Watch: Commentator Ian Smith imitated Ravi Shastri to perfection on air during the India-Netherlands clash in the 2023 World Cup on Sunday (November 12).

Shastri, who oversaw the toss, greeted viewers and spectators with a Diwali wish before proceeding with the formalities of the coin flip. His deep voice remains an instant identifier with the Indian lending his words to plenty of iconic moments in the past.

He was left in splits in India’s first innings when Smith decided to imitate him on air and modulated his voice to match Shastri’s tone. Smith began by pretending he was Shastri at the toss and imitated his introduction of himself before proceeding to wish fans a Happy Diwali in his tone.

Shastri added to the incident by repeating Smith in the commentary box, leaving Anjum Chopra, the third commentator, laughing.

India ended their innings on 410-4, with each of the top five batters scoring more than fifty, a World Cup record.

Watch the incident with Ravi Shastri here:

Ian Smith imitating Ravi Shastri is commentary box office of the highest order 😂😂😂😂

What a brilliant moment ❤️😂 pic.twitter.com/XOCIB8cJSW

— Anuraag Peesara (@anuraagp15) November 12, 2023

To bet on the World Cup with our Match Centre Partners bet365 head here.