On a bright morning in Mumbai, I had the opportunity to sit down with Ridhima Pathak, a name synonymous with dynamic sports presenting. Her enthusiasm was palpable as we found a quiet corner in a lively café. Dressed comfortably yet with a hint of professional flair, Ridhima immediately conveyed the charisma that has endeared her to global audiences.
Ridhima’s entry into the world of sports broadcasting was anything but conventional. “It all started as a stroke of luck,” she shared with a smile. “I was between jobs when a friend in Pune asked me to host a cricket league because he liked my voice. That initial experience led to an audition at Star Sports, where I was rejected four times. I even went as far as preparing for the GMAT, ready to pursue an MBA at Penn State University. But on the night I was supposed to pay my tuition, I decided to test the talent team at Star one last time. They invited me to audition for hockey the very next day. I studied the sport all night, took a cab from Pune to Mumbai, and after a week-long workshop, I was told, ‘You are on air.’”
Her face brightened as she recounted the moment that changed her career trajectory. “That decision was a turning point, leading me to where I am today.”
Throughout her career, Ridhima has been part of some of the most significant sports events in the world. “Working as the digital presenter for ICC during the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 in cricket-mad India was a dream come true,” she said. “And covering the IPL in 2023 and 2024 in both English and Hindi for JioCinema was another incredible experience.”But it was the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 in England that remains particularly memorable. “I was right on the boundary line at Lords during that legendary final between New Zealand and England, which went into a double super over. It was a historic event, and while I missed seeing India in the finals, being part of the victory lap with the ICC digital team was unforgettable.”
Ridhima’s enthusiasm isn’t limited to cricket. “For three years, I woke up at 4 am on weekends to shoot for NBA games at 7 am, getting to watch legends like LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard,” she recounted. Her passion for multidisciplinary sports was also evident when she spoke about covering events like the Asian Games 2018 in Jakarta and the Commonwealth Games 2018 for Sony Pictures Sports Network. “Multidisciplinary sports are my first love,” she revealed, smiling. “Basketball and cricket need to understand—they have to share my attention!”
When discussing challenges, Ridhima was open about the difficulties she’s encountered. “The toughest part of covering multidisciplinary sports is mastering the lesser-known ones. But through research, watching, and learning, I’ve become a serious sports fan, discovering true greatness across a range of disciplines.”
Looking ahead, Ridhima is enthusiastic about the future. “I’m hoping to work on the Women’s Cricket World Cup this year. I’ve been deeply involved in women’s cricket for the past two years, and this would be a landmark experience.”
As we wrapped up, Ridhima reflected on her unexpected journey. “I could never have predicted where this path would take me, but I’m thankful every day. From my first national TV appearance on Hero Hockey India League to hosting over 1,100 live shows—from corporate events to weddings—I’ve grown so much. And I’m excited to see what’s next.”
