West Indies-India series: Official broadcaster Sony comes up with exciting programmes

India will be kicking off their tour of the West Indies 0n August 3 when they play the Caribbeans in the first T20I at Lauderhill, Florida, United States. This will be the Men in Blue’s first engagement since their semi-final loss against New Zealand at the World Cup on July 10. India have picked new faces for the Caribbean tour and Virat Kohli will be leading them in all the three formats.

The tour includes three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests that will be part of the world championship starting with the Ashes in August 1. While India and the West Indies are not among two equally matched sides and there is a high chance of Kohli’s men clinching at least two series without much fuss, the broadcasters have taken initiatives to make the tour exciting for audiences in India.

Sony Pictures Sports Network (SPSN), the official broadcaster of the tour, has come up with some interesting programme initiatives. According to a report in My Nation, SPSN’s popular wrap-around show ‘Extraaa Innings’ will be back during the series and it will feature a number of panellists of reputation.

Former greats like Richards, Gavaskar will be present

While the English analyses will be presented by former players like Sir Viv Richards, Sunil Gavaskar, Ian Bishop, Darren Ganga, Murali Kartik and Graeme Swann, the Hindi version will be carried out by the likes of Ashish Nehra, Mohammad Kaif, Ajay Jadeja and Vivek Razdan.

Popular presenters Gaurav Kapur and Arjun Pandit will also be present in the Hindi version. ‘Extraaa Innings’ will also be aired in the breakfast segment with the post-match analysis for the ODIs and Tests. Besides, SPSN will also air ‘Cricket Talk’, a show that will come up with previews for the Tests and reviews of the twin limited-over series. The tour will get over on September 3.

“This monsoon, Indian viewers can watch #MoreCricket and thrilling action on Sony Pictures Sports Network with the Ashes and India tour of West Indies. A robust programming line-up has been created for the India tour of West Indies along with the legendary Sir Vivian Richards and Sunil Gavaskar reuniting in the studio along with other exceptional panellists.”

“The India tour of West Indies will also mark the start of the ICC World Test Championship for both teams. With brilliant performances expected from both the highly skilled teams, the India tour of West Indies is going to be unmissable for every cricket lover in the nation,” Rajesh Kaul, chief revenue officer, distribution and head – sports business, Sony Pictures Networks India, was quoted as saying.

The West Indies-India series can be watched live and exclusive on SONY TEN 1 (English) and SONY TEN 3 (Hindi).