Never on the Backfoot: A Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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Never on the Backfoot: A Podcast

Neha Shetty

Sports

Frequency: 1 episode/6d. Total Eps: 369

A podcast started by a cricket fanatic for anyone who is even remotely interested in Cricket and for the fans who ardently follow this beautiful game. I intend to talk all about cricket and keep you posted for some fresh perspectives and content. Follow us on Instagram and Threads @neveronthebackfoot and @neverontheback1 on Twitter too!

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350. The Economics & Politics of Women's Test Cricket

Season 1 · Episode 350

Wednesday, July 8, 2026 • Duration 47:45

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 350 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. At the Home of Cricket, the women's Test between India and England is far more than just another fixture. For decades, women were excluded from playing at Lord's, making every red-ball match at this iconic venue a reminder of how far the game has come and how much further it still has to go.

This episode asks a question that sits at the heart of the women's game today: does women's Test cricket genuinely have a future, or has it simply never been given the opportunity to succeed?

Nitesh Mathur of Broken Cricket Dreams joins us as we break down the economics of women's Test cricket, exploring the financial realities, broadcasting challenges, scheduling constraints, and the growing reluctance among several cricket boards to invest in the longest format. As franchise leagues continue to expand and white-ball cricket dominates commercial conversations, where does Test cricket fit into the women's game?

The timing of this debate couldn't be more significant. Just days after a packed crowd of 28,887 spectators turned up at Lord's for the Women's T20 World Cup Final, proving that fans will show up for the women's game when it's marketed and showcased properly, we're once again asking whether the same belief and investment can be extended to Test cricket.

We also discuss the wider implications of boards stepping away from women's Tests, including concerns around nations like the West Indies and New Zealand scaling back long-format commitments, and what that could mean for player development, competitive balance, and the identity of the women's game itself.

From governance and commercial priorities to media narratives, fan culture, and the ICC's role, this is a conversation about much more than one match. It's about whether the pinnacle of cricket should be available to women in the same way it has always been for men.

Because perhaps the real question isn't whether women's Test cricket is commercially viable. It's whether the game has ever truly been given a fair chance.

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349. Could Mid-Season Transfers Fix the IPL?

Season 1 · Episode 349

Friday, May 15, 2026 • Duration 37:37

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 349 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. Mid-season transfers in the Indian Premier League sound like a game-changing idea but in reality, they’re barely used.

So why does this rule even exist, and more importantly, why do teams ignore it?

In this episode, Naman Samtani joins us as we break down the logic behind mid-season transfers, the rules that govern them, and the glaring gap between intent and execution.

From overloaded benches and unused talent to injury gaps and tactical needs, the IPL seems like the perfect environment for transfers to thrive, yet they don’t.

We also get into the bigger questions—are the rules too restrictive, are franchises too cautious, or is there simply no real incentive to make moves mid-season? And just for fun, we imagine what this season could have looked like if transfers were actually in play, picking players and scenarios that could’ve shaken things up.

Missed opportunity or unnecessary rule?

Tune in as we unpack one of the IPL’s most underused and most intriguing—mechanisms.

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348. The Rise Of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi & The India Call-Up Debate

Season 1 · Episode 348

Friday, May 1, 2026 • Duration 35:36

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 348 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. The rise of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been nothing short of extraordinary, but is Indian cricket moving too fast?

In this episode, we look at the 15-year-old Sooryavanshi, who has taken the Indian Premier League by storm, showcasing fearless batting, composure beyond his years, and the kind of impact that has everyone talking about a potential India debut already. But amidst the hype, questions remain: is he truly ready for the senior stage, or does he need time to grow?

We break down his meteoric rise, analyse what makes him stand out technically and mentally, and dive into the bigger debate around fast-tracking young talent in modern cricket.

We also unpack insights from Anil Kumble, who has urged caution, highlighting the risks of rushing a prodigy into international cricket too soon.

With Team India’s future tours and squad transitions in mind, we explore where Sooryavanshi could fit, what his ideal pathway should look like, and whether the system is equipped to nurture a talent like him the right way.

Is this the arrival of India’s next big star or a moment that demands patience over pressure?

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347. Beyond The Icons: Is The IPL Moving Past Star Culture?

Season 1 · Episode 347

Wednesday, April 29, 2026 • Duration 01:13:11

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 347 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we dive into one of the most defining debates in the modern Indian Premier League: the relevance of star culture in a league that may be rapidly evolving beyond it.

From the towering influence of icons like MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the shifting identities of franchises, this episode explores whether teams have historically been built around individuals or systems and what that means in 2026.

We take a closer look at the contrasting trajectories of legacy teams like Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, questioning whether their current struggles reflect a temporary dip or a deeper structural challenge tied to delayed transition and evolving T20 dynamics.

At the same time, we examine the transformation of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, are they finally moving beyond a one-player narrative and the rise of system-driven teams like Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals, who seem to be thriving without being anchored to a single superstar.

The conversation also moves beyond the field to unpack the role of fan expectations, brand value, and commercial pressure in shaping team decisions. Are franchises truly free to rebuild, or are they bound by the emotional weight of their icons?

This episode ultimately asks the bigger question: Is the IPL transitioning from “teams built around stars” to “teams that create stars” and what does sustained success really require in today’s game: stability or constant evolution?

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346. Whose Story Is It Anyway? The Credit Debate In Commentary

Season 1 · Episode 346

Friday, April 17, 2026 • Duration 50:56

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 346 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, Aryan Surana joins us as we dive into a debate that’s been quietly simmering in cricket media and recently found its way into the spotlight.

In the past few days, a thought-provoking debate sparked by Joy Bhattacharjya has got the cricket and media world talking. At the centre of it is Ian Bishop, widely respected for the way he brings depth and storytelling into commentary and a larger, more uncomfortable question: when those stories originate from ground reporting, should the journalists behind them be explicitly credited on air?

What begins as a conversation about one moment quickly expands into something much bigger. This episode dives into the tension between authorship and impact, between who tells the story first and how far that story travels.

In a media ecosystem where the byline has traditionally been the ultimate form of validation, is that recognition enough? Or does the nature of modern broadcasting, shaped by corporate ownership, competing networks, and platform silos, make attribution more complicated than it seems?

When stories move across ecosystems, often without crediting rival organisations, are we looking at an ethical gap or simply the reality of how the industry functions? And ultimately, what kind of media culture are we building — one where stories reach millions, but the reporters behind them slowly fade into the background? This is a conversation about ethics, visibility, and the invisible labour that powers the stories we love.

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345. Senior Women’s Inter Zonal Multi-Day Trophy 2026 - Review + Wrap Up

Season 1 · Episode 345

Friday, April 10, 2026 • Duration 59:21

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 345 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we dive deep into the Senior Women’s Inter Zonal Multi-Day Trophy, breaking down every stage of the tournament — from the closely contested quarter-finals to a gripping final that was ultimately decided on a first-innings lead.

Joining us on the show is Prajin, as we unpack key moments, standout performances, and tactical nuances that defined the competition. We begin with West Zone’s hard-fought win over Central Zone, highlighting Pratika Rawal’s fighting century and the importance of collective batting efforts. The conversation then shifts to North Zone’s dominant innings victory over North East Zone, powered by Priya Punia’s commanding hundred.

As we move into the semi-finals, we explore West Zone’s control against East Zone and North Zone’s narrow edge over South Zone in a game shaped by Tanisha Singh’s resilience and Preeti Bose’s exceptional bowling spell.

The episode culminates with a detailed discussion on the final between West Zone and North Zone — a match defined by a monumental 231-run partnership between Sushma Verma and Ayushi Soni, and Verma’s extraordinary double century that showcased patience, endurance, and elite red-ball temperament.

We also reflect on the tournament as a whole — identifying standout performers, debating the effectiveness of the first-innings lead rule, and discussing whether the competition deserves a longer, more expansive format in the future.

If you enjoy in-depth cricket analysis, storytelling, and conversations that go beyond the scorecard, this episode is for you.

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344. The Invisible Trophy: Is The Fair Play Award in the IPL Even Relevant?

Season 1 · Episode 344

Thursday, April 9, 2026 • Duration 01:01:32

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 344 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. At the end of every IPL season, alongside the glittering trophies and title celebrations, there’s another award, one that honours ‘fair play’. But what does fairness really mean in a league built on intensity, competition, and spectacle?

In this episode, Sarthak Dev joins in as we dive deep into the IPL Fair Play Award—its history, its purpose, and the paradoxes it embodies. We ask tough questions: Is fair play something teams genuinely practice, or something they perform for points and perception?

Does the award still matter in today’s commercial IPL, or is it a symbolic relic of a simpler time? And ultimately, what does it say about the way we value ethics, discipline, and respect in sport and in life?

Join us for a reflective, philosophical conversation exploring moments of sportsmanship, controversy, and the complex relationship between winning and integrity in the IPL.

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343. Senior Women's One Day Trophy 2026 [Elite and Plate] + Inter Zonal Trophy - Review & Wrap Up

Season 1 · Episode 343

Monday, March 23, 2026 • Duration 01:11:18

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 343 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast.

In this episode, we’re diving into the Senior Women’s One Day Trophy [Elite and Plate] and the Senior Women’s Inter Zonal One Day Trophy 2026.

Joining us is Prajin, as we unpack the structure of the Elite and Plate divisions and what this segregation means for competitiveness and player development across the circuit.

From tightly contested group stages to high-stakes knockouts, we break down the most competitive groups, standout matches, and key performers who lit up the tournament.

We also analyze the road to the final — from gripping Pre-Quarter Finals and Quarter Finals to surprising Semi-Final outcomes culminating in Delhi’s title-winning campaign against Railways.

What made Delhi so dominant this season? Which players stood out the most? And what trends can we take away from this year’s competition?

Shifting focus to the Plate division, we discuss Bihar’s commanding run and what it says about emerging teams in the domestic setup.

The episode also covers the return of the Inter Zonal One Day Trophy, where we assess each zone’s performance from Central Zone’s clinical, title-winning run to West Zone’s strong campaign, and the mixed fortunes of other zones.

We revisit the most memorable matches, key takeaways, and what this tournament means for the future of domestic women’s cricket in India.

342. The Story Behind ‘Best Of Cricket’: In Conversation With Tarutr Malhotra

Season 1 · Episode 342

Sunday, February 22, 2026 • Duration 59:32

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 342 of the Never on the Backfoot Podcast.

In this episode, we sit down with Tarutr Malhotra, the mind behind Best of Cricket, a daily curated newsletter dedicated to showcasing the finest cricket writing from across the internet.

From sharp match analysis and long-form features to hidden gems from independent blogs and local publications, the newsletter has quietly become a go-to space for readers who care deeply about thoughtful cricket journalism.

Tarutr talks about the origins of the newsletter, the intent behind creating a clutter-free space for quality cricket writing, and what defines “good” cricket storytelling in an era driven by algorithms and instant reactions.

We explore the process behind daily curation, the evolving landscape of cricket media, and why newsletters may be emerging as an antidote to content overload.

The conversation also dives into building a niche audience, sustaining consistency, the challenges of running an independent media project, and the road ahead for Best of Cricket — including questions around growth, community, and financial sustainability.

If you love cricket beyond just scores and highlights, this episode is a deep dive into the people and ideas shaping how the game is written about today.

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341. ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026: Here’s What Happened

Season 1 · Episode 341

Sunday, February 8, 2026 • Duration 01:11:32

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 341 of the Never on the Backfoot Podcast.

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026 gave us far more than just four qualification spots. Across conditions in Nepal, teams from five regions pushed, adapted, stumbled, and surprised — revealing just how much the global women’s game is evolving.

In this episode, Sudeshna Bhattarai joins us to break down the tournament beyond the scorecards. We discuss how early assumptions around team hierarchies were challenged, which sides truly understood the conditions, and how adaptability often mattered more than experience.

From Bangladesh’s measured dominance and Ireland’s understated efficiency to Scotland and the Netherlands navigating pressure in different ways, we assess what actually separated the qualifiers from the rest.

We also dive into the campaigns of Thailand, USA, PNG, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and host Nepal — unpacking identity, preparation gaps, momentum swings, and the psychological weight of expectations.

The episode also zooms out to ask the bigger questions: with a 16-team Women’s T20 World Cup on the horizon, does this Qualifier finally feel like a real pathway? And which of the qualified teams looks best placed to compete — not just participate — on the world stage?

A tournament shaped by conditions, clarity, and consequence — this is a deep-dive into what the Qualifier really told us about the present and future of women’s international cricket.

Thank you so much for tuning in to today’s episode and for your incredible support. If you haven’t already, make sure to hit the follow button and tap the bell icon on Spotify to stay updated with every new episode.

Never on the Backfoot: A Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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Never on the Backfoot: A Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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