Cricket Unfiltered – Details, episodes & analysis

In the debut episode of Cricket Unfiltered, journalists and passionate cricket fans Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz break down the India national cricket team’s thrilling semifinal win at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

They discuss standout performers, debate India’s top five cricketers of all time, analyze the brilliance of Jasprit Bumrah, and examine the rising future of Abhishek Sharma. Most importantly, they ask: Can India lift the trophy when they face the New Zealand national cricket team in the final at Narendra Modi Stadium this Sunday?

Tune in for sharp insights, lively debate, and cricket nostalgia.

Produced by Taniya Dutta

Sound mixed by Suraj Singh

In this engaging podcast, journalists and passionate cricket fans Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz dive deep into the origins and evolution of the Indian Premier League—unpacking the vision behind the tournament, the role of figures like Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya, and how the league transformed cricket into a global spectacle.

More than 18 years on, they explore why the IPL continues to thrive, spotlighting its impact in bringing talent from smaller towns and villages to the big stage. The conversation also touches upon the meteoric rise of young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, his remarkable performances at just 15, and inevitable comparisons with legend Sachin Tendulkar.

Set against the backdrop of the ongoing IPL season, this discussion blends cricket, business, and storytelling to decode one of India’s biggest sporting phenomena.

Produced by Taniya Dutta

Sound mixed by Aman Pal

In the latest episode of Cricket Unfiltered, journalists and passionate cricket fans Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz dive deep into cricket’s biggest debates—Test vs IPL, Chennai nostalgia, and the story behind the gate named after legendary cricketer Dilip Sardesai at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

They also unpack why the Kolkata Knight Riders seem to have lost the plot—and ask the big question: can sport ever truly stay apolitical? Plus, a proud moment as India features 4 cricketers in the latest Wisden list.

Watch the full conversation on Cricket Unfiltered.

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Produced by Taniya Dutta

Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti

Were fast bowlers of the past actually quicker or has modern cricket taken pace to another level?

In this episode of Cricket Unfiltered, journalists and cricket enthusiasts Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz go head-to-head on a fascinating generational debate, comparing legends like Jeff Thomson with today’s stars Pat Cummins and Jofra Archer.

From uncovered pitches and minimal protection to today’s high-tech gear, fitness regimes, and bowling machines—has evolution made cricketers faster or just smarter?

The conversation also dives into the IPL era, rising names like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and the big question: is Mumbai or Delhi the true capital of Indian cricket today?

Plus, a surprising cultural twist—how legends like Asha Bhosle and Madhubala shared a deep love for the game.

Tune in!

Produced by Taniya Dutta

Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti

In this episode of Cricket Unfiltered, veteran journalists and passionate cricket fans Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz engage in a no-holds-barred debate on some of the biggest talking points in Indian cricket. From the ultimate T20 batting face-off — Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma — to the intense loyalty fans and players show towards IPL franchises, the conversation goes far beyond the boundary ropes.

The two also discuss:

Dressing-room dynamics in modern cricket

Should girlfriends and families be allowed in team spaces?

Why coaches like Ashish Nehra are thriving in the IPL

Board of Control for Cricket in India's rules on unauthorized people in hotel rooms

Spot-fixing and honeytrap concerns in cricket

Should IPL owners, celebrities, and VIPs get boundary-line access and on-field photo ops?

Packed with candid opinions and insider perspectives, this episode takes an unfiltered look at the glamour, politics, and power dynamics of modern cricket.

Tune in!

Produced by Taniya Dutta

Sound mixed by Suraj Singh

Is Indian cricket on the verge of a major reset? And why do some of the biggest controversies from cricket's past refuse to go away?

In this explosive conversation, veteran journalists and cricket enthusiasts Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz debate whether Shreyas Iyer should replace Suryakumar Yadav as India's T20 captain and discuss what the ideal Indian T20 playing XI should look like going forward.

The two also take on the hottest selection debate in Indian cricket: Is teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi truly ready for the international stage, or is India rushing its newest prodigy?

But the conversation doesn't stop there.

From the shadow cast by the underworld on cricket through the years and allegations of threats to players, to the enduring fascination surrounding Dawood Ibrahim, the discussion explores some of the sport's darkest chapters.

The episode also examines why former IPL architect Lalit Modi and businessman Vijay Mallya continue to command attention from London, years after leaving India. How did they shape modern cricket? Why do their interviews still make headlines? And what do their stories say about power, money and influence in Indian sport?

From captaincy battles and selection controversies to IPL politics and cricket's murky past, this is a conversation that spans the full spectrum of Indian cricket.

Produced by Taniya Dutta

Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti