Podcast appearances and mentions of saurabh kumar

India's renewable energy capacity has reached 220 GW, but can the country stay on track for its 2030 targets? In this episode of Unusual Suspects, Saurabh Kumar, VP–India at the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), talks about what it will take to scale clean energy, unlock capital for startups, and drive the next wave of innovation. From the rise of ENTICE 2.0 to the challenges of climate tech funding, this is a ground-level view of India's clean energy moment, and what could define the decade ahead. Tune in.

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

This week, host Anmol Pritam is joined by Newslaundry's Shivanarayan Rajpurohit, independent journalists Ashfaque EJ and Saurabh Kumar. Shivnarayan talks about his report that uncovers how an Adani subsidiary gained access to its controversial power plant site in Uttar Pradesh's Mirzapur through a forest department road – without obtaining the required forest clearance that would precede such arrangements. “Experts say that the project and road leading up to it will cause a lot of damage to the surrounding flora and fauna,” he says.Saurabh and Ashfaque's documentary follows five of the 18 anti-CAA activists accused of orchestrating violence during the 2020 Delhi riots.“Through our documentary, we wanted to show that the Delhi police, to cover up its inefficiency in containing the violence during the 2020 Delhi unrest, booked these activists,” says Saurabh. He adds that the FIRs against the activists is not based on “concrete proof” and has “several loopholes”.Tune in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

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  

In the rapidly evolving marketing landscape, the journey of a tech and data science professional of Saurabh Kumar underscores the importance of adaptability and continuous self-improvement. Starting his career at Wells Fargo in India, he transitioned to the U.S. to explore opportunities at leading companies like PayPal, Uber, Meta, and Kraft Heinz. His experiences reflect a broader trend of professionals seeking growth in dynamic environments and highlight the necessity of a positive mindset to navigate challenges. A critical insight from his career is the reevaluation of traditional marketing metrics, particularly the limitations of last-click attribution, which can misrepresent customer journeys. He advocates for using diverse benchmarks and robust techniques, such as media mix modeling and A/B testing, to enhance budget allocation and decision-making. Regularly stress-testing marketing models becomes essential for businesses to adapt effectively to the changing market landscape, ensuring strategies remain informed and relevant. As artificial intelligence increasingly influences marketing and analytics, the potential for AI tools to enhance efficiency and creativity is significant. However, awareness of biases in AI-generated outputs is crucial. By practicing prompt engineering and providing constructive feedback on AI applications, marketers can refine these technologies and unlock their full potential. Ultimately, these insights serve as a guide for professionals aiming to thrive in a competitive environment, encouraging them to integrate continuous learning and ethical considerations into their marketing strategies. We're happy you're here! Like the pod? Visit our website! Start your trial on Simplified. Schedule a consult, get on the mailing list, and learn more about my favorite tools and programs via https://www.yourbrandamplified.com

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

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

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

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

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

The IPL is over, and the biggest T20 carnival is here. The USA and the West Indies will co-host the men's T20 World Cup from June 1 to June 29. The USA will host a cricket tournament of such magnitude for the first time. 3 venues are hosting the T20 World Cup in the USA, and the big India vs Pakistan clash will be played in New York. The ICC's move to award the USA the hosting rights is a major step toward globalising the game. One of the most popular sports in the world is heading to the biggest sports market. Will the ICC's gamble work? Yes, the Asian community in the USA will lap it up. But will the T20 World Cup make some noise in the USA? Well, at least it's starting. More importantly, the ninth edition of the men's T20 World Cup will have 20 teams -- as many sides for the first time in history. Is it going to affect the competitiveness of the tournament? Well, more teams will add to the flavour of the tournament and is a big step toward making the game global. Don't count out the associates. Each one of them deserves to be here. It's going to be an exciting World Cup, for sure. Can India progress to the semi-final and go all the way? Is Pakistan riding on chaos? Will England be able to defend their crown?  Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar and Alan John discuss the buzz around the T20 World Cup. Tune in! Produced and Mixed by Sachin Dwivedi

Have you seen a more dominant campaign than this? KKR looked like champions and played like champions, winning the IPL 2024 trophy in style. They won 9 out of 14 matches in the league stage and hammered the SunRisers in Qualifier 1 to progress to the final. Let's not talk about the title match! It was one of the most one-sided tournament finals, definitely the most one-sided IPL final. Shreyas Iyer became only the fifth Indian captain after MS Dhoni, Gautam Gambhir, Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya to win the IPL trophy. For Gambhir, it was a sensational return to Kolkata as the team's mentor. And for Pat Cummins, it was the first major tournament defeat as captain. Many Indian fans joked about SRH choking on Sunday, wondering why another team led by Cummins did not choke on November 19, 2023. KKR's dominant run brings us to this question: Who should take credit for their triumph? Should it be Gautam Gambhir? Yes, he deserves a lot of credit for the glorious run. Having taken over as the mentor, Gambhir brought role clarity and kept the team focused on the ultimate prize. Then there is coach Chandrakant Pandit, who has added the IPL crown to his decorated trophy cabinet. How much credit should Shreyas Iyer, the captain, deserve? A lot. The India batter had a difficult period before the IPL, losing his central contract and battling an injury. However, he never let that affect his leadership on the field. He stepped up with the bat in crunch situations and looked calm and composed. Should Shreyas be a future candidate for India captaincy? In the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Kingshuk Kusari reflect on KKR's run. We have also picked our IPL 2024 Team of the Tournament. Tune in! Produced and Mixed by Sachin Dwivedi

A Virat Kohli-inspired RCB is somehow alive in the playoffs race. From looking destined for an early exit to winning four matches on a trot, RCB has scripted quite a turnaround in IPL 2024. Much of RCB's turnaround has to be credited to Kohli. Shutting down all his critics, he has let his bat do the talking and made a statement with his match-winning contributions to RCB in their last three games. RCB's fourth straight win meant PBKS became the second team to get knocked out of the IPL 2024 playoffs race. Punjab's barren run without a playoff appearance has now extended to its 11th season. Despite recording the most successful run chase in T20 cricket and defeating five-time champion Chennai in Chepauk, Punjab failed to advance to the last four. Punjab was the most entertaining team this season, but a few lapses meant they missed another playoff spot. Speculation is rife about KL Rahul's long-term future with the LSG franchise, which is currently sixth in the 10-team points table and has two more league games left this season. If KL Rahul leaves LSG, will he go to RCB, CSK, or PBKS? It will be interesting to see how this saga unfolds. At the same time, another question arises: Will Virat Kohli open the batting alongside captain Rohit Sharma? Join Alan John, Saurabh Kumar and Diya Kakkar in another IPL episode of the Sledging Room Podcast. Tune in! Produced & Mixed by Sachin Dwivedi

Sunil Gavaskar shredded Virat Kohli's arguments into pieces. In one of the most straightforward pieces of television commentary, the legendary India batter lashed out at Virat Kohli, who had questioned his critics and the credibility of people who spoke about his strike rate. Kohli has often stressed the importance of not listening to outside noise, but it seems the superstar batter lets criticism affect him. In a strongly worded post-match interview midway through the IPL 2024 season, he attacked his critics and questioned people 'sitting in a box' and talking about his strike rate. Gavaskar's takedown of Kohli's comments has also exposed the toxic nature of a section of fans on social media. How can you go and question Sunil Gavaskar's credentials as a cricketer? Well, here's a simple question to all toxic fans: When did you start following the game? At the same time, another question arises: Is Gavaskar targeting only a few? Why go on a rant against Hardik Pandya and Virat Kohli? Why not talk about Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav? Meanwhile, is there any point in questioning MS Dhoni's batting position for CSK? Why is so much noise about what the former wicketkeeper, who is in the twilight of his career, is doing for the Super Kings in what probably is his last IPL season as a player? Join Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar and Kingshuk Kusari in a spicy episode of the Sledging Room Podcast. Tune in! Produced & Mixed by Kapil Dev Singh

India has named a 15-man squad with four reserve players under Rohit Sharma's leadership for the T20 World Cup 2024. While the top order is heavily stacked with experienced veterans like Rohit, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar, the squad is completed by four spinners, three pacers, and two wicketkeepers. There was a joy for Sanju Samson and Yuzvendra Chahal, but despair for Rinku Singh, one of India's brightest T20 finds, who was dropped to reserves when the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee finalized India's squad in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. Before the IPL began, Rinku was a top contender for the T20 World Cup squad, known for his finishing skills akin to MS Dhoni's. In his 15 T20Is for India, he's scored 356 runs at an impressive average of 89 and a striking rate of 176.23. But the star finisher was dropped to the reserves when the final squad was announced. It remains to be seen who will fulfil the finisher's job in the World Cup in Rinku's absence, as Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja have both struggled recently. One of the wicketkeepers, either Sanju Samson or Rishabh Pant, will have to do it. Shivam Dube has earned his maiden call-up with first-choice all-rounder Hardik Pandya named vice-captain. With spin likely to play a significant role in Caribbean conditions, Chahal's inclusion could prove vital. However, the composition of the final lineup, particularly regarding the batting order, remains a decision for the team management. Concerns also linger over India's pace bowling stocks, with Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh not being in the best of their forms in IPL 2024. Will India miss Rinku Singh's services, and how will the final playing XI shape up once the tournament begins in the Carribean? Saurabh Kumar, Akshay Ramesh, and Sabyasachi Chowdhary discuss how strong is India's T20 World Cup squad in the latest episode of Sledging Room Podcast.

We are living in Virat Kohli's world. The RCB star first hit out the GT bowlers for a match-winning unbeaten 70 and then tore into critics of his strike rate and his often-questioned ability to play against spinners in the middle overs. Kohli's remarks have been met with contrasting reactions. While a few lauded Kohli for giving it back, others have questioned the need to go after critics after having had issues while facing spin in the past. Well, what truly matters is that Virat Kohli is batting at his best just ahead of the T20 World Cup in 2024. If India has to end the ICC title drought, the form of Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be key. After 9 matches in the IPL 2024, Sanju Samson ranks 4th in the Orange Cap list. Samson has the highest strike rate among the top 5 batters in the league and has also led his team to 8 wins out of 9 matches. What more will Samson need to do to get into the T20 World Cup 2024 squad? The Rajasthan captain has been consistently ignored by the selection panel for the ICC tournaments, and this year, he is in contention with a resurgent Pant and a wily KL Rahul, who has adapted to the modern template of T20 batting. Will Samson make it to the side? If yes, who sits out, and how does the Playing XI look for India in the tournament set to be hosted jointly by the USA and West Indies? Saurabh Kumar, Alan John, and Kingshuk Kusari discuss Virat Kohli's and Sanju Samson's roles in the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast. Produced and Mixed by Sachin Dwivedi

The public seems to think Virat Kohli's place in the T20 World Cup is a given. However, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru superstar shot himself in the foot when he came up with a snoozefest in Hyderabad in RCB's win over SunRisers on April 25, days ahead of the T20 World Cup selection meeting. Yes, Virat Kohli deserves another shot at the T20 World Cup, but will his inclusion do more harm than good to Team India? Can he bat at No. 3, considering his struggles against spin, especially after the powerplay? Should he be used as a pinch-hitter in the powerplay? If that's going to be the case, Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is hungry for big runs, might have to warm the benches. Also, if media reports are anything to go by, Sanju Samson might miss out on a World Cup berth again. Having missed the ODI World Cup last year, Samson looked set to go to the USA and the Caribbean. However, it seems the selectors are more inclined to take KL Rahul as the second wicketkeeper, with Rishabh Pant set to take the gloves. Will we get to see Shashi Tharoor's furious rants on social media again? Does KL Rahul deserve a spot more than Sanju Samson? With the selectors set to name the T20 World Cup in the final week of May, Saurabh Kumar, Akshay Ramesh and Kingshuk Kusari discuss the probables in the latest episode of Sledging Room Podcast. Produced and Mixed By: Kapil Dev Singh

The Impact Player rule has helped unearth gems like Ashutosh Sharma, who is making waves in the IPL 2024 season. The 25-year-old from Madhya Pradesh and Shashank Singh have been the usual suspects for PBKS in an otherwise floundering batting line-up. But, several cricketers have raised concerns about the Impact Player rule. Yes, record-breaking scores of 270 and 280 add much flair to the viewing experience. But it's removing the balance between bat and ball as teams get an extra specialist batter. More importantly, all-rounders, especially Indian all-rounders, are not getting enough opportunities. Rohit Sharma, speaking on his appearance in the Club Prairie Fire Podcast, rued that the likes of Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar haven't gotten enough opportunities to roll their arm over. Also, in his inimitable style, Rohit Sharma rubbished rumours about the T20 World Cup team selection, opening the door to many more discussions about it. In a special episode of the Sledging Room Podcast, Kumar Keshav of AajTak Radio joins Akshay Ramesh and Saurabh Kumar. Tune In! Produced & Sound Mix By: Sachin Dwivedi

What's it with Rajasthan Royals and their strong starts? Their fans start getting nervous when they win a couple of matches on the trot. We have seen the Royals slipping from comfortable positions in the past. Are they a victim of their own genius? Yes, they returned to winning ways by beating Punjab in Mullanpur. But why send Tanush Kotian to open the innings? Kotian, an off-spinner who bats at No. 8 and No. 9 for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, did not bowl at all. Who is responsible for making such bold calls? Well, Sanju Samson and Kumar Sangakkara need to keep it simple if they are to go one step further and wait for the title. On the other hand, there is going to be more pressure and chatter around Hardik Pandya after MI lost to CSK in the much-anticipated El Clasico. Was Sunil Gavaskar right in going after Hardik Pandya for bowling 3 loose balls to MS Dhoni in that last over? Is there an issue with Hardik's fitness, considering the manner in which he has struggled to bowl? Is Hardik Pandya an automatic choice for the T20 World Cup? Are there different yardsticks for selection for different players? Are opposition teams scared of Shivam Dube now? He is no longer a spin-hitter and he showed in the El Clasico that he is capable of taking down fast bowlers too. Should he be part of the T20 World Cup squad? In the latest episode of the Sledging Room podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Kingshuk Kusari discuss the exciting El Clasico week and more. Tune In! Produced & Sound Mix By: Kapil Dev Singh  

After the RCB women's side won the WPL 2024, there was hope and expectation that the men's side would do better and finally win the season this time. However, RCB being RCB have started the tournament on a horrific note with five losses and one win in the first six matches of IPL 2024. In fact, MI handed the Bengaluru side a thumping seven-wicket hammering at Wankhede and now RCB are languishing in the 9th position. RCB were so bad that after the loss, captain Faf du Plessis conceded that his team was struggling because their bowling group did not have "as many weapons" as the other teams. Du Plessis said RCB's batters need to be adept at scoring more runs to even "have a chance" while their bowling group needs to find new ways to be effective. Unless a miraculous turn of events occurs, it's safe to say that RCB's chances of winning their maiden IPL title are next to none this season. With their dismal performance, the dream of ending RCB's 16-year-long wait, led by their iconic star Virat Kohli, seems destined to be deferred for another year. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah was simply sensational against RCB. Bumrah's spell was so special that it made even Virat Kohli look ordinary at Wankhede. Bumrah picked a five-wicket haul and then his post-match comments were an absolute gem. Even Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav hit form with Hardik Pandya realising his potential as a finisher against RCB. Surya hitting form ahead of the T20 World Cup is welcome news for all Indian fans as the Rohit Sharma-led side needs their best T20I batter in top gear for the ICC tournament. In the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast, Saurabh Kumar, Kingshuk Kusari and Alan John discuss what's wrong with RCB.Tune In!Produced and Mixed By: Sachin Dwivedi

Virat Kohli hit another T20 hundred, his 8th IPL century but RCB lost yet again. Kohli anchored RCB's innings with a brilliant 113 off 72 balls, while the rest of the team could only muster 59 off 48 balls. Despite receiving 11 extra runs from RR, RCB's total never posed a threat as RR comfortably chased it down with 5 deliveries and 6 wickets to spare. Despite losing Yashasvi Jaiswal early, RR's Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson capitalized on the favorable batting conditions, with Buttler scoring an unbeaten century off 58 balls and Samson contributing a quickfire 69 off 41 balls.Questions arose about RCB's batting strategy despite Kohli's century on Saturday. Concerns were raised about the pace of his innings, with some suggesting it could hinder the team's performance. Speculation also emerged about Kohli's suitability as an opener for India in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Was Kohli's slow hundred responsible for RCB's loss against RR? Well, the numbers don't lie. While it's tempting to blame Kohli for his 'slowest' IPL hundred, the bigger issue lies in the lack of support from a seemingly dysfunctional RCB team.With two weeks of IPL gone, we look it into who are the automatic choices to play the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Rinku Singh and Ravindra Jadeja are all but in. Will Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant make the squad as the two wicketkeepers? In the latest episode of Sledging Room Podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar and Kingshuk Kusari discuss why it's wrong to blame Kohli.Produced and Mixed By: Sachin Dwivedi

Ee Sala Cup Namdhu! The long wait has ended. Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans can finally rejoice as Smriti Mandhana and her team have won a trophy for RCB as their Women's Premier League campaign ended on a triumphant note. More than RCB's victory, the packed crowds at the Women's Premier League matches are another message to the naysayers of women's cricket. And we are just days away from the start of the biggest T20 carnival of the year, the Indian Premier League. Can RCB complete a double? At the same time, all eyes will be on Mumbai Indians and whether newly-appointed captain Hardik Pandya can keep the house in order. Moving north, Lucknow Super Giants have a new coach in Justin Langer. It will be interesting to see the camaraderie and the working relationship between one of the most successful Australian coaches and KL Rahul as LSG look to end their playoffs curse. What are your picks for the top 4 of IPL 2024? Who do you think will bag the wooden spoon? In the latest episode of Sledging Room Podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar and Kingshuk Kusari preview the new season. Tune in! Produced by Sachin Dwivedi

It's that time of the year when fan wars become a norm. Yes, it's time for another season of the Indian Premier League. Before previewing and analysing the strengths and weaknesses of the ten teams, let's give you a brief on the major talking points in the lead-up to IPL 2024. Oh, and all Bazball sympathisers, it's time to concede defeat. India hammered England 4-1 to kill the hype around England's much-talked-about approach to Test cricket. Also, it's time to credit the BCCI for trying to put Test cricket where it belongs with their new 'Test cricket incentive scheme'. More on it is on www.indiatoday.in/sports. /> The most significant talking point is Rishabh Pant's return. The Delhi Capitals star has been declared fit to keep wickets in the new IPL season by the BCCI medical team. Should the Capitals hand over the responsibility of captaincy to Pant or allow him to ease back into competitive cricket? Regardless of how he performs on his return, Pant has to be lauded for his courage and grit to recover as quickly as he has from a life-threatening car crash. What about Chennai Super Kings? Will this be MS Dhoni's last season? If so, who will the 5-time champions look to as their future leader? Do they have someone in their squad to take over from Dhoni, or will they bring someone to the mega auction in 2025? Is Rohit Sharma an option? In the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Kingshuk Kusari share a glimpse of what will happen in this space in the coming weeks. Tune in! Produced by Sachin Dwivedi

It's time to concede defeat. Yes, those who backed England to strike again in the Test series were proved wrong. The final nail in England's coffin was hit by a young brigade led by Rohit Sharma, which found new heroes in the absence of their established mainstays. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Dhruv Jurel, Sarfaraz Khan, Akash Deep and Kuldeep Yadav have also stepped up and delivered big for the team, under the able guidance of Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid. India have found new heroes in every Test to bounce back from the 1-0 deficit and seal an unbeatable 3-1 lead with a match left in Dharamsala. Yes, we have spoken quite a lot about Bazball. The English media has hyped England's bravado-filled approach so much so that India's incredible effort to bounce back from an early setback has flown under the radar. In the latest episode of Sledging Room podcast, we discuss why it's time to stop Marvelling Bazball and ask tough questions of the England cricket team. Is it time for England to address the elephant in the room? Is Rohit Sharma an under-appreciated Test captain? Like a doting father, Rohit has been protective of the young stars in the team. At the same time, the captain sent out a warning for those who don't have the hunger to play Test cricket. Join Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar and Alan Jose John as they return with another episode of the Sledging Room podcast, this time making a complete U-turn. Tune In! Produced by Sachin Dwivedi

Well, is it time to write Bazball's obituary? It seems so as Ben Stokes's led touring side was hammered by 434 runs, their biggest margin of defeat since World War II, in Rajkot. It was a proper statement from Rohit Sharma and his men as England failed to walk the talk.Despite the defeat, Ben Stokes was bullish that England will not change their approach. He labeled criticism, some of them constructive, as 'outside noise'. Head coach Brendon McCullum echoed the thoughts of Stokes, saying that it's up to them whether or not to listen to what people are saying about their approach. Both Stokes and McCullum said England are capable of bouncing back and beating India 3-2.Are they?Cricket is a game of uncertainty. No team, especially in Test cricket, can be ruled out. However, England are looking to throw punches in the dark. More importantly, some of the comments from England players have done very little to deflect the criticism that is coming their way. Ben Duckett was slammed saying that double-centurion Yashasvi Jaiswal was inspired by Bazball in the second innings in Rajkot, and rightly so. After saying England is capable of even chasing 600, they folded for 122 in Rajkot.Can England walk the talk, at least in Rajkot? They can, if they learn from Malayalam superstar Mammootty, says one of his biggest fans, Alan Jose John.Alan is joined by Akshay Ramesh and Saurabh Kumar as they discuss England's horror show in Rajkot in the latest episode of Sledging Room Podcast.Tune in!Produced by Sachin Dwivedi

Yes, the cricket world is waiting for the India vs England series to resume. After two intense Tests in Hyderabad and Vizag, there was a lull before the storm as the teams enjoyed a week's break. But, plenty happened. Even as the buzz has been around the Rajkot Test, a BCCI diktat to players dominated the narrative on social media. Reports have suggested that BCCI was not happy with players skipping Ranji Trophy duties to prepare for IPL 2024. Why should the players prioritise Ranji Trophy? Yes, the domestic red-ball tournament is part of Indian cricket's rich tradition, but have the selectors rewarded Ranji Trophy performances while picking squads for the senior national teams? Go ask, Jalaj Saxena. Also, where is the continuity in terms of selection? Avesh Khan, who was part of the first two Tests, has not been picked for the remainder of the series. Why no place for Cheteshwar Pujara? Yes, India's envious domestic structure is something that needs to be preserved. But at what cost? Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar and Kingshuk Kusari discuss why it's not entirely right to blame players in the latest episode of the Sledging Room. We answer this in the Sledging Room! Tune in! Produced by Sachin Dwivedi

Okay, let's start with an apology. An apology to England, their captain Ben Stokes, their head coach ‘Baz' McCullum and their much-talked-about approach, Bazball. Bazball won't work in Pakistan, they said. Bazball won't work against Australia in the Ashes, they said.  Bazball has no chance against India in India, they said.  Stokes's all-conquering England side have proved naysayers wrong, and have done so in some style with the flair and fearlessness that McCullum was known for in his playing days. Questions have to be asked of India, especially captain Rohit Sharma. Geoffrey Boycott and Michael Vaughan have launched into his captaincy as a lack of proactive approach in Hyderabad cost India. Rohit was happy to sit back and wait for things to happen, while Ben Stokes made things happen on the field. Was Rahul Dravid not overseeing things when Ollie Pope was reverse-sweeping the Indian spinners? Why did experienced R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja fail in the second innings? Were they spooked by England's approach? Is this England's best chance to push for a Test series win in India? Do you think Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma are capable enough to challenge the intimidating approach from England? In the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar and Kingshuk Kusari discuss the Hyderabad heist and the Gabba thriller. Tune In! Produced by Anna Priyadarshini Sound Mix by Sachin Dwivedi

Rohit Sharma's return to T20I cricket has been underwhelming, but it's quite clear that the team management and selectors have zeroed in on the senior campaigner to lead India at the T20 World Cup. There's no doubting Sharma's class and a couple of good knocks in the IPL might be enough for him to book his ticket to the USA and the West Indies.On the other hand, Virat Kohli, like he always does, has stirred up debates with his first outing in T20I cricket in 14 months. The former captain, who is known for being an accumulator and an anchor, came out all guns firing in Indore against Afghanistan. Virat Kohli slog-sweep a spinner. Yes, you read that right.But, is that the Virat that India needs? Does this version of the star batter suit the team's needs? Would it not be wise for India to have the 'anchor' on what is expected to be slow pitches in the West Indies in the T20 World Cup?And have India found a proper back-up option for Hardik Pandya? Is it only a back-up or a replacement option? Shivam Dube is busy requesting MS Dhoni to give him a couple of overs for CSK in IPL 2024. Will 'Mahi Bhai' listen? India need Dube to sharpen his bowling skills ahead of the World Cup?What about Pakistan? The change in captaincy and the change in team management hasn't brought the desired results. Was it a witch hunt against Babar during the ODI World Cup? Is Shaheen Afridi the right man to lead Pakistan in the T20 World Cup?Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar and Alan John, a Virat Kohli fanboy, discuss the learnings and lessons from the T20I series against Afghanistan. Tune In!Produced and Sound Mix by Sachin Dwivedi

Yes, the Sledging Room is back. As expected, we have asked a few tough questions as early as the first episode of Season 2.India lifted a T20I trophy after missing out on the World Cup. Yes, the scheduling of the series is questionable, but nothing can take away the efforts of the young Indian team, led by an impressive debutant captain Suryakumar Yadav.India will next embark on a major tour of South Africa where they will play 3 T20Is, as many ODIs and 2 Tests. The biggest talking point from the selection news was the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in white-ball squads. Are the two doyens of Indian cricket going to play the T20 World Cup? Do India need an anchor like Kohli in the USA and the West Indies?Well, the IPL retentions created a sensational buzz on November 26. Hardik Pandya's homecoming dominated the headlines. After leading Gujarat Titans in two successful editions, Hardik returned to Mumbai Indians.How will Gujarat benefit from the move? Why did RCB get involved in the trade?Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar and Rounaq Sehrawat come together for the curtain-raiser of Season 2 of Sledging Room, which is set to take a new avatar with a lot more than our much-loved discussions.Tune in!Produced by Anna PriyadarshiniSound Mix by Sachin Dwivedi

India have become the first side to storm into the semi-finals of World Cup 2023 with a record-breaking 302-run win over Sri Lanka. With seven successive wins, India have been in a league of their own, and with just two more league matches to play, it is starting to feel like a dream. India are not short of match-winners with the likes of Mohammed Shami, KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer and Kuldeep Yadav stepping up on different occasion. Despite being two-time World Champions, India's performance in ICC tournaments has rarely been as relentless and precise as it is now. Judging from the evidence at hand, even the most fearless wouldn't hesitate to place their bet on the Men in Blue. While India have locked in a semi-final berth, the other three spots that will secure a place in the knockout stage are still up for grabs. Rajarshi Gupta is joined by Akshay Ramesh and Saurabh Kumar as they recap and dissect World Cup 2023. Tune In!

Energy efficiency in India has become an important focus due to the country's growing energy demands, environmental concerns, and the need to reduce energy costs. Several initiatives and policies have been put in place to enhance energy efficiency across various sectors in India. In this episode, we interviewed Saurabh Kumar, India Head of Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), who had a remarkable career in the energy efficiency space. He has previously worked with Energy Efficiency Services Limited as Executive Vice Chairperson and was appointed as Secretary of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). He delves into the role of energy efficiency in India's energy transition and the future of sustainable solutions. Full transcript of the episode is available in English and Hindi Presented by 101Reporters Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTube Saurabh Kumar is on Twitter & Linkedin Our hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin Podcast Producer, Tejas Dayananda Sagar on Twitter & Linkedin

What is going wrong with England? The defending champions have looked a shadow of their former self in the World Cup in India. Having lost 4 out of their first 5 matches, England have been rocked. They look a bit clueless with captain Jos Buttler not exuding the confidence and the charisma that Eoin Morgan did. This string of defeats marked the worst start for any defending champion since the 1999 World Cup.Criticism was rife, with many pointing fingers at the lack of attention given to domestic 50-over cricket in England. Former cricketer Nasser Hussain was particularly vocal, slamming the criticism and arguing that it provided an easy escape for the players from their underwhelming performance in India.To compound England's woes, they will next face high-flying India on Sunday in Lucknow in what looks like a mismatch based on current form. India have not beaten England in World Cups since 2003 and Rohit Sharma's men might just break that streak in style to potentially knock the holders out of the semi-final race.In the latest episode of Sledging Room, Rajarshi Gupta is joined by Akshay Ramesh and Saurabh Kumar as they decode England's shocking run in India.Listen in!Produced and Sound Mix by Kapil Dev Singh

The World Cup has livened up in India. After India's dominant win over Pakistan in Ahmedabad, Afghanistan lit up Delhi by stunning England, the defending champions. India made it 8-0 against Pakistan in World Cups, highlighting the widening gulf in class between the two sides. Ahmedabad put on a splendid show with a packed house of 1,30,000 people but Pakistan failed to live up to expectations, falling to a crushing 7-wicket defeat. Pakistan's performance in the match was underwhelming, failing to meet expectations. Their inability to secure even a single victory against India in World Cup matches since 1992 was glaringly evident. The team's strategy and planning were called into question, particularly in light of Mickey Arthur's post-match comments. Arthur, the team director, expressed his disappointment, stating that the match felt more like a BCCI event rather than an ICC one.His remarks sparked controversy and drew criticism from former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram, who blasted Arthur for his comments.And, the crowd behaviour in Ahmedabad was in the spotlight. Did the passionate fans deserve scrutiny? Are Afghanistan now smelling a top 4 finish? Well with their potent spin arsenal, it's not right to rule them out. They will play New Zealand and Pakistan in Chennai on spin-friendly surfaces in their next two games. In the latest episode of the Sledging Room, Rajarshi Gupta has been joined by Akshay Ramesh and Saurabh Kumar as they discuss the incredible matches over the weekend. Tune in!Produced, Sound Mix By- Kapil & Sachin

India marked a triumphant victory over Australia in their inaugural match held in Chennai. The match was a testament to the resilience and strategic prowess of the Indian cricket team, particularly highlighting the significant contributions of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul. The match began on a shaky note for India, with the team losing its first three wickets for a mere two runs while chasing a target of 200 set by Australia. However, the tide turned dramatically when Virat Kohli and KL Rahul stepped onto the pitch. The duo weaved a remarkable partnership of over 150 runs, pulling India out of the quagmire and setting the stage for a memorable victory. On the other hand, Australia's performance with the bat was far from impressive. Their innings was marred by early setbacks, with Jasprit Bumrah dismissing Mitchell Marsh in the third over. The Australian batsmen struggled against India's spin attack, with Ravindra Jadeja claiming key wickets, including that of Alex Carey and Marnus Labuschagne. India's victory over Australia in the 2023 World Cup match was a perfect blend of strategic batting, effective bowling, and agile fielding. The match underscored the importance of teamwork and resilience, with Kohli and KL Rahul turning a precarious situation into a triumphant victory. Their performance not only led India to a win but also sent a strong message to their opponents about their formidable presence in the tournament. Rajarshi Gupta is joined by Akshay Ramesh and Saurabh Kumar as they recap and dissect the first-round action of World Cup 2023. Tune in! Produced & Sound Mix by Kapil Dev Singh

India has eased concerns over their World Cup preparation with solid performances in the Asia Cup, which finished with a resounding win over Sri Lanka in the final. Mohammed Siraj picked 6 for 21, the fourth-best figure by an Indian bowler, to bowl Sri Lanka out for only 50.Shubman Gill finished as the leading run-scorer in the tournament, while Rohit Sharma stood out with three successive half-centuries. Virat Kohli was outstanding in the Super 4 match against Pakistan, hitting his 47th ODI hundred. At the same time, KL Rahul returned to international cricket with a superb hundred against Pakistan and a gritty knock against Sri Lanka the next day.India has resolved most of their issues, but their bench strength remains a concern. Against Bangladesh, India had rested several of their first-choice players and lost by six runs despite a Gill hundred.Things are looking good for some of India's young players. Gill is quickly closing the gap with Babar Azam for the top spot in the ICC rankings for batters, while Mohammed Siraj stormed to No.1 from No.9 after his destructive spell in the final on Sunday.Meanwhile, Pakistan has some severe issues to address. Their overt reliance on the top three in the batting order proved costly against India and Sri Lanka. The pace attack, the team's pride, failed against India. It appears that Naseem Shah will be ruled out of the World Cup.Despite their No.1 ranking, Pakistan is clearly not the team to beat in this World Cup.Akshay Ramesh and Saurabh Kumar join Rajarshi Gupta in another scintillating episode of the Sledging Room.Tune in!Produced by Anna PriyadarshiniSound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

There was a bit of criticism for the Asian Cricket Council's decision to deploy a Reserve Day for India's Super 4 match of the 2023 Asia Cup against Pakistan. But that furore was uncalled for. Thank goodness there was an extra day.The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) faced significant backlash over its decision to schedule a reserve day for the Super Fours match between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023. Critics argued that the move was inconsistent and unfair to other teams participating in the tournament. The controversy arose when the ACC announced a reserve day for the India-Pakistan match, but not for any of the other Super Four matches.Despite the controversy, the match between India and Pakistan did indeed go into the reserve day due to inclement weather.Meanwhile, India also qualified for the final of Asia Cup 2023 after winning a low-scoring affair in Colombo against Sri Lanka.India have ticked quite a few boxes, especially after the fine returns of Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul from injuries.Are they now a favourite to win the ODI World Cup? In the latest episode of the Sledging Room podcast, Akshay Ramesh and Saurabh Kumar join Rajarshi Gupta to discuss the Asia Cup showing of Team India so far.Tune in!Produced by Anna PriyadarshiniSound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

India named their 15-man provisional squad for the 2023 Cricket World Cup and there were no real surprises. KL Rahul, who has not played international cricket since March, made it to the side.Prasidh Krishna and Tilak Varma were named in the Asia Cup squad but they were not included in the World Cup line-up. Sanju Samson, named as a travelling stand-by for the Asia Cup, was also snubbed for the World Cup.Is this the best India could have gathered then? Rohit Sharma certainly thinks so but can this team mount a serious challenge at the World Cup?India have had a rusty build-up to the World Cup. They lost a series to Bangladesh last year and another to Australia at home in 2023. Between those two setbacks, India won back-to-back series over New Zealand and Sri Lanka and defeated West Indies 2-1 in the West Indies. However, their top-order has not fired as consistently as India would have liked and that remains cause for concern.India have a few chinks in their armour, as was evident from their top-order batting display against Pakistan and the lethargic fielding efforts against Nepal. Can they resolve these issues soon enough?Saurabh Kumar and Akshay Ramesh join Rajarshi Gupta in one of the most scintillating episodes of the Sledging Room!Tune in!Produced by Anna PriyadarshiniSound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

India named their squad for the Asia Cup and not surprisingly, a few players made comebacks. KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna were called back after they spent time away from the team recovering from long-time injury issues.However, KL Rahul now has a fresh niggle. Forget this niggle, on what basis has he made it back into the Indian team? What is his recent run of scores in one-day cricket? The same questions should be asked of Shreyas Iyer.Both Rahul and Shreyas walked in the Indian squad despite having been out of competitive action for more than six months. Rahul last played for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 in May of this year, when he suffered a thigh injury. And now it appears that he has a new ailment. Shreyas has been out since March with a back injury. He most recently competed in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home.There is no denying the batting duo's talent, but the risk of them being rusty heading into the World Cup remains. They only have a three-match ODI series against Australia after the Asia Cup before competing in the ICC event.Did India miss a trick by not introducing Tilak Varma into the ODI mix earlier? Is this an instinctive call? What's Suryakumar Yadav's role in the side now?India haven't yet announced a preliminary World Cup squad. The deadline is September 5, which means there are just two matches for the selectors to analyse who could make it to the side. They will have three more weeks after that to make as many changes as they like.Akshay Ramesh and Saurabh Kumar join Rajarshi Gupta in another enthralling debate on the Sledging Room. Tune in!Produced by Anna PriyadarshiniSound mix by Kapil Dev Singh

In August 2023, the Indian cricket team faced a disappointing defeat in the T20I series against the West Indies. Despite a valiant comeback in the third and fourth T20Is, the team led by Hardik Pandya was outclassed in the decisive fifth match, resulting in a 3-2 series loss. The defeat was particularly bitter as no team has ever successfully come back from a 0-2 deficit in a T20I series, and India failed to change this outcome.The reasons for India's defeat were multifaceted. Complacency and a lack of clear process were cited as significant factors that hurt India in the series. The number one ranked side was given a harsh reality check by the hosts, who performed exceptionally under new leadership. The Indian team's performance was further marred by defensive captaincy, particularly when India was bowling, and a lack of support for key players during crucial moments of the game.Former Indian seamer Venkatesh Prasad did not mince words in his criticism of the team's performance. He labeled the current Indian limited-overs side as 'very ordinary' and called out their lack of introspection and accountability for their shortcomings. Prasad highlighted the absence of the 'fire' and 'hunger' for victory in the team's approach. He also criticized the team for living in an illusion and failing to acknowledge their poor performance.Hardik Pandya's captaincy came under intense scrutiny following the series loss. His decisions during the matches were questioned by commentators and former players alike. Aakash Chopra suggested that Pandya's successful captaincy record in the IPL was due to the influence of Gujarat Titans coach Ashish Nehra and even went as far as to label some of his decisions as clueless. Former Tamil Nadu opener Abhinav Mukund echoed these sentiments, stating that Pandya often looked 'confused' on the field.As the 2023 ODI World Cup approaches, the Indian men's cricket team is grappling with a muddled and perplexing build-up. The team's preparation has been marred by a lack of clarity regarding the starting XI, with the crucial No. 4 spot and other positions attracting unwanted attention. This confusion, coupled with the recent T20I series defeat, has cast a shadow over India's prospects in the upcoming World Cup. It remains to be seen how the team will address these issues and bounce back from their recent setbacks.In the 64th episode of Sledging Room, Rajarshi Gupta has been joined by Akshay Ramesh and Saurabh Kumar to discuss the growing concerns around India's white-ball teams.Tune in!Produced by Anna PriyadarshiniSound mix by Kapil Dev Singh

Chethan Anant is a South Asian Classical bansuri (bamboo flute) player, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, music producer, and music educator based in Chicagoland. He has studied the Raagdhaari Sangeet Classical Music tradition for most of his life. He has been fortunate to study under esteemed gurus, including Pandit Ronu Majumdar, Pandit Shyam Kane, Pandit Vikas Kashalkar, and Pandit Arun Kashalkar. Chethan has been teaching music since 2016 and has shared his new generational perspective on classical music with more than 50 students. He spends months each year studying with his gurus in India and extensive time practicing at home. Saurabh Kumar began learning tabla from the age of five from Smt Bindu Pathak and later received training from Shri Nishad Parmar. Since 2016 he has been learning from Shri Prithwiraj Bhattacharjee at the Pandit Jasraj School of Music Atlanta. Saurabh is currently a Ph.D. student in Computer Science at Stanford University. He is an avid Zakir Hussain fan and treasures watching and listening to Zakir Sahab whenever possible.

India won the ODI series against the West Indies but their chaotic build-up to the 2023 World Cup has raised several more questions. Why were Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli rested when they were part of the squad? Why were India not playing close to their full strength with the World Cup just a few weeks away? And why was Yuzvendra Chahal not given a single game? How many of the bowlers who played in the ODIs against West Indies end up playing the World Cup? Is Suryakumar Yadav a certainty for the World Cup despite his horror run of form in one-day cricket? There are burning questions that the team management needs to address with the World Cup approaching rapidly. Rahul Dravid, the India coach, said he wanted to experiment and figure out the best possible combinations ahead of the showpiece event. Fair enough. But should these experiments not have taken place much before the World Cup? Isn't this the time to play your best combination. Yes, some of India's key players battled injuries but those injuries didn't happen overnight. The Indian team management was just as confused in the run-up to the T20 World Cup and nearly a year later, things don't seem a lot more different. Akshay Ramesh and Saurabh Kumar join Rajarshi Gupta in another heated debate on the latest episode of the Sledging Room. Tune in!  Produced by Anna Priyadarshini Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain of the Indian women's cricket team, has recently been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. During an ODI, match against Bangladesh in Dhaka, the celebrated displayed an outburst of poor behaviour that has drawn criticism from various quarters. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has subsequently handed her a two-match suspension.The incident occurred during the third match of the ICC Women's Championship series. After being adjudged LBW, Kaur reacted by smashing the stumps with her bat and publicly criticising the umpiring. Kaur's behaviour has not only attracted penalties but also widespread criticism. She was accused of setting a bad example for young cricketers who look up to her. Former women's captain Diana Edulji expressed her disappointment in a column, stating that such behaviour can negatively impact the team culture over time. Kaur's behaviour was not worthy of an Indian cricket team captain. Also, the star player's outburst and her subsequent behaviour during the post-match presentation ceremony might have an impact on the relations between the Indian cricket board and their Bangladesh counterparts. Also, in the latest episode of the Sledging Room, we discuss India's Test series win in the West Indies and how the visitors missed an opportunity to force a win in the 2nd Test which was hampered by persistent rain on Day 5. Questions about India's batting intent have emerged even as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal scored aplenty against a weak bowling attack. Rajarshi Gupta is joined by Akshay Ramesh and Saurabh Kumar in another heated discussion in the 61st episode of Sledging Room. Tune in! Produced by Anna PriyadarshiniSound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

In the realm of Test cricket, few bowlers have left an indelible mark like Ravichandran Ashwin. Since his debut in 2011, Ashwin has evolved into one of the most successful off-spinners of his time. With a remarkable ability to take wickets across various conditions and a batting prowess that complements his bowling skills, Ashwin's records speak volumes about his impact on the game.Ashwin's Test career has been nothing short of extraordinary. With an astonishing tally of 486 wickets in just 93 Tests, he stands among a select group of bowlers to have achieved this milestone. Maintaining an impressive average of 23.61, Ashwin has consistently troubled batsmen with his skillful spin and subtle variations. His extraordinary feat includes an impressive count of 34 five-wicket hauls, testifying to his ability to dismantle opposition line-ups.One of Ashwin's defining characteristics is his versatility on different pitches. Whether it's exploiting spin-friendly tracks or creating trouble on surfaces that offer minimal assistance to spinners, Ashwin has repeatedly showcased his adaptability. His ability to extract turn and bounce from any kind of wicket puts immense pressure on batsmen, making him a true match-winner for his team. Ashwin's contributions with the bat are not to be overlooked either. With 3129 runs to his name at an average of 26.97, he has proven himself as a genuine all-rounder. Often rescuing his team from challenging situations, Ashwin's five centuries showcase his ability to balance patience and aggression. His valuable runs down the order have turned the tide in India's favor on numerous occasions, making him a vital asset to the team.Ashwin was not played for the WTC final which India lost but he came back into the side with 12 wickets in an emphatic victory over West Indies. Ashwin was also ignored for the Test matches in England back in 2021.Does the world's best Test bowler not deserve automatic selection across conditions?The Sledging Room's latest episode addresses the curious case of R Ashwin and looks at several other factors in Indian cricket after their victory in the first Test in Dominica.Meanwhile, how long will England carry James Anderson. The veteran pacer was left out of the third Ashes Test but is back in the playing XI for the fourth Test in Manchester.Akshay Ramesh and Saurabh Kumar join Rajarshi Gupta in the latest episode of the Sledging Room!Tune in!Produced by Anna PriyadarshiniSound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

The 2023 ODI World Cup to be played in India is less than three months away. But is the Indian team ready? There isn't much time and now is as good a time as any to delve deep into India's preparedness for cricket's showpiece event which returns to Asia after 12 years.India had of course won the World Cup in 2011 which was co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Back then, India had a solid side ready for the World Cup with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni in superb form. Besides, the team had plenty of bowling options in the playing XI.Rohit Sharma's team has issues. Yes, they started the year well with series wins over Sri Lanka and New Zealand but they were beaten by Australia. Rohit Sharma hasn't played a lot of ODIs after the pandemic while Virat Kohli is still struggling to get his mojo back, never mind those hundreds against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.To make matters worse, Suryakumar Yadav has not set the ODI stage on fire despite his heroics in T20Is. He bagged three golden ducks in the series against Australia but given his heroic return to form for Mumbai Indians, India would be hoping he is in fine form for the rest of the year. Rishabh Pant, a high-impact player in the middle-order is racing against time to be fit for the World Cup following a car crash in December.Moreover, India's bowling resources will also be in focus. Jasprit Bumrah, who destroyed England with a six-wicket haul in July last year, has been away from action for a long time. The focus will be on Mohammed Siraj to lead the pace attack while the likes of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal could end up playing crucial roles.Also on the Sledging Room, a look into England's fightback against Australia at Leeds.And as India start their third cycle of the World Test Championship, can Yashasvi Jaiswal cement his place in the side? Will Shubman Gill be a suitable replacement for Cheteshwar Pujara? Will Rohit Sharma, the India Test captain, answer his critics with some solid performances?Saurabh Kumar and Alan John join Rajarshi Gupta in a riveting debate on the latest episode of the Sledging Room.Tune in!Produced by Anna PriyadarshiniSound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

Royal Challengers Bangalore could not qualify for the IPL playoffs for the first time in four years. They have never won the IPL but they had raised their fans' hopes during the last three seasons after making it to the last four. Despite lack of any IPL silverware, RCB's fans have been super loyal and their support is the envy of most other teams. The team really needs to stand up and repay the faith of their ardent fans. In the 50th episode of the Sledging Room, Akshay Ramesh and Saurabh Kumar join Rajarshi Gupta in another heated debate.

This 2023 IPL is heating up in its last week of group matches with several teams eyeing the remaining three playoff spots. Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad are out of the reckoning and nothing seemed to go to plan for these two teams. Rishabh Pant's absence definitely hurt DC while the huge investment on Harry Brook did little good for SRH.The 49th episode of the Sledging Room is worth a listen and a watch if you are eager to figure out some of the most burning issues in the IPL this week.Akshay Ramesh and Saurabh Kumar join Rajarshi Gupta in another scintillating episode of one of the most popular cricket podcasts in the country.Tune in!

There have been several conversations around Virat Kohli's strike-rate in the T20 format. RCB captain Faf du Plessis, the current Orange Cap holder, has scored at a strike-rate over 150. What has Kohli been missing? Does he need to score more quickly in a format which has changed rapidly over the years? Also in focus is Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma. While the team is still in contention for a berth in the playoffs, their captain's form is crucial. He came in to bat at No.3 against Chennai Super Kings last weekend but he was dismissed for 0 for the second successive match. Akshay Ramesh and Saurabh Kumar join Rajarshi Gupta in another heated debate on the Sledging Room.Listen in!

Co-hosts Yolanda Fintschenko (Startup Tri-Valley) and Hazel Wetherford ( Economic Development Director,City of Dublin)  talk with  Saurabh Kumar, CEO and co-founder of  Tri-Valley company Rezolve.ai located in Dublin, CA.  Rezolve.ai enterprise software provides internal help desk that uses proprietary AI to seamlessly connect employees to company information, services, and tools that they need to do their jobs at a fraction of the cost of existing solutions.  Recently they successfully raised an $11M series A.  Saurabh credits much of their success to the Tri-Valley ecosystem including their investors, Tri-Valley Ventures, and their first customer, Tri-Valley credit union, Patelco. Saurabh is CEO at Rezolve.ai where he working to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to reimagine the first level of employee support. Prior to launching Rezolve.ai he was running a digital strategy and consulting firm Negative Friction. He has worked in various senior roles in the banking and healthcare industry.An  entrepreneur, angel investor, advisor, business leader, philanthropist & dad, Saurabh lives by these principles:Learn new things every dayBe kind to peopleHelp the networkThe future is excitingRoll up the sleeves and just get it done

In the latest episode of the Sledging Room, we discuss whether India's top batters need to take the strike-rate conversation a little more seriously? Why is it that batters from Australia, England and West Indies always come out and bat so rapidly while some of India's stars are happy to play the "anchor role" in T20 cricket?Akshay Ramesh and Saurabh Kumar join Rajarshi Gupta in another heated debate on the Sledging Room.Tune in!

India had won 8 ODIs before the Vizag game but the worrying signs were there in Mumbai as well as Kolkata against Sri Lanka. KL Rahul had pulled his team out of trouble on each of those occasions.This is a World Cup year and India are still trying to figure out the best possible XI. You could argue there is time left but then you start to see what has gone wrong repeatedly for the Indian team over the last several years.Akshay Ramesh and Saurabh Kumar join Rajarshi Gupta in another fiery debate on the Sledging Room' 41st episode.Tune in!Produced by Anna PriyadarshiniSound mix by Amrit Regi

Should India and Australia have shown more intent in the final Test? Have India answered every question despite another series win against Australia? How much did India miss Rishabh Pant? Burning questions were once again asked on one of the podcasts.Akshay Ramesh and Saurabh Kumar joined Rajarshi Gupta in another fierce debate on the Sledging Room.Tune in!Produced by Anna PriyadarshiniSound mix by Amrit Regi

Virat Kohli is of course not the lone batter to struggle in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The Indore pitch was in focus after India's dramatic collapse in the first innings and another below-par performance in the second. After a 9-wicket defeat, India captain Rohit Sharma said his team just wanted to play to its strengths? But are these pitches really a good idea, especially against Australia? Moreover, are India well prepared to take on Australia's spinners? Even in Nagpur and Delhi, the top-order had a tough time against Nathan Lyon and his two rookie spin partners. Rohit Sharma stood out in the first Test with a classy hundred while the lower-order trio of Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin and Axar Patel have pulled India out of tricky situations. They could not fire in Indore and the result was a sound defeat. Akshay Ramesh and Saurabh Kumar join Rajarshi Gupta in another heated debate on the Sledging Room. Tune in! Produced By Anna Priyadarshini Sound Mix by Amrit Regi

India have done remarkably well at home - they have been invincible in their own backyard but in the last few years, that success has been largely due to the spin twin of R Ashwin and R Jadeja and the emergence of Axar Patel. Not only have they taken wickets in clusters, they have also made significant contributions with the bat.Do India need a new approach? Should KL Rahul make way for Shubman Gill? Who is a replacement for Virat Kohli?The latest episode of the Sledging Room started on a pleasant note but then things got bitter!Tune in and listen as Akshay Ramesh and Saurabh Kumar join Rajarshi Gupta for a fiery debate.Listen in!Produced By Anna PriyadarshiniSound Mix by Sachin Dwivedi

Australia could perhaps learn a lesson or two from India who defied the odds in 2019 and 2021 to win back-to-back Test series Down Under. Akshay Ramesh and Saurabh Kumar join Rajarshi Gupta for a fiery episode where the Aussie media's conspiracy theories were busted. Listen in!

Is it fair to say the Indian team has lost the killer instinct in Test cricket with Rahul Dravid as coach? Under Ravi Shastri, India won Tests in South Africa and England and secured back-to-back Test series in Australia, a feat that was once considered impossible to achieve. Can India continue their dominating run against Australia or will the visitors shock the hosts? Rajarshi Gupta was joined by Akshay Ramesh and Saurabh Kumar in the latest episode of the Sledging Room. Tune in!

Should India have selected Sarfaraz Khan for the Test series against Australia? Despite lots of runs in the Ranji Trophy, Sarfaraz Khan continues to be out in the cold. Several former India cricketers have questioned the move and questioned the obsession with cricketers who look a particular way instead of focusing on the real hard runs scored in the middle. Sarfaraz Khan has been one of India's top batters in the country's most elite domestic tournament but he found no spots in either the series in Bangladesh or the high-profile Test series to be played at home against Australia. Sunil Gavaskar said the selectors should go to a fashion show if they want to rope in models while Venkatesh Prasad said there were other players in the side who had more kgs than Sarfaraz Khan. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill has been on fire for India scoring a record 360 runs in the ODI series against New Zealand. Rarely has an India batter started that well as such an early age. Only 23, Gill has scored hundreds including a double century from just 21 one-day internationals. Is Shubman Gill the next Virat Kohli? Saurabh Kumar and Kingshuk Kusari join Rajarshi Gupta in yet another heated, controversial debate on the Sledging Room. Tune in for the latest episode! Produced by Anna Priyadarshini Sound Mix by Amrit Regi

Mankading, not anymore. Call it what you will, the furore over non-strikers' run-outs is intense every time a bowler removes the bails to 'Mankad' a batter. Rohit Sharma withdrew an appeal after Mohammed Shami dismissed Dasun Shanuka on 98 in an ODI which India already had in their grasp. Then there was an instance of a non-striker being run-out for backing up too far. But why the controversy when it is a perfectly legitimate form of dismissal. In another heated debate in the Sledging Room, Akshay Ramesh and Saurabh Kumar join Rajarshi Gupta to dissect the bizarre comparisons between Virat Kohli and Babar Azam by the Pakistan cricket fraternity. Virat Kohli is closing in on Sachin Tendulkar's ODI world record of 49 hundreds and is in the middle of red-hot form with 3 hundreds in 4 ODIs after a dismal run. Babar Azam, the Pakistan captain, has faced flak after his team failed to win a single Test at home last year. He, is however, the top-ranked ODI batter. Kohli's sensational return to form sparked off a series of tweets from Pakistan fans AND journalists questioning the Indian star's achievements. The fact is Virat Kohli has scored runs all around the world and in different conditions. Tune in to listen to a fiery debate! Produced by Anna Priyadarshini Sound mix by Amrit Regi

“If you can't explain to a ten-year-old why you own a stock, you shouldn't own it.” —Peter Lynch We can often observe that most difficult subjects and concepts when broken down into parts can be easily understood. Similarly, when we are dealing with businesses that have too many moving parts and there is so much to track, it gets difficult for small investors to stay updated. Many lose track and end up paying a huge price for that. However, once we break it down to small parts it gets much easier to understand and track. We are going to take up one such business—Jubilant Ingrevia Ltd. We are going to break down the episode into different parts like the Introduction, 3 Business Segments, Technical View, Valuations and Thesis-Antithesis. We'll also take a closer look at the historical margins of the business and where do we see them heading in the near future. We are going to be joined by Mr. Saurabh Kumar of Scientific Investing.

Ishan Kishan, exactly a month after scoring a record-breaking double hundred against Bangladesh, was dropped for India's next ODI against Sri Lanka. The reason? Rohit Sharma said it was only "fair" to give Shubman Gill a chance after his consistent run in the format. Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav, who scored a breathtaking hundred in the series-deciding T20I against Sri Lanka, did not find a spot in the playing XI against Sri Lanka in Guwahati. Was all this done only to accommodate KL Rahul? Ishan Kishan's omission certainly left several experts baffled. At a time, India should be looking to bring in an X-factor at the top, a young cricketer was left out despite a sensational double hundred. That move also brought back memories of how Karun Nair was left out for a Test after he had scored a triple hundred against England in his previous match. Also, remember Kuldeep Yadav who was dropped after a man-of-the-match performance in the first Test against Bangladesh? Just, what's going on with the Indian team management? Rajarshi Gupta, Akshay Ramesh and Saurabh Kumar were involved in another hostile debate on the latest episode of the Sledging Room. Listen in!

This week in Indian Startup News, BharatPe and Centrum get RBI's nod to acquire PMC Bank, Impact on new ecommerce rules on Amazon and Flipkart, Cars24 starts home delivery of cars and expands globally, Grofers' co-founder Saurabh Kumar exits, Uncademy's Graphy announces Rs 100 crore fund for creators and KKR acquires Fogg Deodrant maker Vini Cosmetics. In funding news, Byju's raises $50 million, RenewBuy raises $45 million, GoMechanic raises $42 million, Kutumb raises $26 million and Progcap raises $25 million. Impact on new ecommerce rules on Amazon and Flipkart: Indian government has proposed changes to the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules 2020 as they plan to further curb cheating and unfair trade practices. E-commerce giants like Amazon and Flipkart are particularly confused about the clause which says that Flash sales on e-commerce platforms are banned. BharatPe and Centrum get RBI's nod to acquire PMC Bank: RBI has approved the take over of PMC Bank by BharatPe and Centrum – also giving them an in-principal approval to set up a small finance bank before the merger. This could bring relief to PMC Bank customers who have been unable to access their money since 2019. Cars24 starts home delivery of cars and expands globally: Cars24 will soon start delivering used cars to their customers' homes with 7 days no questions asked return policy – taking their ecommerce experience to a new level. They have also set aside $100 million for their international expansion. Grofers' co-founder Saurabh Kumar exits: Grofers' co-founder Saurabh Kumar is hanging his boots after building the online grocery platform for over 8 years as he looks at new opportunities. Unacademy's Graphy announces Rs 100 crore fund for creators: Graphy has launched a Rs 100 crore fund (Graphy Creator Grant) to help content creators to launch their own courses, build an audience and start earning money for the course of the next two years. KKR acquires Fogg Deodrants maker Vini Cosmetics: Private equity firm KKR is acquiring a majority stake in Fogg Deodrants maker Vini Cosmetics for $625 million to help them their ecommerce sales channel and build new products for the emerging markets. Byju's raises $50 million: Byju's has raised $50 million in a round led by IIFL – taking their total funding for this year to over $850 million as they explore more acquisition opportunities and eye global expansion. RenewBuy raises $45 million: D2C insurtech startup RenewBuy has raised $45 million in a round led by Apis Partners to bring insurance to remote parts of the country. GoMechanic raises $42 million: Car servicing startup GoMechanic has raised $42 million from Tiger Global Management to expand their operation from 35 to 100 cities as they aim to service 10 million cars by the end of 2021. Kutumb raises $26 million: A community-building platform for Bharat users Kutumb has raised $26 million led by Tiger Global Management. Progcap raises $25 million: Retail financing startup Progcap has raised $25 million from Tiger Global Management.

Saurabh Kumar is the founder of TowaSO, which is on a mission is to Create the most compelling Tech Enabled Waste Management company of the 21st Century which fuels the development of Energy from Waste. They were featured in Bill and Mellinda Gates Foundation and Better India for their organic low bio home cleaner and has won Urban Sanitation Hurrah Award Saurabh is a Mechanical Engineer who graduated from IIT ISM Dhanbad in 2016 and a post graduate in Environmental Engineering from IIT ISM Dhanbad, Batch of 2018. Saurabh has been working into the Waste Management Sector. This young passionate entrepreneur has lot more to share in this episode --- 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/chetanab/message

This week in Indian startup news, CarTrade gears up for an IPO, Ziffyhomes is in trouble – might shut down soon, Oyo announces four-day work week, Zerodha says no to work calls after 6 P.M., Groww to acquire Indiabulls' mutual fund business and FuelBuddy acquires MyPetrolPump. In funding news, Flipkart is in talks to raise $1 billion, Acko looking to raise $200 million, Grofers could get $100 million from Zomato, Mamaearth in talks to raise up to $80 million, Rapido raises $43.4 million and Cron AI raises $4 million. CarTrade gears up for an IPO: CarTrade, an online platform for selling used cars, is expected to file for IPO this month – which would make it the first online classified company to go public in the country. The startup was founded in 2009 by Vinay Sanghi and over the years it has expanded its offerings to become a one-stop-shop providing everything from loans and insurance. They are also among the few startups that are actually profitable. Ziffyhomes is in trouble – might shut down soon: According to a report by Entrackr, Ziffyhomes is in the final stages of shutting down its operations. At the moment, their website and app are non-functional and their customer care number isn't working either. While the company's co-founder Saurabh Kumar has said that they are scaling down their operations but not shutting down altogether. However, things are looking pretty grim for Ziffyhomes. Oyo announces four-day work week: OYO is moving towards a four-day work week to ease their employees' mental stress and they are also implementing a “no questions asked flexible infinite paid leave” policy. Zerodha says no to work calls and chats after 6 P.M.: Online stock trading unicorn Zerodha's founder Nithin Kamath took to Twitter to announce that they have “killed all work-related chats post 6 P.M. and holidays”. Groww to acquire Indiabulls' mutual fund business: Online investment platform Groww has signed a deal with Indiabulls to acquire their mutual fund business for Rs 175 crore. This will allow Groww to create its own mutual fund products and use its network of 15 million users to grow the business. FuelBuddy acquires MyPetrolPump: On-demand fuel delivery startup FuelBuddy has acquired another online fuel delivery platform MyPetrolPump as it looks to expand into new geographies. Flipkart is in talks to raise $1 billion: E-commerce behemoth Flipkart is looking to raise $1 billion at a $30 billion valuation ahead of its expected IPO via SPAC. Acko looking to raise $200 million: Online insurance platform Acko is in the market looking for a $200 million investment. Grofers could get $100 million from Zomato: Online grocery delivery startup Grofers could get a $100 million investment from food delivery giant Zomato as it looks to expand into grocery. Mamaearth in talks to raise up to $80 million: Direct to consumer personal care brand Mamaearth is in talks with Sofina to secure anywhere between $60-80 million in a new funding round. Rapido raises $43.6 million: Bike taxi aggregator Rapido has raised $43.6 million in a round led by WestBridge Capital. Cron AI raises $4 million: Deeptech startup Cron AI has raised $4 million in a round led by VenturEast and Kitaki Ventures.

Saurabh Kumar, Siqera, Winemaker.  "I would like to experiment with as many fruits as I can to craft different styles of cider, mead and wine."      Here is an all-rounder of alcohol that experiments with different kinds of fruits and in different combinations to make wine. Subscribe and listen to Saurabh’s wine story on Cheers Chatty Podcast on Apple Podcast, YouTube, Anchor, Google Podcast, Spotify and Sound Cloud.    Listen, Subscribe and Advertise on Cheers Chatty Podcast.  chatty@cheerschatty.com  cheerschatty@gmail.com Link Tree https://linktr.ee/cheerschatty Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnrPBC7WM8AuqKFwWpDHkhA Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/cheers-chatty-ii/id1509379908?i=1000472485878 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7Bc1WAfrK2D1ika8hlmCRy Google Podcast https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL25hcGFhbmt1ci9mZWVkLnhtbA Sound Cloud https://soundcloud.com/girija-chatty/saurabh-kumar-on-cheers-chatty-podcast Blogger https://cheerschatty.blogspot.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cheerschatty/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cheerschatty/ Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/cheers-chatty/ Kindle http://amzn.in/eifSN0i   #cheerschatty #podcastadvertising #beerpodcast #cheerschatty #cheers #chatty #siqera #wine #winemaker #winepodcast #indiawines #indiapodcast #winecareers #saurabhkumar #podcast5kage #podcasting #podcastingtips #youtubepodcast #spotifypodcast #anchorpodcast #podcaststar #personalbrand #linktree #soundcloud #internationalpodcast #podcastdianauribe #podcastnyawirda #podcastwithmacg #podcastkeluarga #podcastwerewolf #podcastage #podcastandchill #podcastbincangshopee #podcastcini #podcastdesk #podcasterk #podcaster #podcastersforjustice #podcastgridoto #podcasthindutimes #podcasthoror #podcastingforbeginners #podcastindonesia #podcasting101 #podcastinitalian #podcastjauhan #podcastjuice #podcastjae #podcastkristen #podcastkakakberadik #podcastmalamkliwon #podcastnchill #podcastparaaprenderespanol #podcastpolitik #podcastquebec #podcastramadhanits #podcastrepsul #podcastrubenonsu #podcastrapatosis #podcastsforeveryone #podcasttips #podcasttutorial #podcastunited #podcastwithakrahul #podcastwithharoonikram #podcastwithsai #podcastwisnu1 #podcast001

At the outset, it is apologized that the notes of this episode are not as comprehensive as it should be. However, further episodes shall have detailed episode notes.Introduction of Contributors Suyash Verma is a Lawyer and a Freelance writer. He completed B.B.A. LL.B. (Constitutional Law Honours) from National Law University, Jodhpur in 2012 and LL.M. in International Trade Law from National Law University, Jodhpur in 2015. Presently, he is practising as an Advocate in the High Court of Madhya Pradesh at Jabalpur. He has a keen interest in Constitutional Law, International Trade Law and Jurisprudence. His other interests include On-line Gaming and reading.Saurabh Kumar is an Advocate Practicing Law since July 2010. He is LL.M. (Trade & Investment Laws) & B.B.A. LL.B. (Honors in Trade Related Laws and WTO) from National Law University, Jodhpur. He is also pursuing his Doctoral Studies in the Laws of Outer Space, apart from advocacy. He holds Observer status at The Hague International Space Resources Governance Working Group, Universitiet Leiden. Whatever spare time he gets, he devotes it to blogging and reading about Law. Important Provisions of Disaster Management Act, 2005Definition of Disaster – S. 2 (d)It sets up various authorities at four levels.1. National Authority (NDMA) [S.2(j) & S.3]2. State Authority [S.2(q) & S.14]3. District Authority [S.2(f) and S. 31]4. Local Authorities [S.2(h)]Powers and functions are defined under S. 6.In case of a disaster, it was the intention of the Parliament of India that the Disaster Management Act, 2005 may occupy the field at once. It is extremely exhaustive and contains detailed provisions and mandatory guidelines for governments at all levels to be followed.The scheme of the Act makes it amply clear that there is no need to adopt a scattered approach by any of the governments or authorities and all they need to do is peruse and follow this Act to letter in letter and spirit.

On today's episode of HR Wired, we have Saurabh Kumar, CEO at In2IT Technologies o our productivity and profitability segment talking about Technology in the workplace and how it can influence and affect productivity and profitability; on our HR chat, we have Nicol Mullins Principal Consultant - Mercer Consulting talking about how AI will shape the Future of Work, employers focus on human skills and employees crave jobs with purpose; on policy and compliance, we have Ivan Israelstam, Chief Executive of Labour Law Management Consulting talking about Why retrenchments is currently on the rise in South Africa; and finally on getting hired, we have Rudi Kruger, General Manager of LexisNexis Data Services talking about the Importance of reference checks on job applicants.--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Saurabh Kumar, CEO at In2IT Technologies joins Gavin Smith to talk about Technology in the workplace and how it can influence and affect productivity and profitability. Here are some of the questions that were examined:•How can employers use technology to improve productivity and profitability?•Why is technology important in a business?•How can ICT help in business?•How can technology help with employee engagement?•What is the true impact of technology on workplace productivity?--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/africabusinessnews/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/africabusinessnews/support --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/africabusinessnews/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/africabusinessnews/support

Saurabh Kumar, CEO at In2IT Technologies joins Gavin Smith to talk about Technology in the workplace and how it can influence and affect productivity and profitability. Here are some of the questions that were examined: • How can employers use technology to improve productivity and profitability? • Why is technology important in a business? • How can ICT help in business? • How can technology help with employee engagement? • What is the true impact of technology on workplace productivity? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/africabusinessnews/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/africabusinessnews/support