Never on the Backfoot: A Podcast

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 302 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In a landmark moment for South African cricket, the Proteas lifted their first-ever ICC World Test Championship title with a stunning fourth-innings chase at Lord’s. In this episode, Hariprasad joins us as we take you through the drama of each day—from Pat Cummins’ fiery spell on Day 1 to Aiden Markram’s epic 136 under pressure.We unpack the tactical masterstrokes, leadership grit, clutch performances, and emotional moments that defined this unforgettable final. What does this win mean for South Africa’s legacy? How did they mentally and physically outlast the Aussies in a tense four-day battle?Join us as we relive the highs, lows, and turning points of the WTC Final 2025—an instant classic in the story of Test 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 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 on how it could all unfold. Whether you’re a die-hard Test cricket fan or just tuning in for the spectacle, this episode gets you fully match-ready. 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!

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 overlooked stories, from the silent stands of 2013 to the rising roar of 2025 — we talk about what it means to care, to document, to dream, and to celebrate the women who play this beautiful game.It’s about cricket. It’s about love. It’s about finding your voice in the quiet and cheering even when the world isn’t watching. This one’s for every fan who stayed — and everyone finally tuning in. 💙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 also 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!

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. We also analyze Sri Lanka’s commendable run to the final, South Africa’s missed opportunities, and the tactical adjustments that defined key moments throughout the series. Tune in for a comprehensive discussion on standout players, crucial turning points, and what this series means for all three teams heading into the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025.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!

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 push for four-day women's games?Then, we shift gears to preview the upcoming Women’s Tri-Series in Sri Lanka, with the World Cup on the horizon. From Harmanpreet Kaur's return to fresh call-ups for Kashvee Gautam, Shuchi Upadhyay, and N Shree Charani, we unpack India’s squad selection, discuss notable omissions like Shafali Verma, and spotlight who could emerge as X-factors in this crucial preparatory series.Tune in for insights, tactical takes, and a pulse check on India’s ODI roadmap!Thank you so much listeners for tuning in to this episode and for your unstinted support. Please follow and press the bell icon on Spotify and stay tuned. Do check out @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram and Threads and @neverontheback1 on Twitter (now called X) for the latest facts, updates, fresh content and a lot more coming up this cricket season. The podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Spotify for Podcasters and many other platforms and spread the word. Never on the Backfoot is also on YouTube so don’t forget to subscribe to the channel and stay tuned for a lot of insightful content coming up there as well. Until next time, stay safe and take care, listeners.

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 match fees, or should equity be about the full picture—contracts, infrastructure, and investment? Are World Cup venues like Mullanpur and Raipur truly geared for a global event, or does this reflect missed ambition? And why is the WPL, despite its early success, being kept from growing? Join us for a sharp, no-nonsense conversation on the decisions that are quietly shaping the future of women’s cricket in India. On the podcast today for this discussion, we have Prathik Desai joining us. He is a chartered accountant/finance guy who now writes crypto for a living and has grown up from worshipping cricket to critiquing it in the past two decades. The podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Spotify for Podcasters and many other platforms and spread the word. Do check out @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram and Threads and @neverontheback1 on Twitter (now called X) for the latest facts, updates, fresh content and a lot more coming up this cricket season. Never on the Backfoot is also on YouTube so don’t forget to subscribe to the channel and stay tuned for a lot of insightful content coming up there as well. Until next time, stay safe and take care, listeners. Bye for now.

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 Knight’s legacy, the ECB’s wide-ranging review, and what’s next for England Women’s cricket. With potential coaching candidates like Charlotte Edwards and a new captain on the horizon, we discuss the road ahead for the team.Tune in for a deep dive into England’s struggles, leadership transition, and the impact of these changes on the future of women’s cricket.The podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Spotify for Podcasters and many other platforms and spread the word. Do check out @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram and Threads and @neverontheback1 on Twitter (now called X) for the latest facts, updates, fresh content and a lot more coming up this cricket season. 

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 of the next auction.We also analyze top performers, including the Orange and Purple Cap winners, and revisit our favourite individual performances of the season. How did India’s top stars fare? Which young talents put their names forward for international selection?Beyond just WPL 2025, we tackle larger discourses—how does the league compare to WBBL, WCPL & The Hundred? Is the WPL ready for expansion? Have the league’s overall standards evolved from Season 1 to now? Finally, we reveal our Team of the Tournament and outline what lies ahead for WPL teams and the league itself. Tune in for a thoughtful and engaging discussion on the state of WPL and its future!Please follow and press the bell icon on Spotify and stay tuned. The podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Spotify for Podcasters and many other platforms and spread the word. Do check out @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram and Threads and @neverontheback1 on Twitter (now called X) for the latest facts, updates, fresh content and a lot more coming up this cricket season. 

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 had its own story. We break down Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s unexpected downfall, UP Warriorz' efforts to find consistency, and Gujarat Giants' attempts to turn their fortunes around. With tactical decisions, key matchups, and the biggest talking points from the season, this episode brings you the ultimate WPL 2025 post-season analysis.The podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Spotify for Podcasters and many other platforms and spread the word. Do check out @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram and Threads and @neverontheback1 on Twitter (now called X) for the latest facts, updates, fresh content and a lot more coming up this cricket season. Until next time, stay safe and take care, listeners. Bye for now.

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 maestroHis pivotal role in Australia’s 2015 & 2023 World Cup triumphsThe most iconic moments from his ODI careerWho steps up in his absence? What does this mean for Australia’s 2027 World Cup plans?Smith’s future in Test and T20 cricket—what’s next?Join us as we break down the highs, the impact, and the lasting legacy of Steve Smith in ODI cricket.On the podcast today for this discussion, we have Soorya Sesha joining us. Thank you so much listeners for tuning in to this episode and for your unstinted support. Please follow and press the bell icon on Spotify and stay tuned. Do check out @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram and Threads and @neverontheback1 on Twitter (now called X) for the latest facts, updates, fresh content and a lot more coming up this cricket season. The podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Spotify for Podcasters and many other platforms and spread the word. Never on the Backfoot is also on YouTube so don’t forget to subscribe to the channel and stay tuned for a lot of insightful content coming up there as well. Until next time, stay safe and take care, listeners!