Never on the Backfoot: A Podcast

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 276 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we will discuss and review the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy 2024–25 and this was the 16th edition. The tournament took place between 17th October and 12th November 2024. 37 teams competed in the tournament, divided into two groups of eight and three groups of seven, playing each other side in their group once. The winner of each group and one second placed team progressed straight to the quarter-finals, whilst the other second-placed teams in each group progressed to the pre-quarter-finals.  The groups worked on a points system with positions within the groups being based on the total points. Mumbai won the tournament this time. This episode will discuss the tournament and everything about it! On the podcast today for this discussion, we have Prajin from Kerala. He follows women's cricket passionately and handles Women’s CricCraze. 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, Google 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 275 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. The ICC has unveiled the 2025-2029 Future Tours Programme, which outlines the fixtures for the fourth edition of the ICC Women’s Championship. This cycle, set to shape the lineup for the 2029 Women’s Cricket World Cup, will expand to feature 11 teams – one more than the current 10. Notably, Zimbabwe will make their debut in the tournament, marking a significant step toward broader global representation in women’s cricket. The second women’s FTP that runs from May 2025 to April 2029, is a collective effort from its Members with the support of the ICC and aims to provide clarity around international fixtures across all three international formats with about 400 matches confirmed for the period. In this episode, we discuss the FTP and its implications for the world of women’s cricket. On the podcast today for this discussion, we have Mohit Shah joining us. He is a freelance journalist who has been associated with ESPNcricinfo, ESPN and Women's CricZone in the past. A self-proclaimed cricket vegetable, he loves talking and reading about Olympic sports, kabaddi, and movies as well. 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 274 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. As the 2025 Women's Premier League (WPL) season approaches, anticipation is building around the strategic decisions made by franchises during the retention and release window.  This critical phase, where teams lock in their core squads and part ways with players, sets the tone for the upcoming season’s dynamics.  In this review and analysis, we’ll dive into the key trends, standout decisions, and potential impacts of the retention and release choices made by each WPL franchise. From high-profile player movements to tactical reshuffling, this analysis will break down the most significant moves and what they mean for the future of the league.  On the podcast today for this discussion, we have Janani joining us. She is a Semi-Technical/Mathematical Product Marketer and Sport Enthusiast. She has been following Women’s Cricket for a decade now and loves how the game and the IWCT have grown. 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 273 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we dive into the evolving pathways and challenges facing Associate nations in women’s cricket as they strive for a place for equality.  With recent decisions of the ICC, tying ODI status to T20I rankings and new qualification criteria that could reward strategic inactivity, questions arise about fairness and merit. We also look at the unintended consequences of current ranking rules, and what these changes mean for the growth of women’s cricket worldwide. Is the ICC’s approach helping or hindering the rise of smaller cricketing nations?  On the podcast today for this discussion, we have Bertus de Jong. He is a freelance journalist who has been covering associate nations cricket for 15 years, and now primarily writes for Cricbuzz. You can follow him on Twitter for his work on @BdJcricket. Meanwhile, if you are new here 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 272 [Part 2] of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this two-part episode series, we’re engaging in an in-depth exploration of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024! Kalyani Mangale joins us again. We’ll dive into the team performances, takeaways, observations, individual standout performances, unexpected upsets, and defining moments that shaped the tournament. In Part 2, we look at the subcontinent teams- India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and even look at Scotland. Let’s get underway. Thank you so much listeners for tuning in to this two-part episode series 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 272 [Part 1] of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this two-part episode series, we’re engaging in an in-depth exploration of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024! We’ll dive into the team performances, takeaways, observations, individual standout performances, unexpected upsets, and defining moments that shaped the tournament. In Part 1, we look at New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies, Australia and England. From analyzing key matches to discussing player highlights and tactical trends, this episode promises a comprehensive review of all the action on the field. On the podcast today for this discussion, we have Kalyani Mangale joining us. She is a reporter and sub-editor at The New Indian Express. 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.  Stay tuned for Part 2!

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 271 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the thrilling conclusion of the recently wrapped IND vs NZ women’s series. It was a contest filled with unforgettable moments, standout performances, and intense competition that kept fans on the edge of their seats. In this episode, we’ll break down each match, highlighting key moments that defined the series. We’ll also discuss our top performers, examining who made the biggest impact on the field and what their performances meant for the team. Plus, we’ll share our takeaways and observations from the series, reflecting on trends, strategies, and what both teams can learn moving forward. On the podcast today for this discussion, we have Janhavi Nilekani who is a public health professional, an avid watcher of women’s cricket, and an Indian woman’s team fan. 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.  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. 🌻

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 270 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we're celebrating a monumental moment in cricket history: New Zealand's stunning T20 World Cup victory!  Join us as we delve into the significance of this historic win, not just for the team but for the entire landscape of women's cricket. We’ll explore the journey traversed by NZ in the World Cup, top performers, what worked and didn’t and highlight the dedication and resilience of the players, and examine how this triumph is paving the way for the next generation of cricketers. On the podcast today for this discussion, we have Jeet who is a freelance strategy & recruitment consultant who works with players across the globe in men's & women's cricket. 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, Google 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.

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 269 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we're diving into India's campaign at the recently concluded Women's T20 World Cup, where hopes were high but results fell short as the team faced an early exit in the group stages. We’ll unpack the major talking points from the tournament, highlighting what worked, what didn’t, and the lessons learned from this experience. Plus, we’ll shift our focus to the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand at home, discuss at length India’s squad, preview the series and discuss what adjustments India can make moving forward. On the podcast today for this discussion, we have Janhavi who is a public health professional, an avid watcher of women’s cricket, and an Indian woman’s team fan. 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. 

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 268 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, joining me is Sharadha Sridharan. She is the coach of the U-15 Tamil Nadu women's team. She is also a BCCI and ICC Level 2 certified coach and a cricket analyst. What makes her all the more special is that she is a first-class cricketer having represented Tamil Nadu in the senior and U-19 categories. In this episode, we explore her journey and career so far, the transition from a player to a coach and analyst. The Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify for Podcasters, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and many other platforms and spread the word. Check out @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram & Threads and @neverontheback1 on X for the latest facts, trivia, quizzes, and terminology.

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 267 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, joining me is a fellow cricket enthusiast and journalist Lauren Jacobs who shares my passion for the sport. We’ll be discussing her journey and career, our shared love for cricket, the intense and evolving rivalry and friendship between India and South Africa in women's and world cricket, the current state of the Proteas women's team, discourses about women’s cricket and a lot more in this packed episode! 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.

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 266 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we will preview India’s squad ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. India enter the T20 World Cup with a burning desire to shatter their streak of near misses in world events, having come agonisingly close in recent tournaments only to falter at the final hurdle. With a formidable squad at full strength, India now stands poised to reclaim the elusive title they last clinched in the inaugural edition back in 2007. On the podcast today, we have Soorya Sesha. He is a cricket journalist and a featured writer at Sportskeeda and also jointly heads the features team there. He has been a passionate cricket tragic since the age of 9 and has been in his profession for close to two years now. And like many others, he was once upon a time, an engineer. Please follow and press the bell icon on Spotify, subscribe to the Podcast on Google Podcasts for the latest episode updates, 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. Never on the Backfoot is also on YouTube so don’t forget to subscribe to the channel <3

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 265 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we look at India’s win versus England in the last and final test match and discuss all the major talking points. India completed a thumping 4-1 series win against visiting England with an innings and 64 runs in Dharamsala on Saturday. After posting 477 runs in their first innings, India dismissed England for the second time in the fifth and final Test - 218 and 195 - to complete the rout inside three days. Joining us on the discussion is Lakshit Singhal of Cricket Field Chronicles fame. The Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify for Podcasters, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and many other platforms and spread the word. Check out @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram & Threads and @neverontheback1 on X for the latest facts, trivia, quizzes, and terminology. 🌻

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 264 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we look at how India held their nerve to beat England by five wickets in the fourth Test to seal their 17th straight series win at home in Ranchi on Monday. India has now taken an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series with the final game to be played in Dharamsala on March 7. Joining us on the discussion is Lakshit Singhal of Cricket Field Chronicles fame. The Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify for Podcasters, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and many other platforms and spread the word. Check out @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram & Threads and @neverontheback1 on X for the latest facts, trivia, quizzes, and terminology. 🌻

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 263 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we look at India’s comprehensive win against England in the third test at Rajkot. Led by Yashasvi Jaiswal's Jasball and hometown hero Ravindra Jadeja's 5-wicket haul, India hammered England by 434 runs on Sunday in Rajkot. It was a reality check for Bazball as England failed to show a fight with the bat in their final innings. Joining us on the discussion is Lakshit Singhal of Cricket Field Chronicles fame. The Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify for Podcasters, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and many other platforms and spread the word. Check out @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram & Threads and @neverontheback1 on X for the latest facts, trivia, quizzes, and terminology. 🌻

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 262 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we delve deep into the intricate dynamics between domestic cricket and the IPL, two pillars of Indian cricket. As the IPL continues to capture the imagination of fans worldwide, questions arise about the evolving relevance of traditional domestic tournaments in nurturing talent and sustaining the cricketing ecosystem. Our guest, Shashank Kishore, provides invaluable insights into the shifting landscape, discussing the impact of the IPL on player selections, fan engagement, and the broader cricketing narrative. Join us as we navigate the past, present, and future of Indian cricket's captivating journey, exploring how domestic cricket and the IPL coexist and shape the nation's cricketing identity. The Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify for Podcasters, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and many other platforms and spread the word. Check out @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram & Threads and @neverontheback1 on X for the latest facts, trivia, quizzes, and terminology. 🌻

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 261 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we reflect on the second test match where India beat England by 106 runs in Visakhapatnam on Monday to level the five-match series 1-1. Jasprit Bumrah and Yashasvi Jaiswal were the two key figures in India's victory over an England side that refused to give up till the very end, even as they were dominated every day of the Test by Rohit Sharma led India. Both sides have played richly entertaining cricket and the contest is finely poised as they take a break before the third Test in Rajkot, beginning on February 15. On the podcast today for this discussion, we have Lakshit Singhal, the founder of Cricket Field Chronicles. The Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify for Podcasters, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and many other platforms and spread the word. Check out @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram & Threads and @neverontheback1 on X for the latest facts, trivia, quizzes, and terminology. 🌻 Follow Lakshit's page Cricket Field Chronicles here: (https://www.instagram.com/cricketfieldchronicles?igsh=MTdtcXBqaGJ5cTlkeQ==)

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 260 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we discuss how Kraigg Brathwaite-led West Indies side defeated Pat Cummins’ Australia by 8 runs in the second Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, on January 28 to record their first Test win on Australian soil after 27 years. Shamar Joseph was the hero of this win with his 7-wicket haul in the second innings. In this episode, we deliberate and break down that test match win, what it means for West Indies and the larger discourses around the same. On the podcast today for this discussion, we have Dhruv Bhatia. The Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify for Podcasters, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and many other platforms and spread the word. Check out @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram & Threads and @neverontheback1 on X for the latest facts, trivia, quizzes, and terminology. 🌻

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 259 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode- Nandini, Neha, Rishab and Subhashini explore the thrilling world of U19 Cricket and the incredible journeys of young talents who have emerged from the shadows to shine on the global stage. From unforgettable moments in the U19 World Cup to the challenges and triumphs faced by players transitioning to the senior team, we unravel the stories behind cricket's rising stars. We also delve into the successes of players like Unmukt Chand and Prithvi Shaw, dissecting their paths from U19 glory to representing the nation at the highest level. We also spotlight the emerging talent of Yash Dhull and the current crop of U19 players and also discuss what the future holds for the next generation of cricket prodigies. We explore the pivotal role of coaching, mentorship, and fan support in shaping these young cricketers' destinies. From the challenges of handling early fame to the evolution of U19 cricket, this episode provides a comprehensive look at the dynamic world where dreams are nurtured and champions are forged. The Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify for Podcasters, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and many other platforms and spread the word. Check out @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram & Threads and @neverontheback1 on X for the latest facts, trivia, quizzes, and terminology. 🌻

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 258 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we discuss the 1st test match featuring India and England. The star-studded India batting unit crumbled under pressure as debutant Tom Hartley spun his web to help England register a 28-run win in Hyderabad. It was a poor batting performance on Day 4 as they were bundled out for 202. The top and middle order failed on the big occasion as the tail had to put up a fight as Hartley was too good for them in the end. In this episode, we reflect and deep dive into all the major player performances, observations, takeaways, analysis and talking points from an Indian and England perspective and look ahead to the next test match. On the podcast today for this discussion, we have Lakshit Singhal, the man behind Cricket Field Chronicles. The Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify for Podcasters, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and many other platforms and spread the word. Check out @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram & Threads and @neverontheback1 on X for the latest facts, trivia, quizzes, and terminology. 🌻