charm to the IPL through his expressive and authentic Haryanvi commentary. He first joined the regional commentary panel during the Champions Trophy earlier this year and is now a regular voice in the IPL, earning admiration from fans across Haryana and beyond.

“Commentary in your own language makes a deep emotional connection,” says Narwal. “People don’t just hear it — they feel it.”

Born in 1982, Narwal began his first-class cricket career with Haryana in 2001-02 and later represented Delhi. He played in the IPL for Rajasthan Royals (2010) and Kolkata Knight Riders (2013–2016), apart from appearances for India A and North Zone. Today, he runs a cricket academy in Karnal, where young talents like Navdeep Saini, Mohit Kalyan, and Rahul Chopra have trained.

Although he was approached for Haryanvi commentary last year, Narwal had to step away due to a packed schedule around the Lok Sabha and Haryana Assembly elections. “My heart was in it, but I knew I couldn’t do justice to the role,” he recalls.

This year, he got the opportunity again — and grabbed it with both hands. Part of a special commentary panel featuring Virender Sehwag, Manvinder Bisla, Anil Chaudhary, and Sonu Sharma, Narwal brought innovation to the mic. The team developed a quirky code system: the third umpire became “Dada”, a boundary was “Golla”, and young players were called “Chhore” or “Ladla”. Tight match situations? “Kasuta sing fas rahe hai!”

“It’s more than just commentary,” says Narwal. “It’s a cultural celebration. Haryanvi brings warmth, humour, and relatability to the game.”

He has urged the youth to stay rooted in their language and culture. “Your roots give you identity — and keep your values strong,” he says with pride.

With his vibrant Haryanvi commentary, Sumit Narwal has added a fresh voice to Indian cricket — one that echoes with authenticity and heart.

Haryana Tribune