Explore every episode of the podcast Cricbaazi

As Team India scripts a famous T20 World Cup win after 17 years, we at Cricbaazi podcast looks at the performance of the side and the legacy of key individuals.

Score summary - South Africa vs India

India 176-7 from 20 overs: Virat Kohli (76 off 59), Axar Patel (47 off 31), Shivam Dube (27 off 16);

Keshav Maharaj (2-23), Anrich Nortje (2-26), Kagiso Rabada (1-36)

South Africa 169-8 from 20 overs: Heinrich Klaasen (52 off 27), Quinton de Kock (39 off 31), Tristan Stubbs (31 off 21); Hardik Pandya (3-20), Jasprit Bumrah (2-18), Arshdeep Singh (2-20)

India had last won a global ICC event at the 2013 Champions Trophy, with their previous World Cup success the 2011 50-over edition on home turf. This T20 triumph for India comes seven months after they lost the 50-over World Cup final to Australia in Ahmedabad - their only defeat in that competition. History would not repeat itself.

The final countdown is upon us as the stage is set for the T20 World Cup Final between India and South Africa. Both teams have been unbeaten this tournament, but only one will take home the Cup! Ready to cheer for the Men in Blue? Hosts Rahul Makin & Shikhar Varshney discuss India's World Cup 2024 campaign till now and prays for not getting choked in another ICC tournament. Key highlights from the episode:

0:00 - 0:44: Introduction

0:45 - 3:13: T20 World Cup Final Assumptions

3:14 - 4:24: Semi-final vs. England

4:25 - 6:48: Weaknesses and Suggested Changes

6:49 - 9:58: Team Strengths

9:59 - 14:35: Potential Outcomes for India

14:36 - 17:19: Match Predictions

17:20 - 19:47: Final Thoughts

The word is pretty solid about Gautam Gambhir taking the handover from Rahul Dravid after the T20 World Cup 2024 and there is insider news as well about him demanding certain things from the board. What are they and to what extent the agreement has come?

The hosts also pick up on why BCCI did not have their buffet to pick from and what the chronology is behind his rumoured selection!

The other interest area lies in the struggle of Gary Kristen as the coach of the Pakistan team and his recent statement about Babar Azam’s team. The conversation took a swing to the present where the Super 8 fixtures were discussed and the boys talked about the important #IndvsAfg match and the fear of facing Australia again.

Watch the full episode for a power-packed dose of cricket conversation.

India beat Pakistan in a nail-biter in New York. After posting a modest 119 runs in their innings, it looked like the men in blue were staring at defeat. But Jasprit Bumrah helped India snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. The celebrations and memes show no signs of stopping. But there are still questions rising on the Indian Cricket Team that need to be answered before we get into the Super 8. Host Rahul Makin and Shikhar Varshney talk all this and more along with their special guest, Naveen Dhankhar. Key moments from the episode 0:00 - 1:28 - Mubarak ho! 1:29 - 3:13 - Should Virat Kohli open? 3:14 - 4:26 - Why Pant can't be Dhoni! 4:27 - 5:44 - Jadeja's name and fame! 5:45 - 7:39 - Where did Pakistan lose? 7:40 - 10:03 - Australia or India ka difference 10:04 - 13:17 - SKY ka kya karna hai? 13:18 - 16:37 - Changes in Bowling unit! 16:38 - 18:20 - Final Predictions

Pakistan has become the laughing stock of world cricket after suffering a humiliating defeat at the hands of hosts USA in the ICC T20 World Cup in Dallas. And the bigger challenge for them will be to now get into the biggest cricket rivalry: #IndvsPak.

This will be Pakistan's first match at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium which has received alot of criticism for the pitch. It's not going to be a cakewalk for neither of the team but toss at this venue will definitely play a crucial role.

Tune in to the full episode of Cricbaazi with RJ Rahul Makin & Shikhar Varshney to know more about the upcoming T20 World Cup match.

Join us on this episode of the Cricbaazi podcast as we dive into the hottest topics in Indian cricket. We kick off with a discussion on potential coaching options for the Indian Cricket Team (0:30), followed by an in-depth review of Rahul Dravid’s performance as coach (4:10). Don’t miss our latest IPL 2024 updates (7:10), including the buzz around the KL Rahul and Goenka controversy (9:20). We wrap up with insights into Rohit Sharma’s role and the future of Mumbai Indians (11:01). 

Tune in for these exciting updates and more with Shikhar Varshney and RJ Rahul Makin on the Cricbaazi podcast!

BCCI announced India's squad for the T20 World Cup on Tuesday, April 30. The BCCI selection committee ended the suspense around the selection of the Indian team as they picked a 15-member squad. The ardent followers of the Indian cricket team had a lot of reactions following the squad announcement. 

A large section of fans was majorly disappointed with Rinku Singh's exclusion from the squad. Despite boasting of great finishing skills and temperament, the crowd-favourite, Rinku, could not make it into the team amid slot issues. 

Apart from Rinku, there are other players as well who could not make it to the 15 member squad. Host Rahul Makin & Shikhar Varshney talk about the World Cup Squad and the current situation of the IPL points table.

Disclaimer: This episode was recorded on 29th May, 2024. The IPL points table looks certain with a few prominent teams sticking to the top of the table. The teams at the bottom can still give a surprise by making their place in the playoffs. Who are the most probable to make it? RJ Rahul Makin and Shikhar Varshney talks about the T20 tournament went live till now. The boys also talk about the team selection of the upcoming T20 world cup and address certain issues about Opening pair, middle order stability, need of all-rounders and the slow tracks in West Indies and USA.

The T20 tournament is half way done and there is literally no room for bowlers to breathe. We have already come to a stage where we have seen highest number of centuries, sixes and for that matter highest total of all time.

RJ Rahul Makin and Shikhar Varshney talk about all this and how the standings on the table look now. What are the chances of the teams that are sitting at bottom? What is SRH, RR and KKR's new approach? Is CSK going to play the playoffs one more time?

Tune in to get insights on all this and more.

A team with biggest of stars over the years has not been able to win the tournament from the past 17 years. What is exactly going wrong with them every year? RJ Rahul Makin and Shikhar Varshney talk about all this and analyze the situation of the points table as of 16-04-2024. Tune in to this fun episode now!

In this week’s IPL 2024 Roundup, hosts RJ Rahul Makin and Shikhar Varshney dissect the thrilling matches, unexpected upsets, and heated moments that unfolded on the cricketing stage. From jaw-dropping sixes to nail-biting finishes, they’ve got it all covered! But wait, there’s more! The duo dives deep into the Hardik Pandya saga. Why are fans divided? Why are some booing the talented all-rounder? Let’s explore: The Leadership Shift: Hardik Pandya, once the captain of Gujarat Titans, now leads the Mumbai Indians. But this transition hasn’t been smooth. Fans in Ahmedabad and Hyderabad have already expressed their discontent, and now, the Wankhede Stadium crowd awaits him with bated breath. Ambition vs. Loyalty: Hardik’s ambition to climb the cricketing ladder clashed with fans’ expectations. Some demand unwavering loyalty, while others hurl casteist slurs due to his appearance. It’s a complex web of emotions. The IPL Effect: The IPL isn’t just cricket; it’s an emotional rollercoaster. Fans form intense connections with their teams, and any perceived betrayal stings. Gujarat feels jilted, and Mumbai fans mourn the “coup” against beloved captain Rohit Sharma. Performative Outrage: Some outrage is performative, seeking attention or laughs. But for cricketers accustomed to adoration, this hostility is uncharted territory. Cricket remains primarily international, and Hardik’s skin isn’t as thick as his bowling arm. The T20 World Cup Thriller: Remember when Hardik shrugged off the result after the Pakistan match? That resilience might serve him well now. Join us as we dissect the drama, analyze the stats, and unravel the enigma that is Hardik Pandya. Hit that subscribe button, like, and share – because cricket isn’t just a game; it’s a passion that fuels debates and emotions! 🏆🔥

The first few days of IPL gave all the fun to the cricket lovers. From watching Dhoni back to hitting massive sixes to trying to understand Hardik's luck with Mumbai to watching a 500+ run game and to witness King Kohli back in form. Rahul Makin and Shikhar Varshney wraps up the first week of IPL.

2 years and a trophy vs 16 years and no trophy! That's what the debate is all about all over the internet since RCB has lifted the WPL 2024 trophy. What is so special about Smriti Mandana's camp that they manage to give Naama Bengaluru fans, a sigh of relief. Listen to this episode as Rahul Makin and Shikhar Varshney talk about the RCB WPL & IPL team, the comeback of King Kohli to the cricket field and the first encounter of IPL 2024.

______________________________________________________________________ For more such podcasts log on to https://www.htsmartcast.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/htsmartcast/ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/htsmartcast Tweet us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/htsmartcast?s=21 Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ht-smartcast

In this episode, hosts Rahul Makin and Shikhar Varshney wrap up the #IndVsEng test series and talk about the young generation that has recently joined the clan. The discussion went on to the future of captaincy, WPL, IPL, MS Dhoni and more!

______________________________________________________________________ For more such podcasts log on to https://www.htsmartcast.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/htsmartcast/ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/htsmartcast Tweet us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/htsmartcast?s=21 Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ht-smartcast

In the second instalment of the Cricbaazi X Push Sports episode, hosts Rahul Makin and Shikhar Varshney persist in their dialogue with entrepreneurs Puru Singh and Nitin Pahuja. Having recently showcased their venture on Shark Tank India, they triumphantly secured funding of 80 Lakhs. The conversation delves into their experiences shaping the evolving landscape of #sports education in schools, the transformative impact on personal development, and the rising popularity of underground sports. The #entrepreneurs also share insights into their #SharkTank pitch, including their preferences among the Sharks, and reflect on the shifts in their journey post the Shark Tank experience.

______________________________________________________________________ For more such podcasts log on to https://www.htsmartcast.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/htsmartcast/ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/htsmartcast Tweet us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/htsmartcast?s=21 Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ht-smartcast

In this episode of Cricbaazi, hosts Rahul Makin and Shikhar Varshney engage in a conversation with Push Sports' entrepreneurs Puru Singh and Nitin Pahuja. Recently featured on Shark Tank India, they successfully secured a funding of 80 Lakhs. The discussion covers their journey in getting selected on Shark Tank, the challenges faced in entrepreneurship, the dynamics of sports politics, and the trajectory of India towards becoming a sporting nation by 2047!

______________________________________________________________________ For more such podcasts log on to https://www.htsmartcast.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/htsmartcast/ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/htsmartcast Tweet us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/htsmartcast?s=21 Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ht-smartcast

A fake cricket league that allegedly duped Russian punters was busted in Gujarat, hosts Rahul Makin and Shikhar Varshney talked to author Abhishek Bhatt to talk about the situations behind the fraud.

The well-deserved Indian Cricket Team is in the finals and is now a step away from the final dance! Australia, on the other side, has also picked up pace and their XI looks as dominant as India. A final worth waiting for or will we get the one-sided affair one more time? Hosts Rahul Makin and Shikhar Varshney discuss all this and more in the Cricbaazi podcast.

The Indian Cricket Team is just crushing every other team in this tournament and are proudly the table toppers in the group stage of World Cup 2023. But how is our team playing so good and what is this absolutely amazing vibe on the field and in the dressing room? Hosts Shikhar Varshney and Rahul Makin discuss their imagination of celebrating the trophy in this episode of Cricbaazi podcast.

The Indian Cricket Team has now won 6 out of 6 but it's not the batsmen always. Our bowling, be it the pace attack or the spin has dominated the opposition. What are still some key areas that the Indian Cricket Team needs to fix and what did MS Dhoni talk about our chances of lifting the trophy? Hosts Rahul Makin and Shikhar Varshney talk about all that and more in this episode.

In a historic victory, India broke a 20-year record, defeating New Zealand in an ICC tournament. The long-awaited victory, was marked by exceptional performances by Kohli, Bumrah, Jadeja, Shami, and many more. Join host Rahul Makin in this Cricbaazi episode as he discusses this momentous win and speculates on the next match's lineup, especially if Shami plays. Stay tuned for more!

Narendra Modi Stadium is all set to host the mega-match of the World Cup 2023 - India Vs Pakistan. The match will witness the golden ticket holders like Amitabh Bachchan, Arijit Singh and others. But what about the players for whom the crowd has spent lakhs of money? Hosts Shikhar Varshney and Rahul Makin discuss all this and more in this episode of Cricbaazi.

The Indian Cricket Team is all set to face Afghanistan in their 2nd match of the World Cup 2023 campaign. Will Virat Kohli look to dominate Naveen Ul Haq or will it be the other way around? Hosts Rahul Makin & Shikhar Varshney talk about all this and the Kohli-Rahul partnership against Australia in this episode of the Cricbaazi podcast.

The Indian Cricket Team is all set to face Australia in their first match of the World Cup 2023 campaign but before that Cricbaazi boys Rahul Makin & Shikhar Varshney sit to make their fun predictions. Listen to the full episode for some fun!

Asia Cup Finals has certainly given the Indian Cricket Team momentum to go into the World Cup 2023! Hosts Shikhar Varshney and Rahul Makin talk about the dominance Rohit Sharma's team has shown in Asia and the comeback of individuals like KL Rahul, Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav. Tune in to this episode for more Cricket Fun!

The team that was nowhere in the group stage became the first team to qualify for the Asia Cup 2023 Finals. Hosts Rahul Makin and Shikhar Varshney talk about India's Journey in the Asia Cup, the gaps we still have and the road to becoming the No. 1 team in the ODI Ranking.

In this episode of the Cricbaazi podcast, hosts Rahul Makin and Shikhar Varshney talk about Gautam Gambhir who has recently made headlines again by reacting against the chants in the stadium. They also talk about World Cup team selection and the controversy associated with Chahal or Ashwin's exclusion. Tune in to this episode as the hosts also talk about the upcoming Ind vs. Pak match.

Pakistan will look to make a strong comeback after being defeated by Virat Kohli's genius last year. The Ind vs. Pak is scheduled to take place on 2nd September but the rain predictions are saying something else. Tune in as Rahul Makin & Shikhar Varshney discuss the Babar-Kohli Bromance in this episode.

Indian Cricket Team announced its 17-member squad for the Asia Cup yesterday but there are a few questions in the fans' mind that needs an answer. Host Shikhar Varshney & Rahul Makin talk about the team selection, the strongest and the weakest links. Listen to the full episode to know more!

Indian Cricket Team lost 2 matches in a row against West Indies which is unexpected and rather disappointing. Where is the new T20 team failing? Host Rahul Makin and Shikhar Varshney discuss in this episode.

Not a great start to the T20 Series but there were a few promising key takeaways that stood up in the first match. Host Rahul Makin and Shikhar Varshney talk about the 1st T20 loss in this episode.

A lot has been said about Virat and Rohit's place in the team in different contexts, host Rahul Makin and Shikhar Varshney talk about the loss that Indian cricket team faced.

The Indian cricket team is in their experimental phase on the West Indies tour but the team struggled to be on the winning side in the first ODI. We talk about the road to World Cup and more fun news in this episode.

The Prep for World Cup Begins today as India will play with the West Indies who didn't able to qualify for the World Cup. This is time for some experimentation and it will to interesting to see the approach for the team selection and playing order.

In the last few days, the rains have contributed to the points table more than the actual Ashes, Ind vs WI or the SL vs Pak. In this episode, RJ Rahul Makin & Shikhar Varshney talk about Kohli's 500th Internal Match, Ishan Kishan's Debut and the news making noise in the cricketing world.

A lot has happened since India won the 1st Test match against the West Indies - The Asian Games team announcement, MS Dhoni's viral video on the Internet, the comeback news of Bumrah and the Yuzi Chahal revelations on his IPL journey. Tune in now!

The inclusion of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the Test team gives Indian Cricket Fans some hope for the future after the disappointing WTC Final loss. But how will these players find their place in the West Indies playing conditions? Tune in as Rahul Makin and Shikhar Varshney preview India vs West Indies - 1st Test Match in this episode.

We delve into the recent cricket world acceptance of the concepts of 'Presence of mind' and 'Spirit of Cricket'. Join us as we talk about the Jonny Bairstow run-out controversy and explore other news getting viral in the cricketing community. Tune in now!

Host RJ Rahul Makin and Shikhar Varshney discuss the Bazball style of England Cricket and how their overconfidence didn't fall in their favour this time. We discuss what India can learn from it. Tune in to know now!

A lot has been said in the past few days regarding the recent loss faced by India in the WTC Finals. It's been 10 years since we won an ICC Trophy even after reaching knockouts in the majority of the tournaments. Tune in as Rahul Makin & Shikhar Varshney talk about the big things they feel contributed in India's loss.

After being on the backfoot on Day-1, India's quest to come back every day continued on the Day-4 of the WTC final as well. India will look to chase 280 more runs as Kohli and Rahane are looking solid on the pitch. Tune in as Rahul Makin and Shikhar Varshney discuss in this episode.

The Indian bowling unit made a strong comeback on Day 2 of the WTC Final but when it came to the Batting unit, the fear of batting on green track seemed very evident. In this episode, host Rahul Makin review the Day-2 of the WTC Final.

The toss went in India's favour but their idea of bowling first didn't on the Day-1 of the WTC Finals. Travis Head and Steve Smith are looking strong and the Aussies must be aiming for 550+ in their first innings. Tune in as Rahul Makin and Shikhar Varshney discuss the day-1 in this episode.

After an intense T20 season, the Indian Cricket Team returns to the Test format as the WTC Final approaches in 2 days. Why does Australia have the upper hand? Who will be Rohit's preferred keeper - Ishan or Bharat? What role will Rahane play in the playing XI? Join Rahul Makin and Shikhar Varshney on this episode of Cricbaazi as they delve into these questions and more.

The T20 finale which went on for 3 days finally ended up declaring the Yellow Army as the winner. Jadeja, Dhoni and Rayadu jointly took the trophy which gave the visual treat to the audience. Tune in to this episode as RJ Rahul Makin and Shikhar Varshney wrap up the IPL

The Finale of the T20 League has been shifted to today but what are the playing conditions in Ahmedabad and what if rain spoils today's game as well? Tune in with RJ Rahul Makin and Shikhar Varshney to know more.

RCB choked after another great season of hope and individual performances. What are the reasons behind their poor performance and should Virat Kohli switch to another team? In this episode, hosts Rahul Makin and Shikhar Varshney discuss all this and the upcoming exciting playoff clashes.

Today's IPL match will decide another probable qualifier in the tournament after Gujarat qualified already yesterday. Tune in as Rahul Makin and Shikhar Varshney discuss the important clash, what has worked well for GT and the rule changes in the Test format in this episode.

In this episode, RJ Rahul Makin and Shikhar Varshney talk about CSK vs MI, DC vs RCB, GT vs LSG and SRH vs RR match that took place over the weekend. The hosts also talk about today's clash between KKR vs PKBS match that will take place in Eden Gardens today.

In this episode, we discuss the 1000th IPL match that took place yesterday and the memories around the tournament. We also talked about the weekend clashes and the upcoming #RCBvsLSG preview.