Never on the Backfoot: A Podcast

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 325 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. Australia have unveiled a powerhouse squad for their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 title defence in India and Sri Lanka. 

With Alyssa Healy leading a mix of proven champions and exciting young talent, the defending champions are chasing history as they look to become the first team since 1988 to win back-to-back titles. 

In this episode, Janani of Sportsy Mathsy Tales fame joins us break down the balance of the squad, the roles of stars like Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney and Ash Gardner, the spin-heavy attack, fresh faces like Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Voll, and the X-factors who could define Australia’s campaign.

We also look at their biggest challenges in the group stage and ask—can this golden era of Australian women’s cricket add yet another chapter?

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.

Stay connected with us on social media – follow @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram and Threads, and @neverontheback1 on Twitter (now X) for the latest cricket insights, fresh content, and much more throughout this action-packed season.

You can also catch the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify for Podcasters, and many other streaming platforms. Plus, Never on the Backfoot is now on YouTube, so don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive, in-depth content coming your way.

Thanks again for all your love and support. Until next time, stay safe, take care, and keep enjoying the game. Bye for now!

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 324 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. 

Bangladesh have unveiled their 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, blending experience with exciting new talent. Skipper Nigar Sultana Joty leads the side once again, with seasoned names like Nahida Akter and Fargana Hoque forming the core, while teenagers Nishita Akter Nishi and Sumaiya Akter add fresh energy to the mix. 

In this episode, Janani of Sportsy Mathsy Tales joins me as we break down the squad in detail—examining the balance of batting and bowling, the leadership group, the inclusion of Rubya Haider as a back-up keeper, and the X-factors who could define Bangladesh’s campaign. 

From strengths and weaknesses to their opening clash against Pakistan, we discuss what this squad means for Bangladesh’s growth on the world stage.

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.

Stay connected with us on social media – follow @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram and Threads, and @neverontheback1 on Twitter (now X) for the latest cricket insights, fresh content, and much more throughout this action-packed season.

You can also catch the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify for Podcasters, and many other streaming platforms. Plus, Never on the Backfoot is now on YouTube, so don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive, in-depth content coming your way.

Thanks again for all your love and support. Until next time, stay safe, take care, and keep enjoying the game. Bye for now!

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 323 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. England have unveiled their 15-member squad for the 2025 Women’s World Cup, a blend of experience and fresh faces, but not without major talking points.

Heather Knight returns from injury, Nat Sciver-Brunt takes charge as captain, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge is back to bolster the batting. 

Yet, the omission of veteran seamer Kate Cross has sparked debate, with England instead opting for a spin-heavy attack to tackle subcontinental conditions.

In this episode, we break down the squad in detail — the balance of bat and ball, the return of key players, the rise of young quicks, and the tactical calls behind selection. 

Janani of Sportsy Mathsy Tales joins us to discuss Charlotte Edwards’ influence as head coach, Sciver-Brunt’s dual challenge as leader and allrounder, and Amy Jones’ growing importance with bat and gloves.

From the X-factor picks to the emotional fallout of omissions, we ask: is this England side truly ready to chase a fifth World Cup title?

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.

Stay connected with us on social media – follow @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram and Threads, and @neverontheback1 on Twitter (now X) for the latest cricket insights, fresh content, and much more throughout this action-packed season.

You can also catch the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify for Podcasters, and many other streaming platforms. Plus, Never on the Backfoot is now on YouTube, so don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive, in-depth content coming your way.

Thanks again for all your love and support. Until next time, stay safe, take care, and keep enjoying the game. Bye for now!

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 322 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we journey back to the 2009 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup—an edition that reshaped the women’s game. 

Hosted in Australia, it was the first World Cup fully under ICC’s administration and featured eight teams battling across Sydney, Bowral, Canberra, and Newcastle. From India’s faltering Super Six campaign to New Zealand’s inspired run, and England’s ultimate triumph led by Claire Taylor, Charlotte Edwards, and Sarah Taylor, we revisit the matches, the moments, and the players who defined the tournament. 

We’ll reflect on what it meant for emerging teams like Pakistan and West Indies, the challenges of visibility and media coverage at the time, and the lasting legacy this World Cup left on the modern women’s game.

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.

Stay connected with us on social media – follow @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram and Threads, and @neverontheback1 on Twitter (now X) for the latest cricket insights, fresh content, and much more throughout this action-packed season.

You can also catch the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify for Podcasters, and many other streaming platforms. Plus, Never on the Backfoot is now on YouTube, so don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive, in-depth content coming your way.

Thanks again for all your love and support. Until next time, stay safe, take care, and keep enjoying the game. Bye for now!

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 321 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. The Gautam Gambhir era has begun, but so has the debate—is it time for Indian men’s cricket to embrace the split-coaching model? 

In this episode, Abhinav joins me as we dive deep into the philosophy of having separate coaches for red-ball and white-ball formats. We explore the benefits, the risks, and what it could mean for player workloads, team culture, and India’s future in ICC tournaments. 

From Harbhajan Singh’s endorsement to BCCI’s possible post–Champions Trophy rethink, we examine global examples, homegrown challenges, and whether Gambhir should lead all formats or focus on one. Packed with insights, case studies, and probing questions, this conversation is for every cricket fan who’s curious about the next big structural shift in the game.

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.

Stay connected with us on social media – follow @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram and Threads, and @neverontheback1 on Twitter (now X) for the latest cricket insights, fresh content, and much more throughout this action-packed season.

You can also catch the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify for Podcasters, and many other streaming platforms. Plus, Never on the Backfoot is now on YouTube, so don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive, in-depth content coming your way.

Thanks again for all your love and support. Until next time, stay safe, take care, and keep enjoying the game. Bye for now!

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 320 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. Cheteshwar Pujara has called time on his international career, closing the chapter on one of Indian cricket’s most resolute and defining journeys. 

In this episode, Srijan joins us as we trace his path from being tagged the “next Dravid” to becoming the backbone of India’s Test side, reliving iconic knocks — from his Adelaide century and Sydney marathon to the bruising Gabba vigil. 

We discuss his technique, temperament, and the role he played in shaping India’s overseas triumphs, while also reflecting on the criticisms, challenges, and eventual decline. As India looks to the future, we ask: what is Pujara’s true legacy, and how will the game remember the man who made patience a weapon?

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.

Stay connected with us on social media – follow @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram and Threads, and @neverontheback1 on Twitter (now X) for the latest cricket insights, fresh content, and much more throughout this action-packed season.

You can also catch the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify for Podcasters, and many other streaming platforms. Plus, Never on the Backfoot is now on YouTube, so don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive, in-depth content coming your way.

Thanks again for all your love and support. Until next time, stay safe, take care, and keep enjoying the game. Bye for now!

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 319 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this special retrospective, Ankit joins us yet again as we revisit the 2005 Women’s Cricket World Cup — a tournament that marked new beginnings and unforgettable milestones. 

From South Africa hosting for the first time, to India’s historic run to their maiden final, and Australia cementing their dominance with Karen Rolton’s iconic century, this edition was filled with drama, resilience, and defining performances.

We break it down team by team and also look back at the heartbreaks and triumphs that shaped the competition. Along the way, we reflect on the tournament’s legacy, the transition to ICC governance, and how 2005 became a turning point for women’s cricket on the global stage.

Join us as we look back at the matches, the moments, and the memories that continue to resonate two decades later.

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.

Stay connected with us on social media – follow @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram and Threads, and @neverontheback1 on Twitter (now X) for the latest cricket insights, fresh content, and much more throughout this action-packed season.

You can also catch the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify for Podcasters, and many other streaming platforms. Plus, Never on the Backfoot is now on YouTube, so don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive, in-depth content coming your way.

Thanks again for all your love and support. Until next time, stay safe, take care, and keep enjoying the game. Bye for now!

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 318 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast.

India have unveiled their 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 at home — a blend of experience, fresh talent, and the unmistakable stamp of the WPL. 

In this episode, Janani of Sportsy Mathsy Tales fame joins us as we break down the squad led by Harmanpreet Kaur with Smriti Mandhana as deputy, examining the balance between batting and bowling, the x-factors, and the big calls made by the selectors. 

From the rise of youngsters like Pratika Rawal, Kranti Goud, and Sree Charani, to the return of seasoned performers like Renuka Singh and Deepti Sharma, we discuss what this team means for India’s chances at a home World Cup. 

We also touch upon the omissions, the timing and coverage of the announcement, and the broader discourse around women’s cricket as India gears up for its biggest ODI challenge yet.

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.

Stay connected with us on social media – follow @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram and Threads, and @neverontheback1 on Twitter (now X) for the latest cricket insights, fresh content, and much more throughout this action-packed season.

You can also catch the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify for Podcasters, and many other streaming platforms. Plus, Never on the Backfoot is now on YouTube, so don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive, in-depth content coming your way.

Thanks again for all your love and support. Until next time, stay safe, take care, and keep enjoying the game. Bye for now!

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 317 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. Loyalty in cricket — is it a fading virtue or still a defining part of the game? 

In this episode, Bharat joins in as we explore the tension between players who stay rooted to one franchise, like Virat Kohli with RCB, and those who chase new opportunities, like the recent buzz around Sanju Samson’s possible move from Rajasthan Royals. 

From the economics of auctions to the emotions of fans, from franchise culture to the global freelancing era of T20 cricket, we ask: what does loyalty really mean in modern cricket, and does it still matter?

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.

Stay connected with us on social media – follow @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram and Threads, and @neverontheback1 on Twitter (now X) for the latest cricket insights, fresh content, and much more throughout this action-packed season.

You can also catch the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify for Podcasters, and many other streaming platforms. Plus, Never on the Backfoot is now on YouTube, so don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive, in-depth content coming your way.

Thanks again for all your love and support. Until next time, stay safe, take care, and keep enjoying the game. Bye for now!

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 316 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In yet another retrospective episode, we journey back to the 2000 Women’s ODI World Cup in New Zealand — a tournament that reshaped the landscape of women’s cricket. 

From the anticipation around defending champions Australia to New Zealand’s historic triumph on home soil, we revisit the defining moments, team performances, and individual brilliance that made this edition memorable. Ankit helps us unpack the drama of the group stages, the tension of the knockouts, and the final that brought women’s cricket into sharper focus worldwide. 

Join us as we reflect on the legacy of the 2000 World Cup and its place in shaping the modern women’s game.

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.

Stay connected with us on social media – follow @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram and Threads, and @neverontheback1 on Twitter (now X) for the latest cricket insights, fresh content, and much more throughout this action-packed season.

You can also catch the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify for Podcasters, and many other streaming platforms. Plus, Never on the Backfoot is now on YouTube, so don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive, in-depth content coming your way.

Thanks again for all your love and support. Until next time, stay safe, take care, and keep enjoying the game. Bye for now!