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A weekly India Today podcast, Sledging Room is a sports show which will hold discussions related to sports, especially cricket. This is a podcast with a difference, a podcast where...
show more
A weekly India Today podcast, Sledging Room is a sports show which will hold discussions related to sports, especially cricket. This is a podcast with a difference, a podcast where tempers will flare and participants, to put it mildly, are not always polite. For your weekly dose of sporting hostilities, this is your final destination. Sledging Room will dissect views and bring in new perspectives with a dash of irreverence.
show less
Sledging Room
Sledging Room
Transcribed
21 AUG 2024 · 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.
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Produced & Sound Mixed By: Kapil Dev Singh
Transcribed
14 AUG 2024 · 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.
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Produced by Anna Priyadarshini
Sound Mix by Kapil Dev Singh
Transcribed
31 JUL 2024 · 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.Â
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.
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Produced by Anna Priyadarshini
Transcribed
24 JUL 2024 · How good was head coach Gautam Gambhir in his first press meet? First things first, full marks for his punctuality. He sat down to address several questions with the selection committee chairman, Ajit Agarkar before India departed for the tour of Sri Lanka.
One of the most interesting things to emerge from the press conference was the reasoning behind India appointing Suryakumar Yadav ahead of Hardik Pandya as T20I captain. Were injury concerns the only reason why India decided to snub Hardik Pandya? Ajit Agarkar mentioned ‘feedback from the dressing room’ as one of the main reasons behind India naming Surya Rohit Sharma’s successor. Do these reasons convince you?
Also, Gautam Gambhir has backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play until the 2027 ODI World Cup. Can the two seniors push it until 2027? Did Gambhir make a U-turn with this statement?
What to make of Shubman Gill’s appointment as vice-captain in ODIs and T20Is? Does he deserve an automatic spot in the shortest format?
Akshay Ramesh, Kingshuk Kusari, and Alan Jose John discuss the much-talked-about press conference in the latest episode of the Sledging Room podcast.
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Produced & Sound Mix by Sachin Dwivedi
Transcribed
17 JUL 2024 · Just when Hardik Pandya was poised to take over as captain of the Indian team, reports from the Indian media suggested that the BCCI was rethinking and re-evaluating its options. Suryakumar Yadav was floated as a strong option because of his consistency in fitness and his record with the Indian team in the Australia and South Africa series.
The discussion continued the selection panel's tradition of making very late adjustments to the squad. Just like Rinku Singh was not included at the very last minute in the Indian T20 World Cup team, Pandya's position as Rohit Sharma's successor in the T20I side has been put in doubt.
In this episode of the Sledging Room podcast, Kingshuk Kusari, Alan John, and Debodinna Chakraborty discuss the onset of Gautam Gambhir's era in the Indian team and how it could be one of the most exciting periods for viewers in the country's cricket history.
Gautam Gambhir has a big personality, and it is expected that his on-the-face attitude will be injected into the Indian side. If that happens, India could be an absolute force to reckon with in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, set to be played later this year in Australia.
But before that happens, India has to get its house in order. There are questions about the transition, the absence of a new support staff for the SL series, and who, between Suryakumar and Hardik, will take over the Indian side after Rohit Sharma's retirement.
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Produced & Sound Mix by: Kapil Dev Singh
Transcribed
10 JUL 2024 · 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.
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Produced and Mixed By Sachin Dwivedi
Transcribed
1 JUL 2024 · 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.
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Produced and Mixed By Sachin Dwivedi
Transcribed
28 JUN 2024 · 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.Â
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.
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Produced and Mixed By Sachin Dwivedi
Transcribed
25 JUN 2024 · Rohit Sharma certainly did not have Monday morning blues. The India captain tore into the Australian bowling attack, ensuring Australia got their payback for the ODI World Cup heartbreak. Rohit batted like a man possessed and decimated Australia, ensuring India's unbeaten run to the T20 World Cup 2024 semi-finals.
How much credit should Rohit Sharma get for showing the way with a fearless approach? At 37, The captain has been open to changing his approach and playing a selfless brand of cricket. He hit 8 sixes in his 41-ball 92 against Australia, shutting down naysayers who questioned his big-match temperament.
After successfully knocking out Australia, India's next target for revenge was England. Jos Buttler's men hammered India by 10 wickets in the T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final. However, with a fearless approach, this Indian team will be a tough nut to crack. India is the team to beat, and England has been dangerous. A cracker of a semi-final awaits us in Guyana on Thursday, June 27.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan scripted history, beating Bangladesh and qualifying for the men's T20 World Cup semi-final for the first time. They were on a giant-killing spree, beating New Zealand, Australia and Bangladesh. Will they start as favourites against South Africa in the first semi-final? Can the Proteas shed the 'C' tag and reach their maiden T20 World Cup final?
And what did you make of Gulbadin Naib's time-wasting tactics in the thriller between Afghanistan and Bangladesh? Are Australia right in cribbing about it?
Akshay Ramesh, Alan Jose John and Debodinna Chakraborty preview what promises to be two cracking semifinals.
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Produced and Mixed By Sachin Dwivedi
Â
Transcribed
21 JUN 2024 · 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?Â
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
A weekly India Today podcast, Sledging Room is a sports show which will hold discussions related to sports, especially cricket. This is a podcast with a difference, a podcast where...
show more
A weekly India Today podcast, Sledging Room is a sports show which will hold discussions related to sports, especially cricket. This is a podcast with a difference, a podcast where tempers will flare and participants, to put it mildly, are not always polite. For your weekly dose of sporting hostilities, this is your final destination. Sledging Room will dissect views and bring in new perspectives with a dash of irreverence.
show less
Information
| Author | India Today Podcast |
| Organization | Aaj Tak (India) |
| Categories | Cricket |
| Website | podcasts.indiatoday.in |
| sanjay.nagpal@aajtak.com |
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