Former India coach faces backlash for saying 'Hindi is national language' on live commentary: 'Please educate yourself'

Former India coach Sanjay Bangar found himself at the centre of a controversy after his comments on language during live commentary sparked strong reactions on social media. The incident happened during the first ODI between India and New Zealand in Vadodara on Sunday.

While on commentary, Bangar said that Hindi is the national language of India while speaking to former India fast bowler Varun Aaron. His remarks quickly drew attention and criticism from viewers.

🚨 Sanjay Bangar on mic : " Hindi is the national language" bangar dropped banger 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/dNq6Iy3rhU

— Puzzi Omega 🇮🇳 (@OnlyGGmatters) January 11, 2026

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During the discussion, Bangar said in Hindi that people in South India focus more on their regional languages, but Hindi is a very important language and is the national language.

In response, Varun Aaron made a light-hearted remark, saying that KL Rahul might have to speak in Tamil with Washington Sundar, as Sundar understands Tamil better. He then asked Bangar if he agreed with that view.

Bangar replied by saying that he believes more in the “national language,” which further added to the controversy.

pic.twitter.com/PxOTIw3R31

— CRICKET HUB (@onlyjayX53) January 11, 2026

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Fans slam Bangar

Many viewers felt the comment was incorrect and insensitive, as India does not have any officially declared national language. Soon after the clip went viral, social media users criticised Bangar for his statement.

One user wrote that a commentator saying Hindi is the national language on air shows a lack of basic knowledge, pointing out that India has no national language. Another fan called Bangar’s reaction “pathetic” and said he should be ashamed.

What a pathetic reaction from Sanjay Bangar, shame on you man.

— neurotoxic (@Oyeneurotoxic) January 11, 2026

Sanjay Bangar is continuously saying Hindi is our Rashtriya Bhasha. It's not brother. Plz educate yourself.

— shamik (@iam_shamik_) January 11, 2026

This Sanjay Bangar is such a clown that he doesn't even know that Hindi is not the National Language.

He should just stick to cricket and stop giving this unwanted Gyan to South Indians. https://t.co/XVhScVDU63

— Kr!§hhh_ಚೇ 👑 (@ITSCK47) January 11, 2026

who let uneducated people like sanjay bangar in the commentary @BCCI @StarSportsIndia ???? he should apologise for calling hindi as National language.#INDvsNZ https://t.co/cn9MCxpm19

— சூர்யா (@sooriya2208) January 11, 2026

Sanjay Bangar during commentary "Hindi is the national language" to Varon Aaron and Jatin Sapru came in between & saved the situation.#SanjayBangar please get your education properly as India doesn't have any national language.@StarSportsIndia @JioHotstar#INDvsNZ #BCCI #ICC pic.twitter.com/jbPGteav8n

— MD Wasim (@MD_Wasim28) January 11, 2026