Ajinkya Rahane, Vivek Razdan’s samosa banter during India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I draws flak

A light-hearted conversation about samosas and pakodas between former India captain Ajinkya Rahane and commentator Vivek Razdan took place during the second T20I between India and New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Saturday, October 24. The exchange during live commentary soon became a talking point on social media, with some viewers criticising the discussion.

During the conversation, Razdan spoke about his love for samosas and recalled how their aroma drew him towards the food while he was at the venue.

“Delhi wala hoon aur samosa ho kahin pe aur woh wahan na pahunche!” (I’m from Delhi, and if there’s a samosa somewhere, how can I not reach it!) Razdan said on air.

He then explained how he had casually walked into the area after catching the aroma of samosas, unaware that the show was on.

“Achha, mujhe pata nahi tha, show chal raha tha. Main toh aise casually andar ghus gaya. Maine kaha, shayad aap log break pe ho. Woh samose ki khushboo mujhe wahan kheench laayi. Kya karoon? Control nahi hota,” (Oh, I didn’t know the show was on. I just casually walked in. I thought you people might be on a break. The aroma of the samosas drew me there. What can I do? I can’t control myself), he said.

Razdan summed up his fondness for the snack by adding, “Samose sabko kheench ke laate hain” (Samosas draw everyone towards them).

Ajinkya Rahane recalls childhood memories of samosas and pakodas

The conversation then moved to Rahane’s food preferences, with Razdan observing that the former India batter appeared more relaxed about talking about such things now than he might have been during his playing days.

“Lekin yeh dekhke achha lagta hai, Rahane sahab, ki aap abhi thoda-sa khul gaye hain. Kyunki jab aap cricket khel rahe the, tab aap yeh pakode aur samose ki taraf zyada jaate nahi honge,” (It’s nice to see, Rahane, that you’ve opened up a little now. When you were playing cricket, you probably wouldn’t have indulged in pakodas and samosas as much), Razdan said.

Rahane responded by recalling the years he had spent away from such treats and the memories associated with them.

“Bahut saal door raha hoon. Bachpan mein khaaye the samose ghar pe,” (I’ve stayed away from them for many years. I used to eat samosas at home during my childhood), he said.

He also remembered going to the market with his father to bring home samosas and pakodas over the weekend.

“Yaad hota tha ki Saturday, Sunday ko hum jaate the market, samose aur pakode leke aate the Papa ke saath. Woh yaadein taaza ho gayi,” (I remember going to the market with my father on Saturdays and Sundays to bring home samosas and pakodas. Those memories came flooding back), Rahane added.

On the field, India secured a four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second T20I to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the five-match series. Chasing a target of 181, India reached 181/6 in 19.5 overs, with Tilak Varma playing a crucial knock of an unbeaten 51 off 26 balls. Naman Dhir also contributed 31 off 17 deliveries, while Mitchell Santner claimed four wickets for New Zealand. Tilak was named Player of the Match as India celebrated the win in Christchurch.