The dismissal perhaps made a difference to the eventual result. Ben Stokes's stunning 155 went in vain as Australia secured a memorable victory. Stuart Broad was scathing in his criticism of the Australians while the Australian media called Stokes a crybaby for his own take on the controversial dismissal.

R Ashwin, who had famously Mankaded Jos Buttler in the IPL, weighed in on the issue and lauded Alex Carey for his quick thinking even as former England cricketers rushed to Bairstow's defence.

Is this now the ugliest Ashes in recent memory? Listen in!

The selection committee has been criticised for some of their decisions after the India Test squad for the West Indies tour was named a few days back. Agreed, it's not easy being a cricket selector in India. Questions will always be asked. Players will always be disappointed.

But how do the selectors justify the repeated snubs to Sarfaraz Khan, one of the most prolific run-scorers in domestic cricket in recent years? It's not just him, there are a few others who would have perhaps expected a call-up ahead of, say Ruturaj Gaikwad.

The main question then is: are the Indian selectors not giving enough importance to domestic cricket? Is the selection inspired by the IPL?

Listen in!

Do India have players who are ready to take up Test captaincy? Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant were groomed, but both the stars have been on the sidelines due to injuries. KL Rahul has not made good use of opportunities that came his way. 

Is it time for someone like Shreyas Iyer to step up? How about appointing Ajinkya Rahane as interim captain and groom a youngster for the role? 

The Sledging Room's latest episode is unmissable. Tune in now as Akshay Ramesh joins Rajarshi Gupta in another heated cricket debate.

Tune in!

Produced by Anna Priyadarshini

Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

Australia, newly minted Test champions, will face off against England in the 2023 Ashes starting from June 16. This is the oldest rivalry in cricket and garners huge interest the world over.

Australia were ruthless in their 209-run victory over India in the World Test Championship Final at The Oval. Days later, they will take on England, who have crushed opponents with their now fabled Bazball.

Australia believe England's hyper-aggressive approach with the bat won't work against their pacers. Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland will be waiting to see how England's batters come at them.

Also on the Sledging Room, we look at Rahul Dravid's impact as India coach. Has the Indian Test team lost its sting under him? How will India bounce back after THAT defeat!?

Listen in!

India failed to break their 10-year jinx in ICC tournaments after a listless batting display against Australia at The Oval, a Test which ended with a dramatic collapse for India in the morning session of the final day. Who's to blame for the defeat? Was India's defeat inevitable?

Listen in!

When India take on Australia in the WTC final, they will need to rekindle some of that aggression and who better to lead them that way than Virat Kohli.

Listen in!

There's plenty at stake and like India, Australia too have played some tough cricket to get to the WTC Final. But are the Aussies now a little to soft to battle an India which will look to play Test matches as true as possible to the Kohli School of Cricket.

Also on the latest episode of the Sledging Room, will India play two spinners and will Ishan Kishan debut at the Oval? Who should be India's pacers in the final?

We discuss the Indian playing XI, Australia's attitude, India's intent and a lot more in the build-up to the most important Test match of the year. Listen in!

Could the Titans have defended 215? Was the rain rule just unfair to the bowling team? Listen in!

Royal Challengers Bangalore could not qualify for the IPL playoffs for the first time in four years. They have never won the IPL but they had raised their fans' hopes during the last three seasons after making it to the last four.

Despite lack of any IPL silverware, RCB's fans have been super loyal and their support is the envy of most other teams. The team really needs to stand up and repay the faith of their ardent fans.

In the 50th episode of the Sledging Room, Akshay Ramesh and Saurabh Kumar join Rajarshi Gupta in another heated debate.

This 2023 IPL is heating up in its last week of group matches with several teams eyeing the remaining three playoff spots. 

Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad are out of the reckoning and nothing seemed to go to plan for these two teams. Rishabh Pant's absence definitely hurt DC while the huge investment on Harry Brook did little good for SRH.

The 49th episode of the Sledging Room is worth a listen and a watch if you are eager to figure out some of the most burning issues in the IPL this week.

Akshay Ramesh and Saurabh Kumar join Rajarshi Gupta in another scintillating episode of one of the most popular cricket podcasts in the country.

Tune in!