When Sundar Pichai joined Ravi Shastri in the commentary box

Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, a long-time cricket enthusiast, joined former India head cricket coach Ravi Shastri in the commentary box during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 match between India and South Africa on February 22, 2026, at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The day began with Pichai participating in pre-match ceremonies. Alongside Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, where he unveiled the T20 World Cup trophy onto the field.

While on air, Pichai shared his lifelong connection and love for cricket. He called Gavaskar his childhood idol, mentioning how he used to put up Sport star posters on his wall and follows the game closely from a young age. “I have always been into the game,” he said.

Shastri, impressed by Pichai's knowledge and love for cricket, posted on X: “Great to have a Tech Giant @sundarpichai in the comm box. He’s an avid cricket fan and with an amazing memory for facts and figures #IndvsSA #WT2026.” 

Great to have a Tech Giant @sundarpichai in the comm box. He's an avid cricket fan and with an amazing memory for facts and figures #IndvsSA #WT2026 pic.twitter.com/wf3uNF4cQg

— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) February 22, 2026

ICC Chairman Jay Shah also highlighted the ongoing partnership between the ICC and Google India to expand cricket’s global reach and enhance fan engagement through technology. Shah shared photos of the moment on X, stating: “It is a pleasure for @ICC to host Google and Alphabet CEO @sundarpichai at India and South Africa's #T20WorldCup match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Our partnership with @GoogleIndia continues to grow our sport across and bring fans closer to the game than ever.” 

Great to have a Tech Giant @sundarpichai in the comm box. He's an avid cricket fan and with an amazing memory for facts and figures #IndvsSA #WT2026 pic.twitter.com/wf3uNF4cQg

— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) February 22, 2026

https://x.com/JayShah/status/2025594784208015744?s=20

Social Media Buzz

Image of Pichai seated beside Shastri was widely shared across platforms. Users described it as a crossover between technology and cricket, while others highlighted the symbolism of a global CEO participating in commentary during a World Cup fixture.

A user noted, “Great to see Sundar Pichai in the comm box-imagine having Google-level stats memory backing Ravi Shastri’s commentary energy. Cricket talk just got an upgrade.”

Another praised Pichai by saying, “Tech + cricket = perfect combo. When a CEO knows stats better than commentators, you know he’s a true fan.”

A third user wrote, “Global tech, Indian cricket, Sundar Pichai and Ravi Shastri in one frame shows the world why India sets the pace on and off the field.”

“When Google’s CEO shares the mic with one of cricket’s most iconic voices that’s a crossover we didn’t know we needed!” a user said.

The appearance in the stadium was followed by Pichai’s participation in the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi on February 19 - 20, where he spoke about India’s potential in AI and announced new initiatives under Google's $15 billion investment in the country.