Da 3 of the ongoing Test Match between India and England at the Oval has been joyful for fans due to a surprise visit by the Google CEO, Sundar Pichai. Cricket viewers were treated to a surprise joy as Google CEO Sundar Pichai, in an unscheduled stop at the commentary box, hogged the mic with veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle. The tech mogul’s short but inspiring stint behind the mic was soon trending and one of the highlights of the Test series.
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. #SundarPichai pic.twitter.com/HrD5QiqVvW
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 2, 2025
A Legend Among Fans
Pichai, who is widely known for his reign at Google, is also not ashamed to be a cricket fan. While in the country, he openly discussed his youth fandom, sharing his affection for cricket greats Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar. “I just bumped into Sunny [Gavaskar] in the corridor. I used to have a poster of him as a kid. Gavaskar was the primary one. I was huge Sachin fan.”. But the irony was, I couldn’t see him bat. I was so afraid he would get out, I never used to watch him much, but actually used to love watching him,” Pichai said with a smile, bringing smiles to the faces of everyone in the box.
The Viral Moment
Sharing a seat with Harsha Bhogle for India’s second innings, Pichai provided nostalgia and incisive cricketing analysis alike, talking about the pace of the innings as Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja asserted themselves at the crease. He spoke his wishes as a spectator: “As an Indian supporter, you are hoping the score goes over 350, and I think they might manage to do that, it is looking good.” As he had hoped, India continued to score a solid total, with Sundar and Jadeja both scoring rapid half-centuries that ensured the lead went over the important 350 mark.
Social Media Erupts
Video clips of Sundar Pichai in the commentary booth went viral on social media, with watchers enjoying to see a world tech leader so engaged with the game. Memes, fan art, and affectionate posts flooded in, with most of them appreciative of his humility and sheer love of cricket. The feature was termed as “a surprise in the commentary box,” underlining the comfort and friendliness that cricket can evoke regardless of walk of life.
Uniting Factor: Cricket
Pichai’s appearance came at a pivotal moment in the match – with high stakes as India looked to level the series – providing a fresh perspective and reminding Indian and English fans alike of the game’s unifying power. His impromptu visit underscored cricket’s ability to transcend domains, bringing together icons from vastly different worlds for the love of the sport.
Sundar Pichai’s spontaneous commentary debut was a highlight for fans and pundits alike, adding a unique blend of tech industry stardust and authentic cricket fandom to a tightly fought Test at The Oval.
