The Last Wicket

Hosts Benny and Mayank engage in an in-depth discourse regarding the World Test Championship (WTC), welcoming back special guest Ben Brettell to lend his insights. The episode's primary focus revolves around the inherent flaws within the WTC's current structure, particularly its contrasting methodology compared to traditional Test rankings. We delve into the implications of such disparities and the overall excitement surrounding the impending Test summer in England, highlighted by the upcoming WTC final featuring Australia and South Africa. In our conversation, we reflect upon the significance of competitive integrity and the necessity for structural evolution within Test cricket to ensure its future relevance. Through this exchange, we aim to enrich our audience's understanding of the nuances and complexities underpinning Test cricket's landscape today.Takeaways: RCB's recent IPL victory is a monumental achievement after 18 years, finally bringing joy to their passionate fanbase. The disparity between the ICC Test rankings and the World Test Championship standings raises essential questions about their effectiveness. The World Test Championship is critiqued for its complexity. Many fans find it difficult to understand the qualification and ranking systems. Australia is favored to win the upcoming WTC final due to their strong form, although South Africa has the potential to cause an upset. The current WTC structure faces challenges in ensuring equal opportunities for all teams, particularly those with fewer matches against top-tier opponents. There is an ongoing debate regarding the future of Test cricket and potential adaptations, such as four-day Tests and day-night matches, to maintain its relevance. LinkTest Match Special: Why the World Test Championship should be scrapped

The retirement of Rohit Sharma from Test cricket marks a significant moment in the landscape of Indian cricket, followed by Virat Kohli's own retirement. In this discourse, we explore the implications of Rohit's departure, reflecting on his illustrious yet enigmatic career, characterized by flashes of brilliance juxtaposed with bouts of inconsistency. As we delve into the circumstances surrounding his retirement, we consider the potential impact on the Indian team, particularly with regard to the upcoming England tour and the need for emerging talent to step into the void left by such formidable figures. We analyze Rohit's contributions as a batter and captain, weighing both the triumphs and challenges he faced throughout his journey. Ultimately, this episode is a tribute to a player whose legacy will resonate within the annals of cricket history, inviting contemplation on what lies ahead for Indian cricket in the wake of his retirement.

Virat Kohli's recent retirement from Test cricket marks a significant turning point in Indian cricket, and we delve into the implications of his abrupt departure from the format. In this episode, we analyze the context surrounding Kohli's departure alongside that of Rohit Sharma, both of whom have been stalwarts in the Indian Test lineup. We explore Kohli's illustrious career, the impact of his performances, and the evolving dynamics within the team as younger players are poised to step into his shoes. The discussion further extends to the future of Indian Test cricket, as we contemplate the challenges and opportunities ahead in the wake of Kohli and Rohit's retirement. Join us as we reflect on Kohli's legacy and the broader ramifications for Indian cricket.

Mayank and Abhaye engage in an insightful discourse concerning the recent developments within the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. They delve into team performances, highlighting the surprising trajectories of franchises such as Delhi Capitals, who initially displayed promise but are now grappling with inconsistencies, and Mumbai Indians, whose resurgence has reestablished them as formidable contenders. As they dissect the implications of strategic auction decisions, the conversation also touches upon standout individual performances, notably Rohit Sharma and Jos Buttler, whose contributions have substantially influenced their teams' fortunes. This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of the current standings and reflects on the intricate dynamics of team composition and player form within the league. Listeners are invited to explore these themes as the tournament progresses and the race for the playoffs intensifies.Follow Nordic CricPundits (@CricPundits) / X

The latest discourse on the Indian Premier League 2025 unfolds with hosts Benny and Mayank as they delve into the unexpected developments of the tournament thus far. Central to our dialogue is the disconcerting performance of traditionally dominant teams, specifically the Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, both languishing at the bottom of the standings. We explore the implications of these teams' struggles, contrasting them with the emerging prowess of younger players, such as Priyansh Arya and Digvesh Rathi, who have captured the attention and admiration of cricket enthusiasts. Additionally, we evaluate the strategic decisions and overall team dynamics that have contributed to the current standings while speculating on future trajectories as the season progresses. Join us as we dissect the nuances of this captivating season, providing insights into the evolving landscape of the IPL.

The ongoing IPL season has elicited a fervent discourse among hosts Benny and Mayank, who engage with special guest Ben Brettell to delve into the intricacies of the tournament. A salient point of discussion revolves around the contentious issue of pitch preparation and its implications for teams seeking home advantage. The hosts explore the contrasting strategies employed by various franchises, mainly the dissatisfaction expressed by teams such as Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders regarding their curators' decisions. Furthermore, they highlight standout performances from players such as Sai Sudarshan and Mohammed Siraj, illuminating the evolving dynamics of the league. As the conversation unfolds, the trio contemplates the broader ramifications of these developments on team strategies and the overall competitive landscape of IPL 2025.LinkCricInspo by Ben Brettell | Substack

Hosts Benny and Mayank delve into the exhilarating realm of IPL 2025, encapsulating the fervor of cricket enthusiasts as we reflect upon the remarkable performances witnessed in the initial matches of the season. We commence by celebrating the culmination of our first century of episodes, a milestone that underscores our enduring passion for the sport. The discussion then transitions to notable players, such as Shreyas Iyer and Noor Ahmad, whose extraordinary displays have captivated audiences and promise to impact their respective teams significantly. Furthermore, we explore the implications of evolving batting strategies within the IPL, particularly how the emphasis on high-scoring matches may alter the tournament's dynamics. As we navigate these topics, we invite listeners to consider the intricate balance between batting prowess and bowling finesse, a theme that resonates throughout the fabric of cricket.Takeaways: The inaugural round of IPL 2025 showcased remarkable performances, notably highlighting the exceptional skills of lesser-known players. In this episode, we reflect on the significance of IPL in providing a platform for domestic cricketers to shine amidst international talents. We discuss cricket's evolving nature, emphasizing the increasing dominance of batting over traditional bowling strategies in the IPL. Our predictions for the playoffs suggest a competitive landscape, with Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings as perennial favorites for success. Link referenced in this episode:freehitgear.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: Freeheat Gear Music from #Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/luxuriousLicense code: D55JWIKII2WWUUWK

A comprehensive analysis of the recently concluded 2025 Champions Trophy reveals the remarkable journey of Team India, culminating in their triumphant victory under the astute leadership of Rohit Sharma. Throughout the tournament, India displayed an unparalleled level of consistency, remaining unbeaten and demonstrating a depth of talent that has become the hallmark of contemporary Indian cricket. The hosts, Benny and Mayank, delve into various narratives emerging from the tournament, including the stellar performances of individual players, the strategic acumen displayed by the Indian team management, and the implications of India's victory for the future of limited-overs cricket. They reflect on the evolution of Rohit Sharma as a captain and the legacy he is building within the sport, juxtaposing this with discussions on the potential future of key players like Virat Kohli and the younger generation poised to take over the mantle. Ultimately, the episode serves as a celebration of Indian cricket's current dominance while also pondering the inevitable transitions that lie ahead. The hosts further explore the dynamics of other participating teams, including New Zealand's perennial struggle in finals, the inconsistent performances of Pakistan, and Afghanistan's promising trajectory in international cricket, providing listeners with a multifaceted understanding of the tournament's landscape.

The conversation between host Mayank and guest Arnav Jain delves into the profound transformation of cricketing skills over the past two decades, illuminating how both batting and bowling techniques have evolved significantly. Arnav articulates the notion that the current cricketing landscape is markedly distinct from that of the early 2000s, primarily due to the emergence of new strategies, the influence of T20 formats, and the changing nature of pitches. They examine the implications of these shifts on player performance, particularly the decline in batting averages and the rising challenges faced by bowlers in today's game. Additionally, they explore the role of technology, such as DRS, in reshaping the dynamics of cricket. This dialogue not only encapsulates the shifting paradigms of cricket but also invites listeners to ponder the future of the sport in an ever-evolving competitive arena.Links referenced in this episode:freehitgear.comArnav Jain | SubstackArnav Jain (@arnav1204aj) / XCompanies mentioned in this episode: Freeheat Gear

The Champions Trophy is upon us, and in this episode, we delve into the intricacies of this prestigious tournament with a keen focus on the dynamics of the competing teams. Host Mayank engages in a substantive dialogue with Gaurav Tripathi, sub-editor at Cricket.com, as they explore the strengths and weaknesses of the various squads, dissecting the implications of their recent performances. The conversation highlights the significance of team compositions and the impact of player injuries, particularly for powerhouses like India and Australia. Furthermore, they scrutinize the potential dark horses of the tournament and assess how emerging teams like Afghanistan could disrupt the conventional hierarchy. Join us as we navigate the complexities of the Champions Trophy and offer our predictions for this highly anticipated event.Takeaways: The Champions Trophy garners significant attention as top international teams compete, reviving rivalries and generating excitement. The relevance of the Champions Trophy is questioned due to the declining frequency of ODI matches played by teams. India, while a strong contender, faces challenges in their bowling lineup, particularly with the absence of key players like Bumrah. Pakistan's unpredictable nature and fluctuating performance pose potential challenges for their success in the tournament. New Zealand is viewed as a dark horse, capable of overachieving despite not being seen as the strongest on paper. Afghanistan's spinners are expected to play a crucial role in their potential success at the Champions Trophy, given their recent form. LinkGaurav Nandan Tripathi | गौरव नंदन त्रिपाठी (@Cric_Beyond_Ent) / X

Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement from international cricket marks the end of an era for Indian cricket, and this episode delves deep into his illustrious career. The hosts Benny and Mayank, along with special guest Shayan, explore the nuances of Ashwin's contributions to the game, from his remarkable bowling feats to his strategic mind on the field. They discuss key moments from his career, including standout performances in pivotal matches and his unique approach to the game, which has often set him apart as a thinker and innovator. The conversation also touches on the complexities of his persona, the challenges he faced within the team dynamics, and how his analytical nature has influenced both his playing style and leadership potential. Join them as they celebrate the remarkable journey of one of cricket's greatest off-spinners and reflect on what his legacy means for the future of Indian cricket.Ravichandran Ashwin's cricketing journey is a testament to talent, intelligence, and relentless pursuit of excellence. This episode takes listeners through the various milestones of Ashwin's career, from his early days in the IPL with Chennai Super Kings to his pivotal role in the Indian Test team. The hosts, Benny, Mayank, and guest Shayan, engage in a rich discussion about Ashwin's unique contributions to cricket, emphasizing his strategic acumen and ability to adapt his game to different formats and conditions. They explore the nuances of his retirement announcement, made mid-series during a challenging tour of Australia, raising important questions about the timing and its implications for the team dynamics.The episode highlights key performances that defined Ashwin's career, including his impactful spells in crucial matches such as the 2011 World Cup quarter-finals and the 2013 Champions Trophy final. The hosts delve into statistical analysis to underscore Ashwin's effectiveness as a bowler, discussing his ability to exploit batsmen's weaknesses and his evolution as an all-rounder. They reflect on his batting contributions, which, while sometimes overlooked, have been crucial in many match situations. This multifaceted approach provides a comprehensive understanding of Ashwin as a player who not only excels in bowling but also provides valuable runs when needed most.As the conversation unfolds, the hosts celebrate Ashwin's legacy and the indelible mark he has left on Indian cricket. They reminisce about memorable moments and the sheer joy he has brought to fans across the globe. The episode calls for listeners to appreciate Ashwin's achievements in the context of his unique playing style and his impact on the sport, urging a focus on the celebration of his career rather than the controversies surrounding his retirement. By the end, listeners are left with a profound appreciation for Ashwin's contributions to cricket and an understanding of what makes him one of the game's greats.LinkShayan Khan (@TweetsByShayan) / X

This podcast episode features author Aditya Iyer discussing his book, "Gully Gully," which chronicles his experiences traveling across India during the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Iyer shares captivating anecdotes and insights into the remarkable performance of the Indian cricket team, highlighting that this squad boasted not only a stellar batting lineup but also an exceptionally talented bowling attack. He reflects on the unique atmosphere created by team leaders Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid, which fostered camaraderie among players and contributed to their success. The conversation delves into the significance of cricket in uniting fans across India, illustrating how it transcends regional divides and evokes deep emotional responses. Listeners will gain a deeper appreciation for the intersection of sports, culture, and personal stories that shape the narrative of cricket in India.Takeaways: Aditya's journey from being a science student to a cricket journalist is inspiring and relatable. The camaraderie among the Indian cricket team players is pivotal to their success. Aditya emphasizes the importance of the fans' experiences and stories in cricket narratives. He believes cricket serves as a medium to explore the diverse culture of India. The Indian bowling lineup is currently the strongest it has ever been in World Cups. Aditya's writing style blends personal anecdotes with broader observations about cricket and society. LinksBuyGully Gully: Travels Around India during the 2023 World Cup Book Online at LowPrices in India | Gully Gully: Travels Around India during the 2023 World CupReviews & Ratings - Amazon.inAdityaIyer (@Iyr_Adi) / X

CricViz senior broadcast analyst Soham Sarkhel joins The Last Wicket's Mayank to discuss his journey in cricket broadcasting, his roles with HawkEye and Cricviz, the evolution of technology within the sport and much more. Soham Sarkhel | Career highlight to get the chance to work with Ian Bishop and others in the comm box. What an absolute legend he is! This means the world... | InstagramSoham Sarkhel (@Soham_Sarkhel) / X

Special guest Assad (Assad (@CoverDriveCric) / X) is back on the Last Wicket to discuss the latest happenings in Pakistan cricket and what lies ahead. We talk about the constant upheavals, flailing performances, state of domestic cricket and much more.

Himanish is back to talk about his brief foray into working with Rahul Dravid and the Indian Men's Cricket team over a heady 23-month period.Himanish Ganjoo (@hganjoo_153) / XDeep Point | Himanish Ganjoo | Substack

The Last Wicket duo is joined by founding member of the pod - Himanish to discuss Indian spin legend Ravi Ashwin's book "I Have The Streets - A Kutty Cricket Story". We discuss what the book reveals about what sets Ashwin apart from his peers, the perceptions about his attitude and constant innovations, what the future holds for Ashwin, and much more.Himanish Ganjoo (@hganjoo_153) / XI Have the Streets: A Kutti Cricket Story: Ashwin, R, Monga, Sidharth: 9780670094745: Amazon.com: Books

Special guest Aaaman Patel (Aaman Patel (@APSportsNews_) / X) joins The Last Wicket to talk through an eventful phase of cricket in the USA - the recent T20 World Cup and the ongoing second season of Major League Cricket. We talk about his journey to becoming a commentator in American cricket, the US team's campaign in the World Cup, the outlook for cricket in the USA, and much more.

The Last Wicket boys are joined by Prashant DP to discuss cricket documentaries - best, worst and everything in between. We discuss our personal favorites, the stories and agendas they contain, the relevance of documentaries in sports, and our wishlist for potential cricket documentaries.LinksPrashant DP (@prashantdptweet) / XPrashant DP – Medium

Special guest Aryan Surana joins the Last Wicket duo to discuss the Future Tour Program (FTP), the impact of franchise cricket on the cricketing calendar, ideas for finding a balance between the economics of the game, franchise cricket, and international cricket. Bonus: some ranting on the Real Big Bash League aka IPL.LinksRe-defining cricket's calendar - Freehit's Blog (substack.com)Aryan Surana (@iamaryansurana) / X (twitter.com)

The Last Wicket duo is joined by Kartik (@EliteCynic) once again - this time to break down the year in cricket so far. We discuss the recent England men's tour of India, RCB lifting winning their maiden title in the WPL, the BCCI contracts fracas, and the amusing Bangladesh-Sri Lanka rivalry.----------------------------------------Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/poemLicense code: MTA2KJIXYBZM7PF3https://uppbeat.io/t/pryces/music-isLicense code: UV5NI1BUQ7SL55MP

For the first episode of 2024, The Last Wicket duo are joined by Nikhil Popat aka @CricCrazyNiks to talk about the contrasting tenures of the Indian men's erstwhile and current coaches - Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid. We discuss their approaches to man-management, tactics and vision, their highs and lows, and what their stints mean for the immediate future of Indian cricket.

The Last Wicket hosts discuss the highlights of cricketing action in 2023, including the continuing march of T20 leagues around the world, the progress of women's cricket, the eventful Men's Ashes series, India's stumble at the final hurdles in the WTC and World Cup, and much more.

The Last Wicket duo is joined by alumnus Nish (@Cerebrohemius) and special guest Kartik (@elitecynic) to process the great big Australian upset as India went down at the (World Cup) final hurdle in Ahmedabad. We talk about the triumph of Australian grit over Indian excellence in the 2023 World Cup final, what's next for Team India, the standout performances of the tournament, and what the last few weeks indicate for the future of ODIs.

Host Mayank is joined by Sports Biomechanist Stuart McErlain-Naylor to break down his study on the relationship between hitting techniques and ball carry distance in cricket. They talk about the evolution of biomechanics in cricket, key parameters in assessing ball carry distance, differences between men's and women's cricket concerning biomechanics, how this can complement technical coaching and much more.LinksStuart's YouTube channel: Stuart McErlain-Naylor - YouTubeScience of Cricket YouTube lecture series: The Science of Cricket: Lectures - YouTubeExperts in Sport podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0J74YTIIXGDd2YROSu4Ktl?si=0180546164c245c1Stuart's research articles on cricket: Cricket Biomechanics | Dr Stuart McErlain-Naylor

The Last Wicket duo is joined by Kartik (@elitecynic) to discuss the early stages of the ongoing 2023 Men's Cricket World Cup. We discuss the best contests so far, the players that have surprised and impressed us the most, what the story of the World Cup has been so far, and who the likely semifinalists would be based on the early exchanges.LinkKartik on X (Twitter)

ESPNcricinfo producer/presenter Yash Jha joins host Mayank for a chat on the state of ODI cricket today. Topics of discussion include its relevance, declining games and tournaments, scheduling challenges and future of the format.LinkYash Jha (@jhayash) / X (twitter.com)

Historian Duncan Stone chats with host Mayank about this recent book - Different Class: The Untold Story of English Cricket. This book was shortlisted for the Cricket Writers Club 'Book of the Year' 2022 and the Sunday Times Sports Book Awards 'Cricket Book of the Year' 2023.“A modern-day John Arlott: uncomfortable but indispensable reading for those who love cricket but may so far have avoided Duncan Stone's vital home truths about the game.” - Peter Hain, former chairman of the Stop the Seventy Tour campaign and Labour Peer"In this fascinating journey through history, Duncan Stone goes back to the working-class roots of the game, lifts the lid on the myths that cricket lives by, and explains why it's impossible not to love it." - Tony Collins, author of Rugby League: A People's History"A warm, accessible but thorough-going account of how cricket and class are intertwined in England. Full of personal wit and charm but also rigor and drive." - Stuart Maconie"At a time when the ECB seems intent on killing Test cricket, by commodifying it in search of quick profits, this book is a gentle reminder of the true ethos and variable pace of the game, etched in the memories of all who have played it at village or club level." - Guy Standing, author of The Precariat: The True Dangerous Class"Different Class is in that special category of books — not just lucid and cogent but necessary and invaluable." - Gideon Haigh, author of The Cricket War: The Inside Story of Kerry Packer's World Series CricketDuncan Stone is a historian long interested in the social and cultural machinations of sport, the concept and application of amateurism and who, exactly, gets to define the form, function and meaning of sport. He has worked as a forensic photographer, DJ and club promoter, builder, local government officer and lecturer at the University of Huddersfield and was previously a visiting researcher at Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia.LinkDifferent Class: The Untold Story of English Cricket: Stone, Duncan: 9781913462802: Amazon.com: Books---------------Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/prigida/moonshineLicense code: JUXBBIJITP4USCDL

Freelance cricket journalist Cameron Ponsonby joins host Mayank to chat about all things MLC. The two discuss the success of the inaugural edition of the tournament, his role with the Washington Freedoms, areas for improvement, and what the future holds for the fledgling league.LinkCameron Ponsonby (@cameronponsonby) / X--------------------------------------------------Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/hlfmn/yangLicense code: TCHXJRSQ50WL7THS

Zimbabwe cricket journo Adam Theo joins The Last Wicket to discuss Zimbabwe's recent stirring performances, the impact of Dave Houghton and senior players on the upswing in results, what cricket means to the country, and what the future holds for Zimbabwe cricket.LinksAdam Theo

TLW Host Mayank guests on the Armchair Cricket Podcast to discuss the recently concluded WTC final with host Ajit. They review India's performance, selection questions and Shubman Gill's discontent, while also taking a look at the ongoing Ashes and contract brouhaha over in New Zealand cricket.Links

The Last Wicket takes a ball-by-ball look at the last overs of the Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders, and the Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Lucknow Super Giants games in the 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League.

Assad Hasnain joins The Last Wicket to discuss Wasim Akram's new book - Sultan. We discuss if the book has had any impact on Akram's legacy and Pakistan cricket, the revelations from it - both surprising and unsurprising, what the dynamics between Akram and his contemporaries tells us about the challenges that the Pakistani team of that era had to overcome, both internal and external. Links Assad (@LeftArmAround) / Twitter Amazon.com: Sultan: A Memoir eBook : Akram, Wasim, Haigh, Gideon: Kindle Store Spotify – Jama Punji --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/support

Veteran writer and journalist Ayaz Memon joins The Last Wicket to talk about two legends of Indian cricket: Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni. We discuss the imprint they left on the teams they led, their journeys from humble beginnings to World Cup winning captains, the personal traits that set them apart and what their tenures can advise current and future captains of the Indian teams. Links Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) / Twitter --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/support

Writer and story-teller CS Chiwanza joins host Mayank to discuss cricket in South Africa - the talent pool in the country, varying performances across formats, the role of the cricket administration in improving team performance, and the latest T20 league in South Africa. Links C. S Chiwanza (@CSChiwanza) / Twitter Stumped! | C. S Chiwanza | Substack --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/support

Cover Drive podcast's Assad Jaffer joins The Last Wicket hosts to talk Pakistan cricket. We spoke about Pakistan's recent struggles in test cricket, the rollercoaster experience that is being a Pakistan fan, the return of Sarfaraz Ahmed (and Shahid Afridi), and of course the epic duel between Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi. Links Assad (@CoverDriveCric) / Twitter Cover Drive Podcast - YouTube --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/support

Daniel Beswick - Co-Founder of Emerging Cricket, and Digital and Editorial content contributor for the ICC - joins The Last Wicket to talk all things Under 19 Women's Cricket. We discuss why we should be excited about the first edition of the ongoing under 19 women's World Cup, the emerging cricketing talent in Indonesia and Rwanda, the participation of senior cricketers in the under 19 World Cup, and even the rising incidence of bowlers running out batsmen at the non-striker's end. Links Daniel Beswick (@DGBeswick1) / Twitter Daniel Beswick | Twitter, Facebook | Linktree --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/support

Highly acclaimed international batting coach Toby Radford joins Mayank for a batting workshop to discuss his transition from player to coach, coaching approach specialized for youngsters compared to experienced hands, mixing net sessions with skills training, his work with the 2012 T20 World Cup winning West Indies team and much more. Links Toby Radford (@TobyRadford1) / Twitter Toby Radford's Online Batting Booth (tobyradfordcricketcoaching.com) Toby's new book - Getting to grips --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/support

Former Australian cricketer Shane Lee joins The Last Wicket to chat about his new podcast series "Lunch with Lee", the evolution of mental health awareness in cricket over the years, Australia's T20 woes and much more. Links Shane Lee (@atlunchwithlee) / Twitter Welcome to Lunch with Lee SIX AND OUT- Can't Bowl Can't Throw - YouTube --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/support

The Last Wicket team is joined by the multi-talented Jamie Alter (journalist, writer, actor, YouTuber, anchor and so on) for an in-depth conversation on the structure of cricket in India. We discuss the pathways from clubs and academies to domestic teams, the structure of school cricket in various regions of the country, how the IPL has changed the landscape for budding cricketers, and so much more. Links Jamie Alter

Former player and fast bowling coach Ian Pont joins Mayank take a deep dive into the art of fast bowling and discuss the 4-tent peg approach that Pont pioneered, it's effect on speed and reducing the rate of injuries, and the evolution of technique in fast bowling. Pont also discusses his experience of working with all types of bowlers, ranging from Shoaib Akhtar to Harshal Patel, including his stints with the Netherlands and Bangladesh teams. Links Ian Pont

Human Movement specialist and Senior Lecturer in Biomechanics - Dr. Paul Felton joins host Mayank for a freewheeling discussion on the role of biomechanics in cricket. Paul talks about how he got hooked into cricket, the difference in biomechanics between the men's and women's game, the acceptance of cricket biomechanics at the international level, and much more. Links The Cricket Biomechanist (@TheCricketBiom) / Twitter Paul Felton (drpaulfelton.com) Four Tent Pegs Visual.pdf (cricket.com.au) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/support

ECB Level 3 Advanced Coach Josh Sivier joins host Mayank for a deep dive on all things related to wicket keeping. We discuss the importance of feet movement for keepers, grabbing takes down the leg side, what the best wicket keepers do on a consistent basis, and much more. Follow Josh on Twitter! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/support

BBC-TMS and ABC broadcaster Prakash Wakankar joins The Last Wicket to share his thoughts on the future of the game as we know it, including the sustainability of specialist teams for multiple formats, the resulting impact on quality of the cricket itself, the future of ODIs, feasibility of a franchise-based test league, and much more. Follow Prakash on Twitter. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/support

Indian cricket 'superfan' Johns Benny aka @CricCrazyJohns joined The Last Wicket pod to share his experience of watching cricket in the Caribbean recently. Along with co-host Mayank, Johns talks about the difference between watching cricket in India and watching the game abroad, interacting with players and other fans, and how the Indian team is shaping up ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. Follow Johns on Twitter --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/support

Freelance cricket writer and broadcaster Gaurav Joshi joins host Mayank for a chat on his journalistic ethos, and what other sports can teach cricket. We also discuss what ails Indian test cricket at the moment, whether it's time for more youngsters to be groomed in the long format, key differences between Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid as coach, and of course what the pesky "Bazball" is all about. Follow Gaurav on Twitter --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/support

Benny of The Last Wicket and Jay Dansinghani of All Over Cricket team up to chat with London-based lawyer and vice-captain of the Hong Kong women's cricket team - Yasmin Daswani. We discuss Yasmin's journey to become a cricketer, balancing law and her love for the game, the ongoing challenges faced by women in cricket, her platform "Associate Women in Cricket" among many other things. Links Home | Associate Women in Cricket (associatecricket.com) Associate Women in Cricket - AWC | Facebook Associate Women in Cricket (@Women_in_cric) / Twitter --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/support

Sports agent and former Derbyshire captain Luke Sutton joins The Last Wicket to talk about his book - "Welcome to the Wonderful World of Wicket Keeping". We talk about the intricacies of wicket keeping, how it has evolved over the years, and the keepers who have redefined the role. We also discuss the role of a sports agent in modern cricket, as well as Luke's journey in dealing with mental health and addiction issues. Links Luke Sutton (@luke_sutts) / Twitter Amazon.co.uk: Luke Sutton: Books, Biography, Blogs, Audiobooks, Kindle --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/support

Rajan Shah (@momocricket) joins The Last Wicket to talk all things Nepal cricket. We discuss the structure of domestic cricket in Nepal, the case for longer format competitions, the scope for improved administration of the game, rising stars to look out for and much more. Links Rajan Shah (@momocricket) / Twitter Home - Momocricket --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/support

Amit Sinha (@RandomCricketP1) joins The Last Wicket to talk about his passion behind unearthing stories related to random cricket photos. We talk about how his understanding of the game has evolved through researching the stories, how teams are more strategic in their use of social media, his interaction with some of the rising stars of Indian cricket, and much more. Amit shares a lot of fascinating anecdotes, including a couple from the iconic 1999 World Cup semifinal between Australia and South Africa. Links TheRandomCricketPhotosGuy (@RandomCricketP1) / Twitter Random Cricket Photos That Make Me Happy | Facebook Random Cricket Photos Podcast - YouTube --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/support

Returning guest Gurkirat Singh Gill joins The Last Wicket at the midway stage of IPL 2022 to discuss ongoing travails of the Indian cricketing stars - Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja. We share our thoughts on the calls for Kohli to take a break, if Rohit needs to step away from IPL captaincy, and if expectations need to be reevaluated for Jadeja the T20 cricketer. Also, we discuss how fan perspectives can be maintained when our favorite players go through a prolonged rough patch. Links Gurkirat Singh Gill (@gurkiratsgill) / Twitter Gilly Cricket - YouTube Gilly Cricket (@gillycricket) • Instagram photos and videos Gurkirat's view | Gurkirat Singh Gill | Substack --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/support

Abhishek Mukherjee (Editor-in-Chief of Cricketnews.com) drops in to talk about a select group of cricketers whose international careers didn't quite pan out the way they were widely expected to. We spoke about Venkatesh Prasad, Nikhil Chopra, David Hussey, Vinod Kambli, Maninder Singh and Grame Hick among a few others. Links Abhishek Mukherjee on Twitter Sachin and Azhar at Cape Town: Indian and South African Cricket Through the Prism of a Partnership - Amazon link --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lastwicket/support