Never on the Backfoot: A Podcast

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 347 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we dive into one of the most defining debates in the modern Indian Premier League: the relevance of star culture in a league that may be rapidly evolving beyond it.From the towering influence of icons like MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the shifting identities of franchises, this episode explores whether teams have historically been built around individuals or systems and what that means in 2026.We take a closer look at the contrasting trajectories of legacy teams like Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, questioning whether their current struggles reflect a temporary dip or a deeper structural challenge tied to delayed transition and evolving T20 dynamics.At the same time, we examine the transformation of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, are they finally moving beyond a one-player narrative and the rise of system-driven teams like Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals, who seem to be thriving without being anchored to a single superstar.The conversation also moves beyond the field to unpack the role of fan expectations, brand value, and commercial pressure in shaping team decisions. Are franchises truly free to rebuild, or are they bound by the emotional weight of their icons?This episode ultimately asks the bigger question: Is the IPL transitioning from “teams built around stars” to “teams that create stars” and what does sustained success really require in today’s game: stability or constant evolution?

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 345 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we dive deep into the Senior Women’s Inter Zonal Multi-Day Trophy, breaking down every stage of the tournament — from the closely contested quarter-finals to a gripping final that was ultimately decided on a first-innings lead.Joining us on the show is Prajin, as we unpack key moments, standout performances, and tactical nuances that defined the competition. We begin with West Zone’s hard-fought win over Central Zone, highlighting Pratika Rawal’s fighting century and the importance of collective batting efforts. The conversation then shifts to North Zone’s dominant innings victory over North East Zone, powered by Priya Punia’s commanding hundred.As we move into the semi-finals, we explore West Zone’s control against East Zone and North Zone’s narrow edge over South Zone in a game shaped by Tanisha Singh’s resilience and Preeti Bose’s exceptional bowling spell.The episode culminates with a detailed discussion on the final between West Zone and North Zone — a match defined by a monumental 231-run partnership between Sushma Verma and Ayushi Soni, and Verma’s extraordinary double century that showcased patience, endurance, and elite red-ball temperament.We also reflect on the tournament as a whole — identifying standout performers, debating the effectiveness of the first-innings lead rule, and discussing whether the competition deserves a longer, more expansive format in the future.If you enjoy in-depth cricket analysis, storytelling, and conversations that go beyond the scorecard, this episode is for you.

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 343 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we’re diving into the Senior Women’s One Day Trophy [Elite and Plate] and the Senior Women’s Inter Zonal One Day Trophy 2026.Joining us is Prajin, as we unpack the structure of the Elite and Plate divisions and what this segregation means for competitiveness and player development across the circuit. From tightly contested group stages to high-stakes knockouts, we break down the most competitive groups, standout matches, and key performers who lit up the tournament.We also analyze the road to the final — from gripping Pre-Quarter Finals and Quarter Finals to surprising Semi-Final outcomes culminating in Delhi’s title-winning campaign against Railways. What made Delhi so dominant this season? Which players stood out the most? And what trends can we take away from this year’s competition?Shifting focus to the Plate division, we discuss Bihar’s commanding run and what it says about emerging teams in the domestic setup.The episode also covers the return of the Inter Zonal One Day Trophy, where we assess each zone’s performance from Central Zone’s clinical, title-winning run to West Zone’s strong campaign, and the mixed fortunes of other zones. We revisit the most memorable matches, key takeaways, and what this tournament means for the future of domestic women’s cricket in India. Tune in for a comprehensive review filled with insights, analysis, and appreciation of the depth in India’s women’s cricket pipeline.

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 341 of the Never on the Backfoot Podcast. The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026 gave us far more than just four qualification spots. Across conditions in Nepal, teams from five regions pushed, adapted, stumbled, and surprised — revealing just how much the global women’s game is evolving.In this episode, Sudeshna Bhattarai joins us to break down the tournament beyond the scorecards. We discuss how early assumptions around team hierarchies were challenged, which sides truly understood the conditions, and how adaptability often mattered more than experience.From Bangladesh’s measured dominance and Ireland’s understated efficiency to Scotland and the Netherlands navigating pressure in different ways, we assess what actually separated the qualifiers from the rest. We also dive into the campaigns of Thailand, USA, PNG, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and host Nepal — unpacking identity, preparation gaps, momentum swings, and the psychological weight of expectations.The episode also zooms out to ask the bigger questions: with a 16-team Women’s T20 World Cup on the horizon, does this Qualifier finally feel like a real pathway? And which of the qualified teams looks best placed to compete — not just participate — on the world stage?A tournament shaped by conditions, clarity, and consequence — this is a deep-dive into what the Qualifier really told us about the present and future of women’s international cricket.Thank you so much for tuning in to today’s episode and for your incredible support. If you haven’t already, make sure to hit the follow button and tap the bell icon on Spotify to stay updated with every new episode.Stay connected with us on social media – follow @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram and Threads, and @neverontheback1 on Twitter (now X) for the latest cricket insights, fresh content, and much more throughout this action-packed season.You can also catch the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify for Podcasters, and many other streaming platforms. Plus, Never on the Backfoot is now on YouTube, so don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive, in-depth content coming your way.Thanks again for all your love and support. Until next time, stay safe, take care, and keep enjoying the game. Bye for now!

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 339 of the Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we break down the WPL 2026 Mega Auction with Janani — not just the biggest stories and boldest bids, but how each team actually stacks up heading into the new season.From Deepti Sharma’s record signing to the shock of unsold internationals and the surge of new sponsorship money reshaping the league, we unpack the forces driving this auction. Team by team, we assess what each franchise now looks like on paper — Mumbai’s continuity-driven core, UP’s all-rounder-heavy firepower, RCB’s smart rebuild, Delhi’s evolution beyond the Lanning era, and Gujarat’s high-risk, high-reward balance.Who built the most complete squad? Who left gaps unanswered? And which teams truly nailed their auction strategy? Fast, sharp and packed with insight, this episode is your definitive guide to how WPL 2026 is shaping up. Thank you so much for tuning in to today’s episode and for your incredible support. If you haven’t already, make sure to hit the follow button and tap the bell icon on Spotify to stay updated with every new episode.Stay connected with us on social media – follow @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram and Threads, and @neverontheback1 on Twitter (now X) for the latest cricket insights, fresh content, and much more throughout this action-packed season.You can also catch the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify for Podcasters, and many other streaming platforms. Plus, Never on the Backfoot is now on YouTube, so don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive, in-depth content coming your way.Thanks again for all your love and support. Until next time, stay safe, take care, and keep enjoying the game. Bye for now!

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 338 [Part 1] of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. We dive into a complete, team-by-team review of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. From India’s historic title-winning run to South Africa’s rise, Australia’s rare struggles, England’s inconsistency, New Zealand’s missed moments, and the spirited campaigns of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan – we leave no storyline unexplored.Joining us is Janani, who brings sharp insight, clarity, and data-driven analysis as we break down every team’s journey. In Part 1– we look at first talking points from the World Cup and then look at the journeys of World champions India, South Africa and Australia.Thank you so much for tuning in to today’s episode and for your incredible support. If you haven’t already, make sure to hit the follow button and tap the bell icon on Spotify to stay updated with every new episode.Stay connected with us on social media – follow @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram and Threads, and @neverontheback1 on Twitter (now X) for the latest cricket insights, fresh content, and much more throughout this action-packed season.You can also catch the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify for Podcasters, and many other streaming platforms. Plus, Never on the Backfoot is now on YouTube, so don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive, in-depth content coming your way.Thanks again for all your love and support. Until next time, stay safe, take care, and keep enjoying the game. Bye for now!

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 336 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. It’s been a week of contrasts at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 — from Sri Lanka’s commanding batting displays at home to South Africa’s ruthless precision, and from Australia’s clinical dominance to Pakistan’s heartbreak under grey Colombo skies. Across these matches, weather interruptions, tactical battles, and individual brilliance have all shaped the narrative. In this episode, we break down the key moments from Matches 15 through 19 — the partnerships that turned games, the bowling spells that shifted momentum, and the rain that refused to stay away.Thank you so much for tuning in to today’s episode and for your incredible support. If you haven’t already, make sure to hit the follow button and tap the bell icon on Spotify to stay updated with every new episode.Stay connected with us on social media – follow @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram and Threads, and @neverontheback1 on Twitter (now X) for the latest cricket insights, fresh content, and much more throughout this action-packed season.You can also catch the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify for Podcasters, and many other streaming platforms. Plus, Never on the Backfoot is now on YouTube, so don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive, in-depth content coming your way.Thanks again for all your love and support. Until next time, stay safe, take care, and keep enjoying the game. Bye for now!

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 334 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. From India’s composed dominance over Pakistan to South Africa’s statement chase in Indore, England’s tricky pursuit against Bangladesh and Australia’s heist versus Pakistan— this episode breaks down a week full of defining moments at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. We revisit Kranti Goud’s game-changing spell, Tazmin Brits’ elegant century, Heather Knight’s calm masterclass and Beth Mooney’s breathtaking knock, while also diving into the resilience shown by teams like Bangladesh and Pakistan. Join us as we unpack intent, composure, and the evolving tactical edge across these crucial group-stage clashes — setting the tone for what’s shaping up to be a gripping tournament.Thank you so much for tuning in to today’s episode and for your incredible support. If you haven’t already, make sure to hit the follow button and tap the bell icon on Spotify to stay updated with every new episode.Stay connected with us on social media – follow @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram and Threads, and @neverontheback1 on Twitter (now X) for the latest cricket insights, fresh content, and much more throughout this action-packed season.You can also catch the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify for Podcasters, and many other streaming platforms. Plus, Never on the Backfoot is now on YouTube, so don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive, in-depth content coming your way.Thanks again for all your love and support. Until next time, stay safe, take care, and keep enjoying the game. Bye for now!

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 332 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. The 2022 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup was more than just a tournament — it was a showcase of skill, resilience, and the evolving power of women’s cricket on the global stage. In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of the World Cup, starting from the qualifying journey, pre-tournament build-up, and intense warm-up matches, to the drama and unpredictability of the group stage.We analyze each team’s campaign, highlight the standout performers, and revisit the game-changing moments that defined the tournament. From Australia’s dominant run to England’s thrilling clashes, India’s high-scoring feats, and the fighting spirit of South Africa, New Zealand, West Indies, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, we reflect on the stories, struggles, and triumphs that shaped this edition.Finally, we break down the semi-finals and the nail-biting final, discussing the strategies, performances, and moments that decided the ultimate champion. Join us as we explore the legacy of the 2022 Women’s ODI World Cup, the impact it had on visibility and competitiveness, and the lessons it offers for the future of women’s cricket worldwide.Thank you so much for tuning in to today’s episode and for your incredible support. If you haven’t already, make sure to hit the follow button and tap the bell icon on Spotify to stay updated with every new episode.Stay connected with us on social media – follow @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram and Threads, and @neverontheback1 on Twitter (now X) for the latest cricket insights, fresh content, and much more throughout this action-packed season.You can also catch the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify for Podcasters, and many other streaming platforms. Plus, Never on the Backfoot is now on YouTube, so don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive, in-depth content coming your way.Thanks again for all your love and support. Until next time, stay safe, take care, and keep enjoying the game. Bye for now!

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 330 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. Pakistan have named a youthful yet ambitious squad for the Women’s World Cup 2025, with Fatima Sana leading the side for the first time in the tournament. Uncapped batter Eyman Fatima headlines the selections, while experienced names like Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, and Diana Baig strengthen the core. In this episode, Janani of Sportsy Mathsy Tales joins us as we break down the squad player by player—examining Pakistan’s batting depth, bowling strengths, wicketkeeping options, and the X-factors who could shape their campaign. From the return of Sadaf Shamas to the spin resources of Nashra Sandhu and Syeda Aroob Shah, we ask: does this squad have what it takes to push Pakistan into the knockout stages?Thank you so much for tuning in to today’s episode and for your incredible support. If you haven’t already, make sure to hit the follow button and tap the bell icon on Spotify to stay updated with every new episode.Stay connected with us on social media – follow @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram and Threads, and @neverontheback1 on Twitter (now X) for the latest cricket insights, fresh content, and much more throughout this action-packed season.You can also catch the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify for Creators, and many other streaming platforms. Plus, Never on the Backfoot is now on YouTube, so don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive, in-depth content coming your way.Thanks again for all your love and support. Until next time, stay safe, take care, and keep enjoying the game. Bye for now!

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 328 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. Sri Lanka’s squad for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 presents a fascinating balance of experience and youth. In this episode, we take a closer look at their overall composition — from Chamari Athapaththu’s pivotal role as captain and leading run-scorer to the stability offered by Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshi de Silva, and Inoka Ranaweera. We evaluate the impact of Udeshika Prabodhani’s return on the pace unit, the depth of Sri Lanka’s spin core in subcontinental conditions, and the potential of emerging players like Kavisha Dilhari and Dewmi Vihanga to shape the campaign. With Sri Lanka co-hosting alongside India, we also analyze how home conditions, squad dynamics, and their historical record could influence their chances in the tournament opener and beyond.Thank you so much for tuning in to today’s episode and for your incredible support. If you haven’t already, make sure to hit the follow button and tap the bell icon on Spotify to stay updated with every new episode.Stay connected with us on social media – follow @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram and Threads, and @neverontheback1 on Twitter (now X) for the latest cricket insights, fresh content, and much more throughout this action-packed season.You can also catch the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify for Podcasters, and many other streaming platforms. Plus, Never on the Backfoot is now on YouTube, so don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive, in-depth content coming your way.Thanks again for all your love and support. Until next time, stay safe, take care, and keep enjoying the game. Bye for now!

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 326 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we revisit the 2013 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup — a tournament that was as dramatic off the field as it was on it. Hosted in India under the shadow of administrative decisions, last-minute venue shifts, and limited visibility, the event nonetheless produced unforgettable cricketing moments. From Sri Lanka’s stunning upsets and India’s faltering campaign, to West Indies’ fairytale run and Australia’s dominance, Ankit joins us to trace the highs, lows, and legacies of this edition. Along the way, we explore how the discourse around women’s cricket was shaped in 2013 and how it paved the way for the professional era we see today.Thank you so much for tuning in to today’s episode and for your incredible support. If you haven’t already, make sure to hit the follow button and tap the bell icon on Spotify to stay updated with every new episode.Stay connected with us on social media – follow @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram and Threads, and @neverontheback1 on Twitter (now X) for the latest cricket insights, fresh content, and much more throughout this action-packed season.You can also catch the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify for Podcasters, and many other streaming platforms. Plus, Never on the Backfoot is now on YouTube, so don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive, in-depth content coming your way.Thanks again for all your love and support. Until next time, stay safe, take care, and keep enjoying the game. Bye for now!