Did Harsha lose IPL job because he was harsh on Team India?

Mumbai: While there are many theories about his exit from IPL commentary team, Harsha Bhogle has maintained a dignified silence since his IPL contract for the ninth edition is terminated by the Indian cricket board.

The voice of Indian cricket, who has donned several hats in cricket broadcasting, was an integral part of cash-rich IPL since its first edition in 2008.

The 54-year-old was all set to provide his cricketing insights during this year’s IPL as well. In fact, his name was on the roster and flight tickets were also booked.

However, BCCI pulled the plug at the last moment and sidelined Bhogle from the commentary duties.

While there is no clarity what led to his ouster, it is learnt that Bhogle had an argument with Vidarbha Cricket Association during the India versus New Zealand in ICC World Twenty20 game in Nagpur. This reportedly did not go down well with the national cricket board and the action was taken.

Read: BCCI mutes Harsha Bhogle, terminates his IPL 2016 contract

However, according to reports, Bhogle was shown the exit door following a feedback from social media and players.

Video: Shikhar Dhawan trolls Harsha Bhogle

‘The Indian Express’ quoted a BCCI official saying: “When deciding the commentators, we take feedback from everyone. We monitor social media reactions on commentators, and also take inputs from players.”

Read: Ravi Ashwin spoils Harsha Bhogle’s fun

While no Indian cricketer has officially come on board to criticise Bhogle, a tweet from Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan and Team India’s limited-overs skipper MS Dhoni’s reply to the same may have set the ball rolling.

Bachchan, following India-Bangladesh game in Bengaluru on March 23, took to Twitter to express his disappointment towards “an Indian commentator”. Bachchan tweeted:

While the senior actor did not name anyone, it was speculated that he was referring to Bhogle.

Bachchan’s tweet was followed by a reply from Dhoni. Considering he is not too active on social media, Dhoni’s tweet set tongues wagging.

Bhogle then went on to write a post to clarify his stand on the commentary style.

Read: Harsha Bhogle reacts after Amitabh, Dhoni question commentary

"I must confess to being a bit taken aback by the intensity of the criticism yesterday over the question of focussing more on Indian players during the telecast. It emerged after a tweet from Mr. Amitabh Bachchan, someone I admire enormously for the dignified way in which he has always conducted himself,” Bhogle wrote on his Facebook page.

However, it seems the things did not go as per the plan and Bhogle, who is renowned for his articulate comments and considered to be one of the nicest men, was not picked to commentate during IPL 9.

Since the incident came to light, Bhogle has found a lot of support from fans and his followers on social media.

Bhogle, who received a lot of support. thanked his followers.