She is back as host on Extraa Innings T20. Mandira Bedi, live from South Africa

How does it feel to be back on a cricket-oriented show?
Superb, I’m really happy to do what I love doing most.

The first time you anchored Extraa Innings there were criticisms galore. Is your cricketing knowledge better now?
I’ll tell you something: The first time around when I realised that I was going to host a show on cricket, I decided to do my homework well in advance. I read up many books on cricket and tried to gain as much knowledge as I could. But it did not help at all. I got slammed by everybody, ‘What does she know about cricket?’, ‘What is she doing on the show?’ was a common refrain.

So, this time, I haven’t treaded that path. I love the game and represent the common man who is passionate about cricket and that’s what matters. My questions reflect what a layman wants to know from cricketers, team owners and coaches.

What else is new?
Last time, the show was analysis-heavy with cricketing experts and commentators giving their opinions on the game. The discussion was quite dry. Also, despite being in Cape Town for the World Cup, I was sitting in a studio watching the match on a 14-inch screen. This time, I am juggling between the studio and the stadium. Being in the thick of things, watching the ground being dug out, expressions of the players, it’s really fun. I was used to anchoring the 50-over matches but this is the first time that I am hosting a T20 match. It is such an exciting format, it has successfully captured the imagination of people and has a great India connect.

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