Never on the Backfoot: A Podcast

As the dust settles on another thrilling season of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025, Janani of Sportsy Mathsy Tales fame joins us to take a deep dive into the biggest talking points from the tournament.

From the high-stakes Eliminator and Final to Mumbai Indians’ consistent dominance and Delhi Capitals’ campaign, we break down what worked, what didn’t, and what teams need to rethink ahead of the next auction.

We also analyze top performers, including the Orange and Purple Cap winners, and revisit our favourite individual performances of the season.

How did India’s top stars fare? Which young talents put their names forward for international selection?

Beyond just WPL 2025, we tackle larger discourses—how does the league compare to WBBL, WCPL & The Hundred? Is the WPL ready for expansion?

Have the league’s overall standards evolved from Season 1 to now? Finally, we reveal our Team of the Tournament and outline what lies ahead for WPL teams and the league itself.

Tune in for a thoughtful and engaging discussion on the state of WPL and its future!

Please follow and press the bell icon on Spotify and stay tuned. 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. 

The Women's Premier League 2025 season was a rollercoaster of performances, surprises, and defining moments. 

In this episode, Rishab hops on as we take a deep dive into how each team fared, analyzing their strengths, struggles, and standout players. From Delhi Capitals' relentless push for the title under Meg Lanning to Mumbai Indians winning their 2nd WPl crown, every team's journey had its own story. 

We break down Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s unexpected downfall, UP Warriorz' efforts to find consistency, and Gujarat Giants' attempts to turn their fortunes around. With tactical decisions, key matchups, and the biggest talking points from the season, this episode brings you the ultimate WPL 2025 post-season analysis.

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. 

Until next time, stay safe and take care, listeners. Bye for now.

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 293 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast.

Australia’s modern-day great, Steve Smith, has announced his retirement from ODI cricket, leaving behind a legacy of 5800 runs, 12 centuries, and two World Cup trophies. 

But what does this mean for Australia’s future in the format?

In this episode, we dive deep into:

• Smith’s rise from a leg-spinner to a middle-order maestro

• His pivotal role in Australia’s 2015 & 2023 World Cup triumphs

• The most iconic moments from his ODI career

• Who steps up in his absence? What does this mean for Australia’s 2027 World Cup plans?

• Smith’s future in Test and T20 cricket—what’s next?

Join us as we break down the highs, the impact, and the lasting legacy of Steve Smith in ODI cricket.

On the podcast today for this discussion, we have Soorya Sesha joining us.

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!

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 292 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. 

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Vidarbha’s incredible 2024-25 campaign, from their dominant league stage performances to their hard-fought victory in the final against Kerala. 

We break down the key moments, standout players like Karun Nair, Danish Malewar, and record-breaking spinner Harsh Dubey, and the team’s resurgence under Akshay Wadkar’s leadership.

How did Vidarbha bounce back after last season’s heartbreak? What does this victory mean for the future of Indian domestic cricket?

On the podcast today for this discussion, we have Lalith Kalidas. He is a Senior Sub-Editor with The Indian Express sports team, specializing in cricket coverage with a keen focus on India's domestic circuit. He is a former state-level cricketer from Kerala, Lalith has over three years of experience in sports journalism.

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!

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 291 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. Halfway through WPL 2025, and the race for the playoffs is heating up!

In this episode, Rishab joins us to break down the performances of all six teams, analyzing their strengths, struggles, and standout players.

Join us as we dissect captaincy calls, tactical shifts, and game-changing performances, and predict what’s in store for the second half of the season!

Who looks like a title contender, and who needs a turnaround ASAP? This episode has it all!

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!

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 290 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast.  The future of women’s cricket was on full display at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025!

India clinched the trophy, showcasing their dominance and future stars on the global stage!

In this episode, Mohit Shah joins us as we break down the standout performances, emerging stars, and key moments that shaped the tournament. Who dominated with the bat and ball?

Which teams exceeded expectations, and who fell short? We also analyze the tactical trends, the group stages, super sixes, knockouts, player development insights, other major discourses and what this tournament means for the future of women’s cricket.

Ps. In other news, I'm excited to share that Never on the Backfoot has been ranked 11th on FeedSpot's list of the Top 40 Cricket Podcasts! You can check the whole list here.

As always, 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 🌻

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 289 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. The Women's Premier League 2025 is here, and we’ve got you covered with an all-encompassing preview!

From squad breakdowns and key player battles to tactical insights and emerging talents, this episode dives deep into what to expect this season. In this episode, we are looking at UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants.

Which teams have the strongest line-ups? What are the strengths and weaknesses? Who are the X-factors to watch out for? Tune in as Tanvi and I analyze the competition, matches and players to look forward to, and let’s set the stage for an electrifying season ahead!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.

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 288 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. Get ready for an exciting deep dive into the heavyweights of the Women's Premier League 2025!

In this episode, Juili and I are breaking down the top contenders – Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Mumbai Indians (MI). 

We’ll analyze their squad strengths, key player matchups, and what to expect from each team this season. From emerging talents to game-changing X-factors, we’ve got all the insights you need to set the stage for a thrilling WPL season. Tune in for a detailed preview of RCB, MI, and DC!

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.

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 287 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, Janani joins us to break down the Women's Ashes 2025, dissecting England’s struggles and Australia’s dominance across all formats. 

From England's selection challenges and Heather Knight's leadership to Australia’s commanding performances– we analyze each ODI and T20I match, including the crushing Test defeat. 

We discuss Jon Lewis’ coaching impact, ‘cultural’ shifts, and England’s fundamental issues, while also acknowledging Australia’s strengths and areas for growth. Tune in for an insightful, no-holds-barred look at this Ashes series and where both teams go from here.

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.

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 286 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast.

In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating yet challenging phase of Virat Kohli's Test career, focusing on his struggles against deliveries outside the off-stump. 

Join us as we analyze the technical, mental, and tactical nuances of Kohli’s approach, his adjustments over the years, and how age, luck, and modern bowling strategies have impacted one of the greatest batters of this era.

On the podcast today for this discussion, we have Aarti Sankaran, a Cricket Coach and Broadcaster joining us! She is a BCCI NCA Certified Coach (Level 3) with her specialization primarily in wicket-keeping and batting.

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.