Sledging Room

The Lucknow Super Giants splashed a massive amount of cash on Rishabh Pant in the Indian Premier League 2025 mega-auction. But things went horribly wrong for both Pant and his franchise this season. LSG failed to make it to the playoffs, and Pant endured a historic low in the competition.Questions were raised about Pant's ability as a T20 batter and as a leader of the side. In the latest episode of the Sledging Room podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Kingshuk Kusari discuss what went wrong with the Lucknow-based franchise and their captain. They also delve into the fortunes of the Delhi Capitals — Pant's former side — who failed to qualify for the playoffs despite starting the tournament in riveting fashion.Delhi amassed a strong squad this season but suffered an incredible collapse in the second half. Constant changes in their batting order and the failure of their spinners in the final few matches overshadowed individual brilliance from the likes of KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs. Delhi were also hurt by the failure of their management, who were unable to provide the squad with the right replacements when needed.Here's a recap of the near misses from this season of the tournament, with a special focus on the future of LSG captain Rishabh Pant.Produced by Prateek LidhooSound mix by Suraj Singh

Virat Kohli has announced his shock retirement from Test cricket, just 770 runs short of the coveted 10,000-run mark. Despite the BCCI's efforts to convince him to stay for the upcoming England tour, Kohli decided the time was right to step away. Known for his fiery passion and unrelenting drive, Kohli's Test legacy remains unmatched. But with his departure, the big question looms: Who will captain India in the red-ball format? Jasprit Bumrah or Shubman Gill? In this episode, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Alan Jose break down Kohli's decision, his legacy, and what lies ahead for Indian Test cricket. Don't miss this crucial conversation. Tune in! Produced by Prateek Lidhoo Sound mix by Suraj Singh

What were you doing at 14? Vaibhav Suryavanshi, at just 14, has become the toast of the cricketing world after smashing a 35-ball hundred — a knock far beyond his years as he pummelled 11 sixes, two of which travelled over 90 metres.Vaibhav became the youngest player in Twenty20 history to score a century when he dismantled some of the best bowlers in the business against Gujarat Titans. The audacity and power of his strokes left the cricket world in awe. But is it really possible for a 14-year-old to generate such immense power? We asked his coach, Manish Ojha, about the teenager's journey from the dusty fields of Bihar to international stardom in the IPL. Ojha revealed that Vaibhav was clearing 90-metre sixes as an 11-year-old.While Vaibhav has captured the spotlight at an age when most are still dreaming of hitting a boundary in gully cricket, experts believe he must be nurtured with care to ensure his growth stays on track. In the latest episode of The Sledging Room podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar and Kingshuk Kusari delve into the rise of the IPL's latest phenomenon.Produced by Prateek LidhooSound mix by Rohan Bharti

Just a week ago, everyone had written off the Mumbai Indians. But with four straight wins and a squad clicking in perfect rhythm, they've roared back into the spotlight. The five-time champions aren't just winning—they're dominating, playing with the swagger and confidence of a team that knows exactly how to conquer titles. In contrast, Rishabh Pant - acquired for a record-breaking Rs 27 crore to lead Lucknow Super Giants - has looked a shadow of his once-destructive self. After nine matches this season, he has mustered just 106 runs, with 63 of those coming in a single knock against CSK. Pant has always thrived when brimming with confidence, but at LSG, he seems jaded and weighed down by expectations. His strike rate of 96.36 is alarmingly low for someone of his caliber. Part of the issue could be his constant shuffle in the batting order, never quite settling into one role. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja have retained their spots in the Grade A+ bracket of the BCCI central contracts despite stepping away from T20Is. We break down how the BCCI arrived at that decision. In the latest episode of the Sledging Room podcast, Saurabh Kumar, Kingshuk Kusari, and Alan Jose John dissect the central contracts, Pant's struggles, and Mumbai Indians' roaring comeback in IPL 2025. Produced by Prateek Lidhoo Sound mix by Rohan Bharti

As IPL 2025 approaches its halfway stage, one trend is becoming increasingly clear: teams with strong captain-coach partnerships are thriving. Whether it's Axar Patel and Hemang Badani, Ashish Nehra and Shubman Gill, or Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting — clear communication and mutual trust are driving success. We saw a similar impact last year with Gautam Gambhir's return. This raises an important question: Is the IPL becoming more like football, where man-management takes centre stage? What exactly is the coach's role — to offer technical input or to manage egos and personalities? In the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Rishabh Beniwal dive into the evolving role of coaches and dissect the worst captain-coach combos of the season. Tune in now! Produced by Prateek Lidhoo Sound mix by Suraj Singh

Two of the biggest icons of the IPL, MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, are under scrutiny in the 2025 season. The Dhoni mania in Chennai has turned into a cringefest, while concerns over Rohit's form continue to grow. At 43, Dhoni remains sharp behind the stumps and still packs a punch with the bat. However, the idol-worship in Chennai has taken an uncomfortable turn, with some CSK fans even cheering for the dismissals of players batting ahead of him—sparking criticism from former cricketers. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma is struggling to find form. Could Mumbai Indians be forced into a tough decision if his slump continues? Also, why are some teams unhappy with home curators this season? In the latest episode of the Sledging Room podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Kingshuk Kusari break down these burning IPL 2025 topics. Tune in now! Produced by Prateek Lidhoo Sound mix by Suraj Singh

Well, RCB are on top of the IPL points table. Yes, after the first round of matches, the men from Bengaluru are sitting pretty. They delivered a stellar performance against defending champions KKR in the IPL 2025 opener. Early signs are promising for the perennial underachievers. Could 18 finally be their lucky number? Meanwhile, CSK, DC, and SRH kicked off their campaigns with strong performances, but Rajasthan Royals have been dismal in their first two outings. They hardly resemble a side coached by Rahul Dravid. KKR, on the other hand, bounced back emphatically with a dominant win in Guwahati after their opening-day defeat to RCB. What's with teams opting for secondary home venues? Does it truly work in their favour? And no discussion would be complete without sparing a thought for the bowlers. The IPL is becoming an all-out run-fest, leaving bowlers with nowhere to hide. What does the future hold for bowling in T20 cricket? In the latest episode of The Sledging Room, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Kingshuk Kusari break down the opening week of IPL 2025. Produced by Prateek Lidhoo Sound mix by Rohan Bharti

Is Rohit's India the best in ODI history? India clinched the Champions Trophy 2025 by beating New Zealand. Rohit Sharma's team played a dominant campaign, winning the title without losing a single game. Since taking over the team, Rohit has changed the culture in the Indian team, first under the stewardship of Rahul Dravid and then Gautam Gambhir. This has resulted in India dominating the ICC white-ball competitions, where they reached the final in the 2023 ODI World Cup and won two trophies in 2024 (T20 World Cup) and 2025 (Champions Trophy). So, where does that put Rohit on the list of incredible white-ball captains that India has had? And where does this Indian team rank in terms of the best white-ball sides in the world? In this episode of the Sledging Room Podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Kingshuk Kusari, and Alan John review the Champions Trophy Final and shed light on all the talking points of the tournament. Stick around till the end, where Akshay continues to ask his weekly trivia question. Produced by Prateek Lidhoo Sound mix by Suraj Singh

The Champions Trophy 2025 has reached its final stage. India and New Zealand are set to take on each other in the summit clash at the Dubai International Stadium on March 9, Sunday. While ICC tournaments usually have an edge to them, the ongoing tournament has been kind of bland.From washouts to security breaches in the stadiums and a lack of fans, this edition of the Champions Trophy has not had any zip about it. Is it the PCB, which is responsible for this mess, or is it the ICC, which has not been able to get the fans into the stadiums in the ODI format?With the stadiums not filling to the brim in the majority of the ODI matches, it begs an important question. Is ODI cricket dying? Once considered the preferred format between the grit of Test and the flamboyance of T20Is, is ODI cricket going to die a sorry death?Akshay Ramesh, Kingshuk Kusari, and Alan John discuss the Champions Trophy final and review the tournament in the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast.Produced by Prateek LidhooSound mix by Rohan Bharti

How disappointed were you on Sunday? Whether you were a Pakistan fan or an Indian fan, and whether or not you enjoyed Virat Kohli's masterclass, you must have felt a tinge of sadness watching cricket's biggest rivalry turn into a one-sided affair. Once fierce competitors, Pakistan have now become India's punching bags. The Champions Trophy 2025 match in Dubai was a prime example. At no point did Pakistan look threatening. With the bat, they were timid against an Indian attack that wasn't even at its best. Captain Mohammad Rizwan played an outdated brand of ODI cricket, and Pakistan paid the price. None of their batters showed urgency, appearing overawed by the occasion and the flamboyance of the Men in Blue. What's hurting Pakistan cricket? Meanwhile, Virat Kohli silenced his critics yet again. The batting great delivered a flawless knock of 100 from 111 balls, dismantling his favourite foes. However, Indian cricket fans should remain cautious-tougher tests await their batting superstar. In the latest episode of The Sledging Room podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Kingshuk Kusari, and Alan John dissect the India vs Pakistan snoozefest and review the first week of the Champions Trophy 2025. Tune in! Produced by Garvit Srivastava Sound mix by Rohan Bharti

The Champions Trophy returns to the cricket calendar after eight years, marking a significant moment for Pakistan, which hosts a major ICC event for the first time in 29 years. Eight teams will compete for the prestigious title, once famously dubbed the mini-World Cup. India enters as the outright favorite, but in a high-stakes tournament like the Champions Trophy, where margins for error are minimal, every team has a chance. While India's bowling unit appears slightly vulnerable without Jasprit Bumrah, their overall strength makes them strong contenders for the title. Can Pakistan defend their crown at home? Though their approach to modern-day ODIs has been questioned, home advantage could work in their favor. While Australia and England seem out of form, Afghanistan could emerge as the dark horse from Group B. In the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Alan John, and Sabyasachi Choudhury analyse the strengths and weaknesses of all eight teams and rank them accordingly. Tune in! Produced by Garvit Srivastava Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti

Why fix something that isn't broken? India seem to be overcomplicating their combination in the ODI series against England, which is a worrying sign ahead of the Champions Trophy. There appears to be a real problem of plenty for coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma.Why on earth did they leave out Shreyas Iyer for the series opener in Nagpur? An injury to Virat Kohli meant Shreyas got an opportunity after a late phone call from the skipper. The star batter revealed he was not in the XI as late as the eve of the match. India had initially decided to play both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill in the XI at the expense of Shreyas.However, after Shreyas let his bat do the talking in the first ODI, India dropped Yashasvi for the second match.Similarly, India picked four spinners in their squad for the Champions Trophy and later added Varun Chakravarthy. Why are we mixing formats again? Why not Kuldeep Yadav instead of Varun?The team combination issue isn't limited to India. Injuries have forced the likes of Pakistan and Australia to rethink their line-ups.With just over a week to go before the Champions Trophy, things are starting to heat up.In the latest episode of the Sledging Room podcast, we discuss the selection muddle and the build-up to the Champions Trophy.Tune In!Produced by Garvit SrivastavaSound mixed by Rohan Bharti

India's T20I side is looking formidable after a dominant 4-1 series win over England at home, continuing their impressive run in the shortest format of the game. Under Suryakumar Yadav's captaincy, India have established a settled line-up in T20Is. Young talents are excelling, while senior players are embracing greater responsibility. The template set by Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid prior to the T20 World Cup triumph has been maintained, with a few lovely updates. Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson have stood out as openers, showcasing fearless cricket at the top of the order. They have been brilliantly backed by captain Suryakumar and coach Gautam Gambhir. Tilak Varma has also cemented his place in the XI with consistent performances. Barring the established trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Kuldeep Yadav, questions arise about whether there is room for other star players to return without disrupting the current balance of the T20I side. Leading up to the 2024 T20 World Cup, the Rahul Dravid-led management reintroduced Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja. While the trio delivered strong performances, their return impacted team continuity and limited opportunities for emerging players. Can Gautam Gambhir resist the temptation to reintegrate superstars? What will happen when Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant become available for T20Is? Will they be considered, and how will their inclusion affect the current dynamics? In the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast, we also delve into the build-up to the Champions Trophy, as India and England prepare for a three-match ODI series starting on 6 February. Tune in! Produced by Garvit Srivastava Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti

How good are India in T20I cricket? Since winning the T20 World Cup in 2024, India have taken their game in the shortest format of the game a notch higher.It seems the transition period in T20I cricket has been more seamless than in Tests for India. Three doyens of the format - Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja - retired after the World Cup triumph. However, India don't seem to miss them a lot.The coach-captain partnership between Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav has worked wonders. While Gambhir has not managed to find success in Test cricket, he has been a remarkable coach in T20I cricket. Why so?Is it time for India to think about having different coaches for different formats?In the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast, we also discuss the widening gap in the relationship between star players and journalists. Also, is Bazball really going to work in limited-overs cricket?Tune InProduced by Garvit SrivastavaSound mixed by Rohan Bharti

Rohit Sharma suffered twin failure on his return to Ranji Trophy after nine years. The India captain struggled against Jammu and Kashmir in Mumbai. While he has not regained form, questions about his participation in the first-class tournament have emerged. What's the point of Rohit playing Ranji now? There was an opportunity for him to play domestic cricket before the 2024-25 Test season. What can Virat Kohli achieve from one round of Ranji Trophy? Will India look past their batting superstars for the tour of England, which starts in June? Well, what do you make of India's Champions Trophy squad? What was the need for India to pick four spinners? Will Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami be fit? Were the BCCI selectors right in not picking Sanju Samson? Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Kingshuk Kusari discuss the Champions Trophy squad and Ranji Trophy performances in the latest episode of Sledging Room Podcast. Tune In Produced by Garvit Srivastava Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti

The Board of Control for Cricket in India's top brass seems to have listened to legendary Sunil Gavaskar. The BCCI is showing it's not a cheerleader for star players. The latest restrictions on families, wives and girlfriends have created a stir in the cricket community. Are the families on a tour a distraction? Well, this clampdown on family time is not new, but it has been brought back after India's flop show in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, raising concerns about the health of the senior national men's team. Meanwhile, all eyes are on the selection committee meeting, scheduled for January 18/19, as the Champions Trophy squad announcement is due over the weekend. Should Jasprit Bumrah be a part of it? Are Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli automatic selections? How about Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy for the Champions Trophy? In the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar and Kingshuk Kusari discuss the family diktat and the probable Champions Trophy squad. Tune In! Produced by Garvit Srivastava Sound mixed by Nitin Rawat

India surrendered the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after seven years following a disappointing campaign that concluded in Sydney. The team unravelled after their loss in Melbourne, and Jasprit Bumrah's absence denied them the opportunity to push for a series-levelling win in Sydney.Is it fair to point fingers at individuals? Or is this a collective failure of the Indian team?Yes, Rohit Sharma was poor both with the bat and as captain. Virat Kohli lacked the spark that once made him a Test cricket great. The two senior batters failed to step up when the team needed them the most.But if we criticise the batters for their failures in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, why should the coaches escape scrutiny?Under Gautam Gambhir, it has been all talk and no action. Why was his coaching staff unable to address the team's technical troubles?With India's hopes of reaching the World Test Championship final now extinguished, is it time to begin the transition process? Should India wait until the England tour in June to make the tough decisions?In the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Kingshuk Kusari discuss India's Border-Gavaskar Trophy failure.Tune in!Produced and sound mixed by Nitin Rawat

Another decade-long streak has been broken under Rohit Sharma's captaincy. India lost a Boxing Day Test in Melbourne for the first time in 13 years after their big guns flopped once again. Pressure is mounting on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.  Are Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma overstaying their welcome in the Test team? How long will we keep hearing the oft-repeated refrain: “Retirement is a personal call?" Does anyone within the Indian cricket team's setup have the authority to tell Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli that their time is up? Can the head coach or selectors take the bold call of dropping them in Sydney? Some established senior players in the past, including Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane -- the heroes of India's last Test series triumph in Australia -- were told their services were no longer required when their form dipped. Is there a different standard for the superstars? In the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Rishabh Beniwal and Saurabh Kumar discuss the Boxing Day horror and what to expect in the New Year's Test.  Tune In! Produced by Nitin Rawat 

The build-up to the Boxing Day Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground has been fiery. India superstars Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja have been the centre of attention for the Australian media. The host media targeted the India duo with bizarre allegations ahead of the 4th Test match.While Kohli was accused of misbehaving with a female reporter, the press accused Jadeja of not entertaining questions in English. While both allegations were busted later, did Australian media cross a line with the Indian team?If the whole media vs players has been one of the talking points this week, the teams have had more drama. Ravichandran Ashwin opted to retire and fly out in the middle of the tour; the Australian team management snubbed a young batter after just 3 Test matches.Both teams are expected to field fresh line-ups for the Boxing Day Test. But which team has the upper hand? India - who will be playing at their traditional stronghold in Australia? Or the hosts, who have done sensationally well in the last three Tests at the venue?Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Kingshuk Kusari discuss this in the latest episode of the Sledging Room.Tune in!Produced by Anna PriyadarshiniSound mixed by Nitin Rawat

Ravichandran Ashwin's decision to announce his retirement shocked the cricketing world. Rumors began circulating on Day 5 of the Gabba Test when Ashwin was seen sharing a hug with Virat Kohli in the dressing room. He then made his way to the post-match press conference alongside Rohit Sharma, where he quickly announced his retirement before leaving. While many were taken aback by the announcement, it appears that Ashwin had carefully considered his decision. The spinner is set to return home on Thursday. At 38, when the Test season began with the home series against Bangladesh – where he earned the Player of the Series award – Ashwin seemed to have at least a couple of years of cricket left in him. However, with India not having any immediate red-ball commitments, his uncertain position as a starter in overseas matches, and ongoing knee issues, Ashwin decided to call it a day. He retires with an impressive tally of 537 wickets from 106 Tests. Ashwin made the announcement after the Gabba Test ended in a draw on Day 5. Australia and India remain level in the series as they head into the Boxing Day Test, with the third Test in Brisbane ending in a draw due to more bad weather on the final day, which reduced play to just 24.1 overs. The decision to conclude the match was made shortly after the tea break, which had been advanced due to poor light and impending rain. India, set a target of 275 in about 54 overs, were 8 for 0 in their second innings when play was called off. After a rollercoaster of a Test match at the Gabba, the focus now shifts to Melbourne, where the India-Australia rivalry will be reignited in the highly anticipated Boxing Day Test starting on December 26. Did R Ashwin time his retirement perfectly? In the latest episode of the Sledging Room podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar and Kingshuk Kusari dissect India's draw in Gabba and discuss how Ashwin's retirement might hamper India's BGT chances. Tune In! Produced and Sound mixed by Sachin Dwivedi

Not many expected India to suffer a limp loss like they did in the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. After hammering Australia by 295 runs in Perth under Jasprit Bumrah's captaincy, India were humbled by 10 wickets in Adelaide. India conceded the momentum after a one-sided defeat in the pink-ball Test. Questions have been asked about Rohit Sharma's captaincy and his fading returns with the bat. Rohit looked uninspiring in Adelaide and managed just 9 runs with the bat after opting the No. 6 slot. Rohit made questionable calls and lacked conviction with his bowling and fielding changes. Is time running out for Rohit Sharma? What about Virat Kohli's never-ending struggles with the tight line outside off-stump. The two big guns failed to step up when the team needed them the most. Should India go back to Jasprit Bumrah for the Brisbane Test, starting December 6. Should there be changes to the bowling unit? Should Rohit return to the top of the order? With plenty of questions to answer, India look to bounce back in the third Test. In the latest episode of the Sledging Room podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar and Kingshuk Kusari diessect India's loss in Adelaide and discuss why it may be just a one-off. Tune In! Produced and Sound mixed by Sachin Dwivedi

It's time for the pink-ball Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with the Indian team surprisingly being the favourites. Buoyed by their success in Perth, their captain's arrival has bolstered the visitors, Rohit Sharma, ahead of the second match of the series in Adelaide. However, the arrival of Rohit poses a serious question to team management. With KL Rahul doing well as the opener in the Perth Test, will India decide to demote the batter down the order to No.5 or No.6. It had been a spot in which he was playing before the start of the Australia tour, and the result was mixed. Rohit got some match practice during the game against Prime Minister's XI and came out to bat in the No.4 spot. Rahul opened the batting in the match and looked solid and comfortable. Is this an indication that Rohit could sacrifice his place to help his in-form teammate continue his fine run? The hosting of the Champions Trophy has been a hot topic of discussion in recent times, with India and Pakistan at a stalemate and not willing to budge. But could this have been avoided long ago, and did the ICC fumble while dealing with the situation? Kingshuk Kusari, Rishabh Beniwal and Alan Jose John dissect these big questions on the latest episode of the Sledging Room podcast. Tune in! Produced and Sound mixed by Sachin Dwivedi

The IPL mega auction was a blockbuster affair over two days in Jeddah. It took the attention away from India's landmark Perth Test win, but cricket fans must have enjoyed the bidding wars.The two marquee sets of players grabbed all the limelight in the lead-up to the auction ever since the pruned list of 574 players was announced for the mega auction. As expected, a few teams splurged big money on big faces, who opted to enter the auction after successful stints with their ex-franchises. Some of them had nasty break-ups.Punjab Kings, who are not known for being smart in the auction, were led wonderfully well by newly appointed coach Ricky Ponting and their think tank in Jeddah.Royal Challengers Bengaluru faced the stick for missing out on big buys, but it seems it was a conscious choice as they resisted the temptation of spending big on Day 1. Under Andy Flower and Dinesh Karthik, RCB made smart buys throughout the two-day auction, impressing their fans. Barring the Will Jacks controversy, RCB did all right.What do you make of the teams' performances on the auction table?In the latest episode of the Sliding Room Podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Kingshuk Kusari review the IPL auction.Tune in!Produced and Sound mixed by Anna Priyadarshini

India landed a stinging first punch in Perth, beginning the five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy on a high. India hammered Australia by 295 runs, handing the hosts their first-ever loss at the Optus Stadium in Perth.Not many expected India to dominate the first Test like they did. Did you? It was a masterclass from Jasprit Bumrah and his men, especially after they were rolled over for 150 in the first innings.Jasprit Bumrah was unplayable with the red Kookaburra in Perth. At his very best, he made life difficult for the Australian batters. Are they scared of facing Bumrah? Is he the best bowler that India has produced?What about the remarkable Yashasvi Jaiswal? He got out for a duck in the first innings of his first Test in Australia. However, he buckled up and hit a daddy hundred in the second innings, deflating Australia.And well, the King is back! Virat Kohli ended a nearly 16-month wait for a hundred in Test cricket.Everything is going right for India. With Rohit Sharma returning for the 2nd Test in Adelaide, will India go 2-0 up in the series?In the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Kingshuk Kusari discuss the sweet start to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.Tune in!Produced and Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

As we gear up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, there's another major cricket event over the weekend. It's time for the IPL mega auction. The two-day bidding wars will be held in Jeddah and it will clash with Days 3 and 4 of the first Test between Australia and India. First things first, should the cricket have administrators avoided this clash? Well, money matters! There are 12 players across two marque sets. Rishabh Pant is in the news after stoking controversy over the way he left Delhi Capitals. In a tweet, he said the decision to leave the franchise was not about money. Will Pant be the costliest player in the history of the IPL auction? Will Punjab Kings go for him? What about KL Rahul? Is he returning to Bengaluru? Will KKR go for Shreyas Iyer again? In the latest episode of Sledging Room Podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar and Alan john predict the potential big buys and narratives in the IPL auction. Tune In! Produced and Sound Mix by Sachin Dwivedi  

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is almost here! Aren't you excited? India have been sensational in their last two tours of Australia. However, with a team in transition that has a few injury and availability concerns, it seems that India are on the back foot early in the series. India will not have captain Rohit Sharma, who is on paternity leave, and star batter Shubman Gill, who fractured his thumb during training, for the Perth Test. Mohammed Shami's absence was already a big loss and India will not have two of their best batters, adding pressure on coach Gautam Gambhir, who is already under the pump. Jasprit Bumrah is set to lead India in Perth and the visitors will need to bring in their incredible fighting attitude to the fore.Can India stun Australia with a weakened side in Perth where the hosts are yet to lose? Who should replace Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill in the XI? Is there a place for young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy in the XI? In the latest episode of the Sledging Room, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar and Kingshuk Kusari discuss the build-up to the much-awaited series opener in Perth. Tune In! Produced and Sound Mix by Sachin Dwivedi

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar criticised Gautam Gambhir, saying he 'does not have the right demeanour' to speak to the media after the head coach addressed a press conference in Mumbai before his departure to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In a strongly-worded social media post, Manjrekar urged the Indian cricket board to keep Gambhir away from interacting with the press. Gambhir kept his responses straightforward and brief. From backing Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to praising KL Rahul's versatility, Gambhir was at his optimistic best, emphasising that India is focused on completing a series hat-trick Down Under. He even stated that Ricky Ponting's views about Virat Kohli's form would not matter as India aims to bounce back in Australia. It seems Gambhir's take on the upcoming series has divided opinions. Is it fair to criticise the former opener heading for his first major overseas tour? Should Indian cricket fans be a little more lenient and considerate? Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar and Kingshuk Kusari discuss the explosive start to the Border-Gavskar Trophy buzz in the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast. Tune in! Produced and Sound Mix by Sachin Dwivedi

Few anticipated India would lose a home Test series -- especially not to New Zealand, a team that has struggled on foreign soil since the World Test Championship began in 2019. A 0-3 scoreline added to the disbelief. New Zealand, brilliantly led by Tom Latham, exceeded expectations, outshining India in all facets of the game.The statistics are stark. Rohit Sharma, the captain, has managed just 133 runs in 10 innings, while former captain Virat Kohli has scored 192 runs in the same number of innings. Between them, they recorded only two fifties over five Tests at home during the 2024 season.Although India secured a victory against Bangladesh in a two-Test series, their subsequent series against New Zealand saw them falter dramatically, losing 0-3 in a manner that exposed their vulnerabilities for the first time in many years.Is it time to look beyond Rohit and Virat in Tests?What does a series loss of this magnitude tell about Rohit Sharma's captaincy and Gautam Gambhir's coaching credentials?Will India be able to bounce back in Australia?Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Kingshuk Kusari reflect on the shocking loss that has hurt their egos and reputations.Tune in!Produced & Sound Mix By: Sachin Dwivedi

The BCCI is set to release the Indian Premier League retention list on October 31. There is a lot of noise in the Indian media about who will stay and who will leave the 10 franchises. It seems fans might be in for some shock news as the likes of KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant might leave their respective franchise. In the latest episode of the Sledging Room, Kingshuk Kusari, Saurabh Kumar and Alan John bring out some exclusive news about the Indian Premier League and discuss the latest gossip from all the franchises. Apart from that the focus stays on India's Test series against New Zealand, where the hosts have lost their first-ever bilateral against the Black Caps in the history of their cricket. As concerns lay around the form of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the trio talk about the imminent transition of the Indian Test team and how the senior members of the side have fared in the recent past. The conversation focuses especially on Rohit Sharma, who has looked unclear in his approach on several instances. Is India's form a point of concern before the all-important Border-Gavaskar Trophy? Tune In! Produced & Sound Mix By: Sachin Dwivedi  

Yes, we at the Sledging Room praised Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir when India swept Bangladesh 2-0 at home earlier in October. Their approach to the Kanpur Test was fascinating. However, it's time for some tough questions again after India was stunned by New Zealand in the first match of a three-Test series in Bengaluru. India struggled in pace-friendly conditions in Bengaluru. They made a significant error at the toss, and Rohit Sharma was brave enough to acknowledge it and take the blame. Despite their past successes, India has shown vulnerabilities even at home recently. Some of Rohit Sharma's tactics are questionable. Are India, under Rohit Sharma, capable of defending the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia? Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Kingshuk Kusari discuss the Bengaluru Test shocker and its implications in the latest episode of Sledging Room. Tune in! Produced & Sound Mix By: Kapil Dev Singh

On Sunday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) dropped a bombshell by leaving out former captain Babar Azam, along with fast bowling stars Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, for the last two Tests against England. The decision to exclude Babar, Shaheen, Naseem, and Sarfaraz Ahmed was made by a selection committee constituted last week. This committee includes former international umpire Aleem Dar, former pacer Aqib Javed, ex-captain Azhar Ali, and analyst Hassan Cheema, who took the bold step of dropping four senior players from the squad. Being dropped from the national team, particularly for a player who has been a cornerstone of the batting lineup, can be demoralising. This could lead to self-doubt and questions about his place in the team, potentially undermining his confidence further. Many, including Pakistan's leading white-ball batter Fakhar Zaman, questioned the board's decision to drop Babar, highlighting how Virat Kohli was given an extended run to regain his form by the BCCI. To put it bluntly, Babar enjoyed the hype and comparisons to modern-day greats, including Virat Kohli. However, he hasn't managed to shut out the outside noise during this period of intense scrutiny. Meanwhile, the Indian women's team failed to impress in the Women's T20 World Cup. After losing to Australia and New Zealand in the group stage, they are on the brink of an early exit. Is it time to ask tough questions of the team and the management group? Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar and Kingshuk Kusari discuss the big Pakistan bombshell and India's T20 World Cup show in the latest episode of the Sledging Room. Tune in! Produced & Sound Mix By: Kapil Dev Singh

Sunil Gavaskar dropped a bombshell when he wrote a column for Sportstar, hitting out at those who credited Gautam Gambhir for India's Kanpur Test win against Bangladesh. Gavaskar said the sole credit for India's aggressive approach should have gone to Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Test team. He said he felt people indulging in ‘foot-licking' by crediting the newly-appointed coach. It seems the legendary Gavaskar missed the mark on this occasion. While he stated the obvious by praising Rohit Sharma for India's fearless approach, his swipe at the head coach's supporters left a bad taste. Meanwhile, India women's cricket has been facing criticism for its slow start to the women's T20 World Cup. Some critics have accused the women's cricket team of not asking the right questions. Can India wriggle out of trouble and make it to the semi-final? It looks less likely after a timid batting performance against Pakistan. In the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Kingshuk Kusari join the bandwagon and try to make issues out of non-issues. Tune in! Produced and Sound Mix By Kapil Dev Singh

The Indian Premier League announced its most detailed mega-auction rules for the 2025 season. In a surprise move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India, not only made the tournament robust but also provided several safeguards for franchises from players who randomly opt out of seasons citing various personal concerns. The BCCI also made an 'India-first' move by making sure that no overseas players earn more money from the auction than the highest-paid Indian player. The board further provided incentives to all the players in the Indian Premier League, by introducing the first ever match-fee. Now, players participating in an IPL game will be additionally paid a sum of Rs 7.5 lakh - something that would really help the local cricketers coming from poor backgrounds. In the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar and Kingshuk Kusari discuss the good, the bad and the ugly of the new retention and auction rules. Before the IPL retention rules, the trio discuss India's incredible victory in the Kanpur Test match against Bangladesh and also Babar Azam's surprise exit from the Pakistan ODI and T20I captaincy. Produced & Sound Mixed By: Kapil Dev Singh

Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant made a riveting comeback in Test cricket during India's first match against Bangladesh in Chennai. Pant scored a tremendous century, helping India win a comprehensive 280-run victory. Pant also matched MS Dhoni's tally of Test centuries in the process, hurling himself into the debate about the greatest keeper-batters from India in Test cricket.In the Sledging Room Podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Kingshuk Kusari discuss whether the argument has merit and whether Pant is really on his way to becoming one of the greatest keeper-batters in the history of red-ball cricket in India.The trio also discuss the impact Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin have had on Test cricket for the country and how the in-form duo have dominated in the last four years whenever they have worn whites for India.But before all of that, the latest episode begins with the question of whether fans take India's domination in home Tests for granted and the possible reasons behind it.Tune in!Produced by Anna PriyadarshiniSound mix by Kapil Dev Singh

India will be heading into a busy period of Test cricket, starting with the two-Test series against Bangladesh. 10 Tests will be played in a span of 16 weeks, as red-ball cricket will be the flavour of the next few months. India will be looking to get into the third successive World Test Championship final, and a lot will depend on how they perform at home—against Bangladesh and New Zealand—and the all-important five-Test series in Australia from November to January 2025.It will be a crucial phase of Indian cricket which will define Rohit Sharma's legacy as Test captain. While Virat Kohli remains one of the greatest red-ball captains for India, Rohit has done well in the limited opportunities he has gotten. Having taken over Test captaincy after Virat Kohli's unforeseen announcement in 2021, Rohit has succeeded. He was not the frontrunner to take over from Kohli, but the former Mumbai Indians captain has created a well-knit unit that has his style -- relaxed and fun-filled.Rohit Sharma, as an opener, has been phenomenal in Test cricket. Promoted to open the innings in 2019, Rohit has been one of the leading run-getters in the World Test Championship. He has proved to be India's crisis man at home and overseas.Will he continue after the 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle? Should India look to groom a successor in the next few Tests? Will we see Rohit playing and competing in the 2027 ODI World Cup?Tune in!Produced by Anna PriyadarshiniSound mix by Kapil Dev Singh

The anticipation was finally over as the BCCI released the Indian squad for the first Test against Bangladesh on a lazy and uneventful Sunday night on September 8. As expected, the regulars were all picked in the 16-member squad, which welcomed Rishabh Pant back into all-whites.While Pant had a great return in the Duleep Trophy, could the BCCI have given him more game time before making the call to have him back in the squad? Dhruv Jurel did a fine job behind the stumps during the England series and has shown he is a serious contender for the Australia squad.The big name missing from the squad list was Shreyas Iyer, who is back into the good books of BCCI after all the misunderstanding during the England series. However, the Indian batter seems out of the Test picture as KL Rahul has been brought back into the mix. Rahul is tipped to replace Sarfaraz Khan in the lineup for the 1st Test as the competition for the middle-order spot is heating up. Shreyas may need to take his game to the next level in the domestics, especially given the emergence of talents like Musheer Khan.Yash Dayal was one of the heartwarming stories from the squad announcement. He has completed a redemption arc for the ages. Dayal's inclusion comes as India looks to find their next consistent left-arm pacer to create a big talent pool.Regarding the lineup, the big toss-up will be between Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel. Will India go for more strength in their batting lineup, or will Kuldeep's proficiency give him the edge?Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Alan Jose John dissect the big questions ahead of the first Test between India and Bangladesh.Tune in!Produced by Anna PriyadarshiniSound mix by Nitin Rawat

Hold onto your hats, Indian cricket fans! After a six-month hiatus, Team India is dusting off their white gear and gearing up for action under the guidance of the new head coach, Gautam Gambhir. The stage is set for an electrifying two-match Test series against Bangladesh, kicking off September 19 in Chennai. This series is India's chance to rev up its engine and fortify its spot at the summit of the 2025 World Test Championship table. The series will mark India's first red-ball outing since their impressive 4-1 series win against England in March 2024. Meanwhile, Bangladesh are riding high, having just swept Pakistan off their feet in a historic series win. Mohammed Siraj is poised to lead the pace brigade, and Jasprit Bumrah will likely be rested for this series. Kuldeep Yadav will likely spin his magic alongside the all-rounders. The final pace spot is a hot ticket, with Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh battling it out, the latter on the verge of a Test debut. Mohammed Shami's much-anticipated return might have to wait until the New Zealand series. And here's the big news: Rishabh Pant is expected to make a grand comeback to Test cricket after a whopping 634 days away, following an arduous recovery from a severe accident. Alongside him, watch for young wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, who's expected to join the squad. Srikar Bharat, India's first-choice keeper against England before Jurel stole the spotlight, might be watching from the sidelines this time. Get ready for a cricketing fiesta that promises thrills, spills, and some severe spin and pace action! In the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Kingshuk Kusari discuss who is likely to make it to India's Test squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh. Tune in! Produced and sound mixed by Sachin Dwivedi

It's time for another Indian to take over as the new ICC chairman. BCCI secretary Jay Shah was elected as the new chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Upon his election, Shah affirmed his commitment to making Test cricket the "bedrock" of the game during his tenure. Meanwhile, Johnny Grave, CEO of Cricket West Indies (CWI), has raised concerns about the ICC's revenue-sharing model, warning of serious consequences if it isn't addressed soon. Test cricket has been losing its appeal in countries like Pakistan, West Indies, and South Africa, leading to empty stands during matches. The economic viability of Test cricket has been in question for years, and the rise of lucrative T20 leagues has further threatened the traditional format. Given India's financial influence in the cricketing world, Shah's commitment to supporting Test cricket is reassuring for its fans. On the other hand, it has not been the best of times for the Pakistan cricket team lately. After the early exit in the T20 World Cup earlier this year, they suffered a humiliating 10-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test of the ongoing series. To arrest the freefall, the Pakistan Cricket Board has turned to Artificial Intelligence to help select players. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi expressed concerns about the lack of a strong talent pool to replace underperforming players. The PCB hopes its new domestic tournament, the Champions Cup, scheduled in Faisalabad from September 12 to 29, will help develop talent in the long run. The PCB plans to use AI to select a pool of 150 players based on data from the 50-over tournament. In the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast, Saurabh Kumar, Sabyasachi Chowdhary and Kingshuk Kusari discuss how Jay Shah's tenure as ICC head might turn out and what has gone wrong with Pakistan cricket. Tune in! Produced and sound mixed by Sachin Dwivedi

It's time for the last leg of the World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle. The race for the spots in the final is heating up. India and Australia are in the pole position. South Africa and Pakistan are in with an outside chance. Bazballing England need a perfect run from here on.India are set for their stiffest test when they are set to tour Australia later this year. Yes, Australia have not beaten India in a Border-Gavaskar Test series in a decade. And Australia are not going to go down without a fight in the upcoming 5-Test series.Are India favourites to complete a hat-trick of Test series wins in Australia? Can a Test team that is in transition manage to repeat the heroics of the last two tours? Will Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma combine to script history?Meanwhile, Pakistan will begin their busy home season on August 21 against Bangladesh. Questions have been asked of their all-pace bowling attack for the series opener in Rawalpindi.Can captain Shan Masood walk the talk? Will he be allowed a free hand in this crucial phase?In the latest episode of Sledging Room Podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar and Kingshuk Kusari discuss what promises to be an exciting few months of Test cricket.Tune in!Produced & Sound Mixed By: Kapil Dev Singh

The BCCI and IPL franchise owners sat down on 31 July to hold discussions about the future of the league. According to media reports circulating at the time, things got heated between few of the franchise owners when the topic of mega auction was raised.The mega auction, where teams are only allowed to retain a maximum of 4-5 players has always been a point of contention for not only the franchises but the fans as well. The successful franchises argue that why should they throw away their good work and rebuild from scratch, and those franchises, whose plans have not gone well, look to hit the reset button.In this episode of Sledging Room, which returns back after a gap of 2 weeks, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar and Kingshuk Kusari discuss the pros and cons of mega auctions, and if there is a better way for the IPL to sustain their product. There is no denying that the mega auction brings a lot of drama to the league, but is it fair for the franchises to hit the reset button every 4 years?Apart from the auctions, the trio also discusses India's recent series loss in Sri Lanka - the first since 1997, and the latest appointment of Morne Morkel as the bowling coach of the Indian team.Tune in!Produced by Anna PriyadarshiniSound Mix by Kapil Dev Singh

India white-washed Sri Lanka 3-0 in the T20I series under the watchful eyes of Gautam Gambhir. One of the most prominent features in the series was that batters chipped in with the ball when necessary. Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh rolled their arms in a crunch situation and helped India win the final match of the series. This was reminiscent of the pre-2011 era of Indian cricket, where the team had able part-timers in Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh, among others, who had the ability to hold their nerve when handed the ball. While it is too early to tell if this could be a regular thing, it is surely a welcome change for the Indian team, who have struggled with their combinations in white-ball cricket with their top order not contributing with the ball.  In this episode of the Sledging Room, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Kingshuk Kusari discuss the point of the Sri Lanka T20I series and what they learned from Gambhir's first stint as the India head coach. Tune in! Produced by Anna Priyadarshini

How good was head coach Gautam Gambhir in his first press meet as head coach? First things first, full marks for his punctuality. He sat down to address several questions with chairman of selection committee Ajit Agarkar before India departed for the tour of Sri Lanka. One of the most interesting things to emerge out of the press conference was the reasoning for India appointing Suryakumar Yadav ahead of Hardik Pandya as T20I captain. Was injury concerns the only reason why India decided to snub Hardik Pandya? Ajit Agarkar mentioned ‘feedback from the dressing room' as one of the main reasons behind India naming Surya as Rohit Sharma's successor. Are you convinced by these reasons?  Also, Gautam Gambhir has backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play until the 2027 ODI World Cup. Can the two seniors push it until 2027? Did Gambhir make a U-turn with this statement?  And what to make of Shubman Gill's appointment as the vice captain in ODIs and T20Is. Does he deserve an automatic spot in the shortest format?  Akshay Ramesh, Kingshuk Kusari and Alan Jose John discuss the much talked about press conference in the latest episode of the Sledging Room podcast. Tune In!  Produced & Sound Mix by: Sachin Dwivedi

Just when Hardik Pandya was poised to take over as captain of the Indian team, reports from the Indian media suggested that the BCCI was rethinking and re-evaluating its options. Suryakumar Yadav was floated as a strong option because of his consistency in fitness and his record with the Indian team in the Australia and South Africa series. The discussion continued the selection panel's tradition of making very late adjustments to the squad. Just like Rinku Singh was not included at the very last minute in the Indian T20 World Cup team, Pandya's position as Rohit Sharma's successor in the T20I side has been put in doubt. In this episode of the Sledging Room podcast, Kingshuk Kusari, Alan John, and Debodinna Chakraborty discuss the onset of Gautam Gambhir's era in the Indian team and how it could be one of the most exciting periods for viewers in the country's cricket history. Gautam Gambhir has a big personality, and it is expected that his on-the-face attitude will be injected into the Indian side. If that happens, India could be an absolute force to reckon with in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, set to be played later this year in Australia. But before that happens, India has to get its house in order. There are questions about the transition, the absence of a new support staff for the SL series, and who, between Suryakumar and Hardik, will take over the Indian side after Rohit Sharma's retirement. Tune in! Produced & Sound Mix by: Kapil Dev Singh

The Gautam Gambhir era as India's head coach has begun. Gambhir's tenure runs until 2027, during which India will compete in three ICC white-ball tournaments and possibly the World Test Championship Finals in 2025 and 2027. Gambhir is expected to secure more ICC titles, but the last 11 years have shown how challenging it is to win world trophies, with only Australia consistently succeeding. Gambhir's response to his new role announcement was characteristic. Instead of featuring his image or past World Cup trophies, he prominently displayed the national flag alongside a message: "India is my identity." Known for his pragmatic approach, Gambhir prioritizes team success over individual stars. His cricketing journey, marked by a late and diligent Test comeback, reflects his commitment to meritocracy rather than age-based exclusions. This philosophy extends to his support for players like Sunil Narine and Andre Russell in the IPL, demonstrating his belief in talent beyond conventional norms. Despite past publicised conflicts, Gambhir and Virat Kohli share a deep-seated competitiveness and aversion to defeat. Their similarities suggest a potential for a productive working relationship, especially given Kohli's role in Gambhir's international return. When Gambhir's tenure ends, he will aim to leave India as the best side in the world, not only in ICC rankings but also with multiple World Cup trophies. In the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Diya Kakkar preview how the Gautam Gambhir era could pan out. Tune in! Produced and Mixed By Sachin Dwivedi

Saturday, June 29, will be remembered for ages in Indian cricket history. It was an emotional moment for many who had witnessed heartbreak after heartbreak over the last decade. Rohit Sharma's India ended an 11-year wait for the International Cricket Council (ICC title) title, beating South Africa in one of the most thrilling finals in the history of the men's T20 World Cup. Rohit led from the front throughout the campaign. Virat Kohli stepped up when it mattered the most—in the final. Head coach Rahul Dravid signed off on a high, singing a redemption story in the Caribbean. Every decision that the team management and selectors made regarding the T20 World Cup paid off, resulting in India winning their second T20 World Cup crown. Being Rohit, Dravid, and Kohli has not been easy in the last 3-4 years. Rohit Sharma was gutted and heartbroken after the ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad. An entire nation felt the pain. Dravid's credentials as a T20I coach were questioned in 2022. Kohli's place in the World Cup squad was questioned when he returned to the T20I side in January. All of them proved their naysayers wrong. Rohit and Kohli signed off from T20Is at the right time. Dravid ended his coaching stint on a high. There were other heroes as well. Jasprit Bumrah stood out from the rest and showed why he is one of the best in the world. Arshdeep Singh stepped up and created a record performance that will be remembered for the ages. Axar Patel emerged as India's new all-round hero. Suryakumar Yadav chipped in with crucial contributions. It was a complete team effort. What next for India? Will Gautam Gambhir take over? Should Hardik Pandya replace Rohit Sharma as the T20I captain? Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar and Alan Jose John celebrate India's T20 World Cup triumph and issue an unconditional apology. Tune in! Produced and Mixed By Sachin Dwivedi

Adelaide 2022 has been avenged. India's pursuit of an ICC title appears on track after a 68-run mauling of England in Guyana. England were handed a proper drubbing and this victory will feel a lot sweeter for India as they have made light work of the reigning champions. After the defending champions crashed out in Guyana, English media started crying foul, questioning ICC's decision to allot the second semi-final to India irrespective of their Super Eight standing and the fact that Rohit Sharma's men were the only top side not to play a single match under lights during the entire tournament.  India's campaign in the tournament has mirrored their performance in the home ODI World Cup last year. They cruised into the final unbeaten, only to be outdone by Australia on the big stage. This time, they remain unbeaten and have been the standout team of the tournament. Crucially, Australia, who thwarted their hopes previously, are not in their path to an elusive trophy. South Africa, whose sole ICC event victory was in the 1998 Champions Trophy (then called the ICC Knock-Out Trophy), approached the final with their hopes and dreams. Often labeled as "chokers" throughout their international cricket history, the Proteas are determined to shed this reputation at the Kensington Oval. After having tasted contrasting outcomes in the WTC final and ODI World Cup final, Barbados 2024 could complete the redemption arc for Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rahul Dravid and Team India. The Indian fans had to suffer twin heartbreaks at the hands of Australia, first in the WTC final in England and then the 2023 World Cup final at home. But now, the unbeaten run presents Rohit an opportunity to finally redeem himself after losing two ICC finals albeit in different formats. In the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast, Saurabh Kumar, Kingshuk Kusari and podcast debutant Rishabh Beniwal preview the final of the T20 World Cup 2024 between India and South Africa. Tune in! Produced and Mixed By Sachin Dwivedi

Rohit Sharma certainly did not have Monday morning blues. The India captain tore into the Australian bowling attack, ensuring Australia got their payback for the ODI World Cup heartbreak. Rohit batted like a man possessed and decimated Australia, ensuring India's unbeaten run to the T20 World Cup 2024 semi-finals.How much credit should Rohit Sharma get for showing the way with a fearless approach? At 37, The captain has been open to changing his approach and playing a selfless brand of cricket. He hit 8 sixes in his 41-ball 92 against Australia, shutting down naysayers who questioned his big-match temperament.After successfully knocking out Australia, India's next target for revenge was England. Jos Buttler's men hammered India by 10 wickets in the T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final. However, with a fearless approach, this Indian team will be a tough nut to crack. India is the team to beat, and England has been dangerous. A cracker of a semi-final awaits us in Guyana on Thursday, June 27.Meanwhile, Afghanistan scripted history, beating Bangladesh and qualifying for the men's T20 World Cup semi-final for the first time. They were on a giant-killing spree, beating New Zealand, Australia and Bangladesh. Will they start as favourites against South Africa in the first semi-final? Can the Proteas shed the 'C' tag and reach their maiden T20 World Cup final?And what did you make of Gulbadin Naib's time-wasting tactics in the thriller between Afghanistan and Bangladesh? Are Australia right in cribbing about it?Akshay Ramesh, Alan Jose John and Debodinna Chakraborty preview what promises to be two cracking semifinals.Tune in!Produced and Mixed By Sachin Dwivedi

Jasprit Bumrah has looked a million dollar in the T20 World Cup 2024. He has 15 overs so far and conceded just four boundaries. He has 8 wickets at an economy rate of less than four runs per over. Yes, India is certainly blessed to have him in their team. The legendary West Indies pacer Ian Bishop calls him a ‘generational' fast bowler. Brian Lara said he is India's greatest cricketer of this era. But does he need an ICC title to prove his greatness? Pat Cummins, a modern-day great, has been a serial winner of ICC titles, and his winning spree has helped him further his legacy. Will Bumrah not be considered one of the finest if he doesn't inspire India to an ICC title? Returning to the ongoing T20 World Cup, India began their Super 8s campaign with a thumping win over Afghanistan. There were doubts over India's ability to perform on slow and sluggish pitches in the Caribbean, especially after they played all their group-stage games in the USA. But India silenced all critics with a comprehensive win over Rashid Khan's men in Barbados on Thursday. Does India have the best team to counter these conditions? Are they looking unbeatable again? Can they go all the way without losing a match? Will it be different this time? We don't need another heartbreak. Do we?  In the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Kingshuk Kusari analyse India's chances of ending their 11-year-long ICC trophy drought based on evidence from their performances in the group stage and the first Super 8 game against Afghanistan. Tune in! Produced and Mixed By: Kapil Dev Singh

India has reached the Super 8s of the T20 World Cup without losing a single game. India has now travelled to the West Indies for the Super 8 stages and will face Australia, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Should India change their playing XI, given the conditions will be much more spin-friendly? If so, who gets dropped from playing XI? Many fans on social media have argued for the exclusion of Ravindra Jadeja, given that neither has the all-rounder scored any runs in group stages nor has he picked up any wickets. But will India be brave to drop a senior Indian player to accommodate a specialist spinner like Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal? The Indian team has a slight concern about Virat Kohli. Kohli has scored 1,4, and 0 in the three matches in the group stage, and there are murmurs if the batter should return to the No. 3 position, which might give the Indian team better stability on slower surfaces. Should Kohli return to his role as a grafter in the Indian batting line-up and play the longer innings without worrying about his strike rate? Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar and Kingshuk Kusari had previewed the teams in the Super 8s and discussed their chances of reaching the semi-finals. The three also discussed the struggles of the Indian batting unit and how the Indian team might overcome that challenge with a single tweak in their composition. The Sri Lankan side has also complained about tournament scheduling. Captain Wanindu Hasaranga and spinner Maheesh Theekshana lashed out at the T20 World Cup 2024 schedule, which sees them play in four different venues. Sri Lanka lost its first match of the campaign to South Africa, which was played in New York. After this, they will play Bangladesh in Dallas on June 7 and then head to Florida to face Nepal four days later. In contrast, a team like India has been stationed in New York and will play 3 out of 4 group-stage matches at the Nassau County Stadium. In the latest episode of the Sledging Room podcast, Saurabh Kumar, Kingshuk Kusari and Alan Jose John unpack various issues that teams have faced in the first week of this T20 World Cup. Tune in! Produced and Mixed By: Sachin Dwivedi

How can you not chase 120 when you know the tournament is on the line? The biggest match of the T20 World Cup saw Pakistan do a Pakistan. It was worse. Never has Pakistan been this listless with the bat in a major tournament in the recent past. After a shock defeat to the USA, who are playing a men's T20 World Cup for the first time, Pakistan were humbled by their arch-rivals India in New York on Monday. Pakistan bowlers gave it their all after the run of green went Babar Azam's way at the toss. Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir and Haris Rauf bowled their hearts out to restrict the mighty Indian batting unit for just 119 in New York. However, there was no intent throughout the chase, with Babar Azam failing early and Mohammad Rizwan lacking common sense; Pakistan choked in the chase, losing by 6 runs. The defeat has pushed Pakistan to the brink of elimination. The 2022 finalists are set to exit without even making it to the Super 8s this year. Who should take the blame for Pakistan's horror show? Is it the cricket board? Keep in mind that captains were changed, and new coaches were brought in just months before the T20 World Cup. There is pressure on Babar Azam. Is it time for him to go as captain? Is it time for him to quit T20I cricket? Are Pakistan playing outdated cricket? Plenty of questions as the Green Shirts implode on the biggest stage. India, on the other hand, has won two in two. But they are not yet looking like title contenders. In the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Kingshuk Kusari, and Alan John discuss Pakistan's T20I team's downfall. Tune in! Produced and Mixed By: Kapil Dev Singh  

India head coach Rahul Dravid took a slight dig at the tournament organisers ahead of their T20 World Cup 2024 opener against Ireland. Speaking in a press conference, Dravid said it was odd to hold training sessions at a park in an ICC tournament. The stadium was built in a very short time. Even three months ago, there was a public park on the premises. The ICC had avidly advertised how quickly the stadium had been built. However, as it turns out, things had horribly gone wrong. Inconsistent bounce on a fresh pitch and puffs of dust coming out from the outfield meant that the whole thing had been rushed. In India's warm-up game against Bangladesh, batters found it difficult to adjust to the pace and bounce of the pitch. Ahead of India's first T20 World Cup game at the venue, Sri Lanka and South Africa played out a low-scoring thriller. The pitch was in focus again as Sri Lanka was bowled out for 77, and South Africa dragged it till the 17th over to reach the target. This match raised a very important question—is this the kind of cricket that will attract viewers from the USA, where the ICC is trying to spread the game? Given that India plays three games at the same venue, it raises a couple of very important questions. What is going to be the team's combination? Who are the undroppable players from the unit? The team is filled with superstars, but as head coach Rahul Dravid says, conditions will play a major role in the team's campaign in this World Cup. In the latest episode of the Sledging Room podcast, Saurabh Kumar, Kingshuk Kusari, and Alan Jose John unpack various issues that teams have faced in the first week of this T20 World Cup. Tune in! Produced and Mixed by Sachin Dwivedi