Cricket Unfiltered

Is Indian cricket on the verge of a major reset? And why do some of the biggest controversies from cricket's past refuse to go away?In this explosive conversation, veteran journalists and cricket enthusiasts Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz debate whether Shreyas Iyer should replace Suryakumar Yadav as India's T20 captain and discuss what the ideal Indian T20 playing XI should look like going forward.The two also take on the hottest selection debate in Indian cricket: Is teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi truly ready for the international stage, or is India rushing its newest prodigy?But the conversation doesn't stop there.From the shadow cast by the underworld on cricket through the years and allegations of threats to players, to the enduring fascination surrounding Dawood Ibrahim, the discussion explores some of the sport's darkest chapters.The episode also examines why former IPL architect Lalit Modi and businessman Vijay Mallya continue to command attention from London, years after leaving India. How did they shape modern cricket? Why do their interviews still make headlines? And what do their stories say about power, money and influence in Indian sport?From captaincy battles and selection controversies to IPL politics and cricket's murky past, this is a conversation that spans the full spectrum of Indian cricket.Produced by Taniya DuttaSound mixed by Rohan Bharti

Were fast bowlers of the past actually quicker or has modern cricket taken pace to another level? In this episode of Cricket Unfiltered, journalists and cricket enthusiasts Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz go head-to-head on a fascinating generational debate, comparing legends like Jeff Thomson with today’s stars Pat Cummins and Jofra Archer. From uncovered pitches and minimal protection to today’s high-tech gear, fitness regimes, and bowling machines—has evolution made cricketers faster or just smarter? The conversation also dives into the IPL era, rising names like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and the big question: is Mumbai or Delhi the true capital of Indian cricket today? Plus, a surprising cultural twist—how legends like Asha Bhosle and Madhubala shared a deep love for the game. Tune in! Produced by Taniya Dutta Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti

In this engaging podcast, journalists and passionate cricket fans Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz dive deep into the origins and evolution of the Indian Premier League—unpacking the vision behind the tournament, the role of figures like Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya, and how the league transformed cricket into a global spectacle. More than 18 years on, they explore why the IPL continues to thrive, spotlighting its impact in bringing talent from smaller towns and villages to the big stage. The conversation also touches upon the meteoric rise of young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, his remarkable performances at just 15, and inevitable comparisons with legend Sachin Tendulkar. Set against the backdrop of the ongoing IPL season, this discussion blends cricket, business, and storytelling to decode one of India’s biggest sporting phenomena. Produced by Taniya Dutta Sound mixed by Aman Pal