What was it like preparing Sachin Tendulkar for a press conference? How was it dining with some of cricket's all-time greats? How was it like managing the Indian cricket team on some of the most historic tours in the game?

On this special episode of the Sledging Room, get up, close and personal with Amrit Mathur, a well-respected sports journalist who also served as manager of the Indian cricket team for the tour of South Africa in 1992 and several others. Amrit was also a member of PILCOM which was tasked with the organisation of the 1996 World Cup. Moreover, Amrit was also appointed General Manager in the BCCI and the COO of the Delhi Daredevils.

Few have seen cricket the way Amrit Mathur has through the many hats he has worn over decades.

Not surprisingly, his book Pitchside, is a reflection of the many years spent with the Indian cricket team and the several relationships forged over time. This book is pure pleasure for every cricket fan. It's clean storytelling.

There are detailed chapters on India's tour of South Africa in 1992, the 1996 World Cup, the 2002 NatWest Series in England, the 2003 World Cup, the 2004 tour of Pakistan and the IPL. Amrit has weaved the narrative beautifully to engage cricket fans from every generation.

With India's World Cup preparation ending on a high, it was a great time to invite Amrit Mathur to the Sledging Room. In the latest episode, we talk to him about his book (a fantastic read) and all things cricket.

This is a truly unmissable episode.

Tune in!

Produced by Anna Priyadarshini

Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi