Former West Indies pacer Ian Bishop is one of the finest cricket commentators in the world. Currently part of the commentary team for the Indian Premier League (IPL), Bishop, however, was recently accused of comparing two Indian wicketkeepers -- Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson. A user on social media claimed Bishop saying on air that Delhi Capitals (DC) skipper Pant is a better version of his Rajasthan Royals (RR) counterpart Samson. "Ian Bishop on live commentary: 'Anything Samson can do, Rishabh Pant can do it better.' He's spitting facts," a post on X claimed.
Reacting to this, a fan questioned Bishop about making any such comments. Bishop was quick to clarify, saying: "You really think that's how I operate?"
This isn't the first time that Bishop has had to clarify his stance on social media. In fact, it was earlier during this season of IPL when fans had criticised Bishop for praising Virat Kohli for his sluggish knock vs Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Saturday.
Kohli had completed his half-century in 39 balls, while he reached triple figures in 67 balls, the joint slowest in the IPL history alongside Manish Pandey.
"Bish says on air kohli completed his fifty in just 39 balls. You disappointed me @irbishi," a fan had posted on X.
However, Bishop apologised to the fans for his choice of words.
"I take an "L" on that one. I am very aware of what T20 batting entails, and my insertion of that word was inaccurate. My choice of words and language in keeping with the format of the game needs to be more accurate and it will be going forward. Apologies," Bishop responded.
Meanwhile, Kohli is the leading run-scorer in the IPL 2024 so far with 319 runs in six matches.