Australian Story on ABC and ABC iview profiles Bharat Sundaresan – From his colourful outfits to his incisive writing, Bharat Sundaresan has taken the Australian cricket world by storm.
But this sense of belonging has been a lifetime in the making.
Born and raised in India, Bharat grew up unable to express himself, desperate for affection and punished for standing out.
When forced to conform, Bharat spiralled into addiction. Cricket saved his life.
“All I remember thinking is, that’s it, I’m going to die a loser. But rather than like give up, I said, no, I can’t do that. And I thought of cricket. I said, I want another chance,”
– Bharat says.
His reporting on the sport has seen him internationally renowned with millions of followers, but it’s in Australia that he’s building a stunning second innings.
Bharat and his wife Isha risked their careers, marriage and finances to give life down under a go. He’s gained universal respect.
Test captain, Pat Cummins, says having the Indian-born journalist in Australia’s traditional cricket scene has been refreshing.
“I’ve been following cricket my whole life. I’m ready for some different insights rather than the same old, approaches. So more like Bharat the better,”
– Cummins says.
Cricket Et Al podcaster Pete Lalor says Bharat has exploded Australian cricket’s ‘pale, male and stale’ stereotype.
“It’s come a long way from Richie Benaud in the beige jacket to Bharat Sundaresan in whatever it is he’s wearing today,”
– Lalor says.
With his technicolour outfits and long hair, Bharat Sundaresan has finally found where he belongs.
Australian Story on ABC and ABC iview – Monday 24 February 2025 at 8:00pm
Media Release – ABC
TV Central ABC content HERE
Australian Story on ABC and ABC iview profiles Bharat Sundaresan
