Anant Tyagi truly called the shots as Lionel Messi sums up a memorable world cup with a historic win. Anant Tyagi voiced, “That completes the picture and that completes the legacy” as Messi lifted the trophy for his team Argentina. The studio had the very charming Shah Rukh Khan discussing football and other things in his own inimitable way with Wayne Rooney and Anant Tyagi. He is a football buff and his early memories go back to the Maradona days. Quite befitting that the crown has truly been passed to Messi after 36 years since their last world Cup final win. Anant Tyagi is making it a habit to be the voice at major sporting events and we love the nuances he brings as he discussed how the team was under Maradona and how the pinnacle was all but lost for Messi in 2014. The guests seem to be very at home with Anant due to his wide knowledge and articulation on world football.
We got in touch with Anant and here is what he says of his journey in the FIFA world cup 2022, “Phenomenal experience covering the World Cup and of course really grateful that Sports 18 gave me a stage to share with the legends of the game in the best world cup final of all time. How often do we see the big superstars all performing in the same game that also turns out to be a 6 goal thriller and then go to penalties. Well Messi and Mbappe made it one of the best days in sport.
Absolutely thrilled to have spent time on Live TV with England’s all time top goalscorer in Wayne Rooney. He was such a breath of fresh air. Never shy of speaking his mind about a player or coach. I remember he was on our show after Harry Kane missed a decisive penalty and England got knocked out. The way he described what happened with Harry and England was something to treasure and truly learn from. Great memories. Similarly the 3 Arsenal Invincibles, 2 of them also World Cup Winners in Gilberto and Pires along with Sol Campbell were like a band of brothers. So much banter, so much fun every time we were on a show together. Never felt like we were doing Live TV. It was great Infotainment! Shahrukh Khan joined us for the final and he hit it off with Wayne Rooney instantly. I remember introducing myself to him when he walked in to studio and he very generously replied – ‘Anant, I know who you are. Been watching you for a month every day.‘ Just made my day even before we started the show or before all the congratulatory messages poured in!
This World Cup has given me memories to last a lifetime. Yet, it feels just like the beginning. Excited to use all this experience of sharing a stage with superstars as I move to hosting the IPL for Jio Cinema next.”
Well, like all good things, it had to come to an end but we have had a month of absolute crazy football and what a finale to cap it off with the inimitable Anant Tyagi.
