NDTV Exclusive: Australian Umpire Ben Treloar Lauds Indian Spinners, Mesmerised by Delhi's Festive Spirit And Spices

Australian umpire Ben Treload spoke about learning in foreign conditions and his experince.© X (Twitter)

A Ranji Trophy clash at Palam in Delhi threw up a rare spectacle - over 1,100 runs in under four days, three big centuries, and a unique experience for an Australian umpire. As part of the 2026-27 BCCI-Cricket Australia Umpire Exchange Programme, Australian umpire Ben Treloar is officiating in two Ranji Trophy games in India, while India's Parashar Joshi will officiate in the Sheffield Shield and One-Day Cup in Australia. In an exclusive chat with NDTV, the award-winning umpire spoke about learning in foreign conditions, the challenge of flat Ranji tracks, and the accuracy of Indian spinners.

On the opportunity: "It's incredibly challenging to come into a foreign environment. It's first-class cricket here in India. It's been challenging but a lot of fun. The great thing is being put under pressure in different conditions and learning more about yourself," Treloar said.

On the difference between Indian and Australian pitches: "This black soil pitch [Palam Ground, Delhi] stayed low as the game progressed and didn't break up at all. Standing at one end for four days with only four overs at the other end was a new experience. In Australia, we change ends within the first couple of days."

It was also a personal first: "First time I've umpired an innings where a team scored 650. The other team then scored 460-odd. While it may be flat, that doesn't mean it's easy."

He added the weather was a pleasant surprise: "30-31 degrees, light breeze. Very similar to home. A perfect introduction rather than 38 degrees and 100% humidity."

On tackling Indian spin: "We had quite a bit of spin this week, more in the second innings. The spinners here are incredibly gifted. Their art is honed, they are very accurate."

"In Australia, we generally see more quicks because conditions have more bounce and grass, so spinners come in later. I was really looking forward to being put under pressure by spinners here. In Mumbai, with red soil, I expect more bounce and turn."

On the exchange programme: "It's massive for us. All our umpires strive for it. When I got the call to come to India, it meant a lot."

He recalled umpiring with Karnataka's Abhijit Bengeri in Perth last year. "He came to Australia and experienced pace at the WACA and then the Gabba. He performed incredibly well. We umpires still talk about how well he fitted in. It's an incredible opportunity."

On nerves before Ranji debut: "Oh yeah, slightly. Good nerves, anticipation. We came four days early to acclimatise. Driving to the ground on day one, I was excited. Once that first over is done, you're into another game of cricket, trying to be fair to all players."

He praised the camaraderie among match officials: "We had a great PCT with Vinod, Arjun and the match referee. So welcoming. It made for a seamless transition."

From player to umpire: Treloar played till he was 23, having started at 11. At 16, he did a Laws of Cricket course with his dad. After three consecutive summers playing in Australia and the UK, he completed his Level 2 with the New South Wales Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association. He juggled playing premier cricket on Saturdays and umpiring on Sundays before switching full-time at 24. "It's been a 21-year journey."

Off the field: The Aussie has already embraced India. Landing at 2 a.m. in Delhi, he spent 10 hours touring the city during the festive season. "I visited local restaurants, went to markets and bought spices. I love cooking Indian food back home. The food here is incredible - I think I've already put on a little weight," he laughed.

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