Never on the Backfoot: A Podcast

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 305 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. 17 years. 118 Tests. 8,214 runs. 16 centuries. 45 half-centuries. 33 wickets. The numbers speak volumes, but they only tell part of the story. In this special episode, we pay tribute to one of Sri Lanka’s finest cricketers — Angelo Mathews — as he calls time on an illustrious Test career.

The 37-year-old bows out as the third-highest run-scorer in Sri Lanka’s Test history, trailing only legends Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. 

A cornerstone of the team for over a decade, Mathews combined class, grit, and composure to become a mainstay in the side — whether with the bat, the ball, or his quiet leadership.

Joining us is cricket analyst and commentator Ricky Simms as we reflect on Mathews’ journey in whites: from his early promise to his most iconic innings, from leading Sri Lanka through transition to battling injuries and criticism with unshakable resilience.

We revisit match-saving knocks, understated all-round performances, and the calm determination that defined him. Where does Mathews rank among the greats? What legacy does he leave behind? And how will Sri Lankan fans — and cricket lovers around the world — remember him?

Tune in for a heartfelt conversation celebrating a true servant of Sri Lankan 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.

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 304 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In a cricket-obsessed nation, how does another sport find its voice—and who tells that story?

In this special crossover episode, we speak to Akshay and Vijay Lokapally, co-authors of Net Flicks: India’s Smashing Affair with the Shuttle. From Prakash Padukone’s legacy to PV Sindhu’s stardom, we explore the rise of Indian badminton and the challenges shuttlers overcame to break through the cricketing noise.

Akshay and Vijay Sir walk us through the inspiration and writing process behind the book, shares stories that didn’t make the headlines, and reflects on how sport—and sportswriting—is evolving in India. 

Even if you live and breathe cricket, this conversation might just make you pick up a racquet—or at least, the book.

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 303 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. Before the glitz, the sponsors, and the sold-out stadiums, there was 1973 — the year women’s cricket quietly made history. In this episode, we dive into the remarkable story of the first-ever Cricket World Cup — hosted and played by women, two years before the men’s edition.

Discover how England’s Rachael Heyhoe Flint and philanthropist Sir Jack Hayward defied the odds to launch a global tournament with no ICC backing. From standout performances to untold stories of players from Jamaica, Trinidad, Australia, and beyond, this is the all-encompassing tale of courage, legacy, and forgotten glory.

We revisit the stats, the structure, the stars, and the significance of the 1973 Women's Cricket World Cup — a tournament that changed everything, even if history almost forgot it.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 302 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In a landmark moment for South African cricket, the Proteas lifted their first-ever ICC World Test Championship title with a stunning fourth-innings chase at Lord’s. 

In this episode, Hariprasad joins us as we take you through the drama of each day—from Pat Cummins’ fiery spell on Day 1 to Aiden Markram’s epic 136 under pressure.

We unpack the tactical masterstrokes, leadership grit, clutch performances, and emotional moments that defined this unforgettable final. What does this win mean for South Africa’s legacy? How did they mentally and physically outlast the Aussies in a tense four-day battle?

Join us as we relive the highs, lows, and turning points of the WTC Final 2025—an instant classic in the story of Test 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.

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 301 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this special preview episode, Lakshit joins us as we set the stage for the World Test Championship Final 2025, diving into everything you need to know before the big showdown at Lord’s. 

We break down team form, key players to watch, tactical battles, pitch conditions, historical context and other discourses—plus our predictions on how it could all unfold. Whether you’re a die-hard Test cricket fan or just tuning in for the spectacle, this episode gets you fully match-ready.

 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!

For the 300th episode of the podcast, we’re doing something special — and personal.

As India prepares to host the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, I’m turning the mic around.

In this episode, my mom interviews me about my decade-long journey as a fan of women’s cricket — how it started, what’s changed, and why this World Cup at home means more than just another tournament.

From late-night matches to overlooked stories, from the silent stands of 2013 to the rising roar of 2025 — we talk about what it means to care, to document, to dream, and to celebrate the women who play this beautiful game.

It’s about cricket. It’s about love. It’s about finding your voice in the quiet and cheering even when the world isn’t watching. This one’s for every fan who stayed — and everyone finally tuning in. 💙

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 also 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!

Welcome to Episode 299 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. India emerged victorious in the Women’s Tri-Nation ODI Series 2025, defeating Sri Lanka and South Africa to claim the title. 

In this episode, Estelle Vasudevan joins us as we break down all the major talking points – from Smriti Mandhana’s match-winning century in the final to Sneh Rana’s standout performances with the ball. and a lot more.

We also analyze Sri Lanka’s commendable run to the final, South Africa’s missed opportunities, and the tactical adjustments that defined key moments throughout the series. Tune in for a comprehensive discussion on standout players, crucial turning points, and what this series means for all three teams heading into the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025.

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!

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 298 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode we’re joined by Prajin for a double-duty deep dive — first into the Senior Women’s Multi Day Challenger Trophy 2025. We break down performances, formats, and frustrations from the recently concluded red-ball competition. Was Team D's dominance expected? Did the toss play too big a role in results? And should we push for four-day women's games?

Then, we shift gears to preview the upcoming Women’s Tri-Series in Sri Lanka, with the World Cup on the horizon. From Harmanpreet Kaur's return to fresh call-ups for Kashvee Gautam, Shuchi Upadhyay, and N Shree Charani, we unpack India’s squad selection, discuss notable omissions like Shafali Verma, and spotlight who could emerge as X-factors in this crucial preparatory series.

Tune in for insights, tactical takes, and a pulse check on India’s ODI roadmap!

Thank you so much listeners for tuning in to this episode and for your unstinted support. Please follow and press the bell icon on Spotify and stay tuned. 

Do check out @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram and Threads and @neverontheback1 on Twitter (now called X) for the latest facts, updates, fresh content and a lot more coming up this cricket season. 

The podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Spotify for Podcasters and many other platforms and spread the word. 

Never on the Backfoot is also on YouTube so don’t forget to subscribe to the channel and stay tuned for a lot of insightful content coming up there as well. Until next time, stay safe and take care, listeners.

In a shocking shake-up, England faces a major leadership overhaul. Heather Knight steps down as captain after an eight-year tenure, while head coach Jon Lewis is dismissed following England’s disastrous 16-0 Ashes loss and a disappointing T20 World Cup 2024 campaign.

What went wrong for England? Was this purely a coaching failure, or are there deeper structural issues? Rosa joins us as we analyze Knight’s legacy, the ECB’s wide-ranging review, and what’s next for England Women’s cricket.

With potential coaching candidates like Charlotte Edwards and a new captain on the horizon, we discuss the road ahead for the team.

Tune in for a deep dive into England’s struggles, leadership transition, and the impact of these changes on the future of women’s cricket.

The podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Spotify for Podcasters and many other platforms and spread the word.

Do check out @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram and Threads and @neverontheback1 on Twitter (now called X) for the latest facts, updates, fresh content and a lot more coming up this cricket season.