Never on the Backfoot: A Podcast

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 301 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this special preview episode, Lakshit joins us as we set the stage for the World Test Championship Final 2025, diving into everything you need to know before the big showdown at Lord’s.  We break down team form, key players to watch, tactical battles, pitch conditions, historical context and other discourses—plus our predictions...

For the 300th episode of the podcast, we’re doing something special — and personal. As India prepares to host the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, I’m turning the mic around. In this episode, my mom interviews me about my decade-long journey as a fan of women’s cricket — how it started, what’s changed, and why this World Cup at home means more than just another tournament. From late-night matches to ove...

Welcome to Episode 299 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. India emerged victorious in the Women’s Tri-Nation ODI Series 2025, defeating Sri Lanka and South Africa to claim the title.  In this episode, Estelle Vasudevan joins us as we break down all the major talking points – from Smriti Mandhana’s match-winning century in the final to Sneh Rana’s standout performances with the ball. and a lot more....

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 298 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode we’re joined by Prajin for a double-duty deep dive — first into the Senior Women’s Multi Day Challenger Trophy 2025. We break down performances, formats, and frustrations from the recently concluded red-ball competition. Was Team D's dominance expected? Did the toss play too big a role in results? And should we...

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 297 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. This episode takes a deep dive into the current state of the women’s game in India. From the BCCI’s recently announced central contracts to the surprising venue choices for the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, and the decision to stall WPL expansion, we break down what each of these developments really means. Is equal pay just about mat...

In a shocking shake-up, England faces a major leadership overhaul. Heather Knight steps down as captain after an eight-year tenure, while head coach Jon Lewis is dismissed following England’s disastrous 16-0 Ashes loss and a disappointing T20 World Cup 2024 campaign. What went wrong for England? Was this purely a coaching failure, or are there deeper structural issues? Rosa joins us as we analyze...

As the dust settles on another thrilling season of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025, Janani of Sportsy Mathsy Tales fame joins us to take a deep dive into the biggest talking points from the tournament. From the high-stakes Eliminator and Final to Mumbai Indians’ consistent dominance and Delhi Capitals’ campaign, we break down what worked, what didn’t, and what teams need to rethink ahead...

The Women's Premier League 2025 season was a rollercoaster of performances, surprises, and defining moments.  In this episode, Rishab hops on as we take a deep dive into how each team fared, analyzing their strengths, struggles, and standout players. From Delhi Capitals' relentless push for the title under Meg Lanning to Mumbai Indians winning their 2nd WPl crown, every team's journey...

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 293 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. Australia’s modern-day great, Steve Smith, has announced his retirement from ODI cricket, leaving behind a legacy of 5800 runs, 12 centuries, and two World Cup trophies.  But what does this mean for Australia’s future in the format? In this episode, we dive deep into: Smith’s rise from a leg-spinner to a middle-order maestro His pi...

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 292 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast.  In this episode, we take a deep dive into Vidarbha’s incredible 2024-25 campaign, from their dominant league stage performances to their hard-fought victory in the final against Kerala.  We break down the key moments, standout players like Karun Nair, Danish Malewar, and record-breaking spinner Harsh Dubey, and the team’s resurgen...

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 291 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. Halfway through WPL 2025, and the race for the playoffs is heating up! In this episode, Rishab joins us to break down the performances of all six teams, analyzing their strengths, struggles, and standout players. Join us as we dissect captaincy calls, tactical shifts, and game-changing performances, and predict what’s in store for...

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 290 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast.  The future of women’s cricket was on full display at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025! India clinched the trophy, showcasing their dominance and future stars on the global stage! In this episode, Mohit Shah joins us as we break down the standout performances, emerging stars, and key moments that shaped the tournament. Who do...

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 289 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. The Women's Premier League 2025 is here, and we’ve got you covered with an all-encompassing preview! From squad breakdowns and key player battles to tactical insights and emerging talents, this episode dives deep into what to expect this season. In this episode, we are looking at UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants. Which teams have...

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 288 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. Get ready for an exciting deep dive into the heavyweights of the Women's Premier League 2025! In this episode, Juili and I are breaking down the top contenders – Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Mumbai Indians (MI).  We’ll analyze their squad strengths, key player matchups, and what to expect from eac...

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 287 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, Janani joins us to break down the Women's Ashes 2025, dissecting England’s struggles and Australia’s dominance across all formats.  From England's selection challenges and Heather Knight's leadership to Australia’s commanding performances– we analyze each ODI and T20I match, including the crushing Test...

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 286 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating yet challenging phase of Virat Kohli's Test career, focusing on his struggles against deliveries outside the off-stump.  Join us as we analyze the technical, mental, and tactical nuances of Kohli’s approach, his adjustments over the years, and how age, luck, and modern bowling...

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 285 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we’re diving into the Senior Women’s One Day Trophy and the Senior Women’s One Day Challenger Trophy 2025.  Joining us is Prajin of Women's CricCraze fame, as we reflect on two exhilarating tournaments that showcased the depth and brilliance of Indian women’s cricket. We discuss Railways' dip in dominance,...

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 284 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we dive deep into India’s emphatic 3-0 ODI series win against Ireland in Rajkot and we unpack all the action and storylines from the series! We kick off by discussing India’s dominant performance, the choice of Rajkot as the sole venue, and whether a multi-format series would have been better. From Smriti Mandhana...

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 283 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we tackle one of the most debated topics in modern cricket: the proposed two-tier system for Test cricket. With the International Cricket Council (ICC) reportedly discussing plans to restructure the World Test Championship, we explore what this could mean for the sport's future. We delve into the financial, politic...

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 282 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we dive into an in-depth discussion about the Indian Women’s cricket team, reflecting on their recent performances and future prospects. Join us as Juili shares her insights on India’s ODI template, their preparation leading into a crucial World Cup year, and the strategies they need to employ for success. We break...

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 281 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we dive deep into the psychological and emotional landscape of the IPL & WPL 2025 auctions. From the immense pressure on young players purchased for eye-watering sums to the heartache faced by those left unsold, we explore the mental toll that comes with being part of cricket's most lucrative tournament.  How d...

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 280 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. Today, we have a special guest joining us on the Podcast. She is a rising star from the UAE national cricket team, Kavisha Kumari Egodage! A talented all-rounder, Kavisha has made her mark on the international stage, showing both passion and skill in every match. From her early days in cricket to representing the UAE in global tour...

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 279 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we dive deep into the often-overlooked aspect of cricket: the mental game. Our guest is a seasoned mental strengthening coach who works with individuals to enhance their focus, resilience, and psychological well-being on and off the field.  Whether it’s handling pressure in a crucial match, recovering from a slump...

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 278 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of cricket statistics with a passionate data enthusiast - Kausthub Gudipati known for sharing captivating facts and trivia about both men's and women's cricket. Join us as we explore his journey from casual fan to stats aficionado, uncovering the moments that sparked his love...

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 277 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we dive into the announcement of Pakistan women's cricket central contracts for 2024-25. We’ll explore what this means for the future of women’s cricket in the country, and how these contracts could shape the next generation of players.  Join us as we break down the key highlights, analyzing both the hits and misse...