Cricket Unfiltered

Why can Indian and Pakistani cricketers not simply shake hands? In this episode of Cricket Unfiltered, hosts Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz examine the growing controversy around India-Pakistan cricket, and why the issue of handshakes has become so politically charged.The conversation compares cricket with other sports, including table tennis, hockey and tennis, where Indian and Pakistani athletes have continued to interact. Rajdeep and Nikhil discuss the different rules governing international sports, the role of sporting bodies and the special position cricket occupies in India-Pakistan relations.The episode also looks at the Asia Cup trophy presentation involving Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, the India-Japan cricket match and the controversy surrounding a reversed wide-ball decision, as well as the future of Ajit Agarkar as BCCI chief selector and the major selection calls made during his tenure.Tune In!Produced by Areeb RazaSound mixed by Suraj Singh

On Cricket Unfiltered, Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz examine the deeper crisis facing Pakistan cricket, from its recent poor performances and constant changes in coaches and captains to selection controversies, weak governance and a shrinking pool of international-quality players.They look back at the generations that produced legends such as Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Zaheer Abbas and Wasim Akram and ask why Pakistan is no longer consistently producing players of that calibre. The hosts also compare Pakistan's struggling talent-development structure with India's expanding domestic cricket ecosystem and discuss the importance of academies, age-group cricket and a wider talent pipeline.The episode then turns to the controversial Sky Sports interview with the sons of Imran Khan, the former Pakistani prime minister and cricketer, leading to a heated disagreement between Rajdeep and Nikhil over whether a cricket broadcaster should use its platform to discuss a political and human-rights issue. While one argues that cricket can be a powerful platform for speaking up on issues that affect players and the game, the other warns that bringing politics into sports broadcasts could open the floodgates to partisan agendas.Tune In!Produced by Areeb RazaSound mixed by Suraj Singh

India are heading into the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle with plenty of questions surrounding the team — from selection and injuries to the future structure of Indian cricket.On this episode of Cricket Unfiltered, Nikhil Naz and Rajdeep Sardesai discuss Sarfaraz Khan's return to the Test squad and debate whether he should walk straight into India's XI or whether Dhruv Jurel deserves to retain his place. With Sai Sudharsan unavailable and Devdutt Padikkal making a strong case, the selection puzzle has become even more intriguing ahead of the Sri Lanka series beginning on August 15.The conversation then turns to India's growing injury concerns. Why has the BCCI struggled to find a top sports medicine expert for the Centre of Excellence? Are players being rushed back before they are fully fit? And why does India continue to see key players pick up injuries despite the resources available to the world's richest cricket board?Rajdeep and Nikhil also discuss the growing buzz around VVS Laxman's future and reports that he could be handed a major new assignment in September. Could Laxman become chairman of selectors or take charge of India's Test team? And could Indian cricket eventually move towards separate red-ball and white-ball coaches?Finally, they tackle one of the biggest questions in Indian cricket: is the IPL being prioritised over international cricket? The duo debate player workloads, franchise pressure, the BCCI's relationship with the IPL and whether the entire system needs to become more professional.Tune In!Produced by Areeb RazaSound mixed by Suraj Singh

Will Rohit Sharma still be wearing India's blue jersey at the 2027 ODI World Cup, or is Indian cricket preparing for life after its T20 World Cup-winning captain? That's the big question on this episode of Cricket Unfiltered, where Nikhil Naz and Rajdeep Sardesai take a deep dive into one of the biggest debates in Indian cricket.The hosts examine the reports surrounding Rohit Sharma's ODI future, discuss whether the selectors are already planning a transition, and analyse if his brilliant century at Lord's has changed the conversation. Is Rohit still among India's most valuable ODI players, or should the team start investing in younger talent with the next World Cup just over a year away?The discussion also explores the role of the selectors, Gautam Gambhir's vision for the ODI side, the balance between experience and youth, and whether India's management has communicated a clear roadmap to its senior stars. With the 2027 World Cup approaching, every ODI innings from Rohit Sharma could shape one of the biggest selection decisions in recent Indian cricket.Tune In!Produced by Areeb RazaSound mixed by Rohan Bharti

Why isn't Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the playing XI? It's the question every cricket fan is asking.In this episode, veteran journalists and passionate cricket fans Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz discuss the buzz around Vaibhav's absence, explain why fans shouldn't lose hope, and share why England could be the stage where the young batter gets his opportunity.But the conversation goes beyond team selection. From what cricketers actually do after training sessions and match days to dressing room routines, downtime, travel, and life away from the spotlight, the two offer a fascinating look into the unseen side of professional cricket.Whether you're curious about India's next generation of stars or want a glimpse into the everyday lives of elite cricketers, this episode has plenty of insights.In this episode:Why isn't Vaibhav Sooryavanshi playing?Could England be his breakthrough opportunity?How selectors manage young talentWhat cricketers do after hoursDressing room culture and off-field routinesExclusive insights from Nikhil NazProduced by Taniya DuttaSound mixed by Aman Pal