Never on the Backfoot: A Podcast

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 284 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we dive deep into India’s emphatic 3-0 ODI series win against Ireland in Rajkot and we unpack all the action and storylines from the series! We kick off by discussing India’s dominant performance, the choice of Rajkot as the sole venue, and whether a multi-format series would have been better. From Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal’s explosive opening partnership to Pratika’s Player of the Series exploits, we analyze what clicked for India and the form of key players like Harleen, Jemimah, and Deepti. We also tackle critical questions about India’s pace attack, Shafali Verma’s ODI future, and whether players should specialize in specific formats. Additionally, we look at Ireland’s spirited performances, including standout contributions from Gaby Lewis and Christina Coulter-Reilly, while addressing areas they can improve. On the podcast today for this discussion, we have Juili Ballal joining us! She is a journalist, a commentator and an MCA certified umpire and this is one among the many roles she dons! 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 283 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we tackle one of the most debated topics in modern cricket: the proposed two-tier system for Test cricket. With the International Cricket Council (ICC) reportedly discussing plans to restructure the World Test Championship, we explore what this could mean for the sport's future. We delve into the financial, political, and ethical implications of splitting cricket's longest format into elite and lower tiers. Can this system revitalize Test cricket or will it widen the gap between cricket's powerhouses and emerging nations? On the podcast today for this discussion, 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 more than two years now. And like many others, he was once upon a time, an engineer. 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 282 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we dive into an in-depth discussion about the Indian Women’s cricket team, reflecting on their recent performances and future prospects. Join us as Juili shares her insights on India’s ODI template, their preparation leading into a crucial World Cup year, and the strategies they need to employ for success. We break down the highs and lows of India's recent series, including the whitewash against Australia and the triumphant series win against the West Indies. We preview the upcoming Ireland series, highlighting exciting new selections, Smriti Mandhana’s captaincy, and the opportunities for young talents like Raghvi Bist. Can Ireland challenge India? As the World Cup draws closer, we also discuss India’s final 15 and the roadmap for a successful campaign. On the podcast today for this discussion, we have Juili Ballal joining us! She is a journalist, a commentator and an MCA certified umpire and this is one among the many roles she dons! 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 281 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we dive deep into the psychological and emotional landscape of the IPL & WPL 2025 auctions. From the immense pressure on young players purchased for eye-watering sums to the heartache faced by those left unsold, we explore the mental toll that comes with being part of cricket's most lucrative tournament.  How does a hefty price tag shape a player's mindset and performance on and off the field? What happens when a talented player is snubbed despite their potential? And, most importantly, how do these athletes navigate the highs and lows of an auction that can make or break their careers? Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on how the IPL auctions are not just about numbers, but about the human emotions and resilience behind every bid. On the podcast today for this discussion, we have Dr. Sahen Gupta, Head Sport Psychologist at Cricket Scotland. He is also a Sports & Performance Psychologist and Founder of Discovery Sport & Performance Labs. He specialises in Resilience research and applied practice in elite sports.  His aim is to help teams and individual athletes develop their own potential and optimise resilience so as to target long-term success. Additionally, he has worked with various Premier League Clubs in the UK and Team GB Tennis to name a few. Do check out Discovery Sports Lab on Instagram and their website for some amazing stuff that his team is doing. 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 280 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. Today, we have a special guest joining us on the Podcast. She is a rising star from the UAE national cricket team, Kavisha Kumari Egodage! A talented all-rounder, Kavisha has made her mark on the international stage, showing both passion and skill in every match. From her early days in cricket to representing the UAE in global tournaments, Kavisha’s journey has been one of determination, resilience, and an unwavering love for the game. In this episode, we’ll get to know the woman behind the bat and ball—her inspirations, challenges, and what it takes to excel in the fast-paced world of international cricket. 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 279 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we dive deep into the often-overlooked aspect of cricket: the mental game. Our guest is a seasoned mental strengthening coach who works with individuals to enhance their focus, resilience, and psychological well-being on and off the field.  Whether it’s handling pressure in a crucial match, recovering from a slump in form, or building a strong team mentality, we explore how mental strength is just as vital as physical ability in modern cricket. On the podcast today for this discussion, we have Tribenee Bhattacharyya, a mental strengthening coach for the Assam Cricket Academy. She has worked 3 years as the mental conditioning coach in the senior and junior women’s state team of Assam. She is also the founder of Optimista Learning Hub and the author of book- ‘Peace Initiatives in Assam Rehabilitation and Meaningful Journey Ahead’. 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, 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 278 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of cricket statistics with a passionate data enthusiast - Kausthub Gudipati known for sharing captivating facts and trivia about both men's and women's cricket. Join us as we explore his journey from casual fan to stats aficionado, uncovering the moments that sparked his love for the game and the numbers that tell its story. We’ll discuss the evolution of cricket statistics, how they shape perceptions of players and teams, and the impact of technology on the future of the sport. With insights on the growth of women's cricket and the cultural nuances influencing data representation, this episode is a must-listen for cricket fans and data nerds alike. We also look at how stats can enhance our understanding of the game, the role of social media in fan engagement, and what the future holds for cricket analytics. On the podcast today for this discussion, we have Kausthub Gudipati. He is a passionate cricket number cruncher who tweets at @kaustats. 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 277 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we dive into the announcement of Pakistan women's cricket central contracts for 2024-25. We’ll explore what this means for the future of women’s cricket in the country, and how these contracts could shape the next generation of players.  Join us as we break down the key highlights, analyzing both the hits and misses of the new contract list. From player inclusions to exclusions, and what this move signals for the overall growth of women’s cricket in Pakistan – it’s a comprehensive look.  We’ll also discuss how these contracts compare to those in other cricketing nations and what steps Pakistan can take to ensure sustained growth and visibility for their women cricketers.  On the podcast today for this discussion, we have Aayush Puthran. He was born in Mumbai and currently writes for Cricbuzz. He is also the author of ‘Unveiling Jazbaa: A History of Pakistan Women's Cricket’. Over the last nine years, he has written about the game and the players around the world, specialising in women’s cricket and cricket administration. Follow him on Twitter @aayushputhran. 🚨A couple of corrections in the episode, please note: Aayush uses the word 'match fees', he is referring to salary (monthly retainers) in that context. Also, Aayush said that they're looking for a women's chairperson but he actually meant a head for the women's wing. If you are new here- 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 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. 🌻