Harsha Bhogle responded to Henry Blofeld after the latter’s comments on Australia winning the 2023 World Cup.
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On X, formerly Twitter, former BBC Test Match Special commentator Henry Blofeld mentioned that he “couldn’t be more thrilled” about Australia winning the 2023 World Cup.
Australia beat hosts India, who had been unbeaten until then, in the final. Blofeld hailed their achievement as “going into the lions’ den and coming out first”.
He signed off with “It won’t do India any harm. They’re getting a bit too big for their boots!”
I couldn’t be more thrilled that the Aussies won the World Cup. Talk about going into the lions’ den and coming out first. Well done all of them. it won’t do India any harm. They’re getting a bit too big for their boots!
— Henry Blofeld (@blowersh) November 19, 2023
The comment predictably drew criticism from users of the platform.
Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle recalled his early days in England: “When I first started going to England, this was the mindset I had to deal with. Superior. Condescending. Looking down at us.”
However, he praised the next generation for being “more aware, less snobbish and just easier to be with”, which has allowed them to “stay relevant and progress”.
When I first started going to England, this was the mindset I had to deal with. Superior. Condescending. Looking down at us. In the welcome change that has come about, the next generation is more aware, less snobbish and just easier to be with. It has allowed them to stay… https://t.co/DR8262CVXz
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 21, 2023
In another post, Bhogle recalled his first stint Test Match Special, where he worked with “absolute gentlemen” like Christopher Martin-Jenkins, who made him “feel comfortable”. He also mentioned Vic Marks and Mike Selvey, along with “others like Bill Frindall”.
On my first time on @bbctms, there were absolute gentlemen like Christopher Martin-Jenkins, who made me feel comfortable, and Vic Marks and Mike Selvey and then there were others like Bill Frindall… https://t.co/KjLd7isoUI
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 21, 2023
Blofeld, 84, was a regular presence on Test Match Special‘s coverage from 1972 to 2017.
