The Lucknow Super Giants splashed a massive amount of cash on Rishabh Pant in the Indian Premier League 2025 mega-auction. But things went horribly wrong for both Pant and his franchise this season. LSG failed to make it to the playoffs, and Pant endured a historic low in the competition.

Questions were raised about Pant’s ability as a T20 batter and as a leader of the side. In the latest episode of the Sledging Room podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Kingshuk Kusari discuss what went wrong with the Lucknow-based franchise and their captain. They also delve into the fortunes of the Delhi Capitals — Pant’s former side — who failed to qualify for the playoffs despite starting the tournament in riveting fashion.

Delhi amassed a strong squad this season but suffered an incredible collapse in the second half. Constant changes in their batting order and the failure of their spinners in the final few matches overshadowed individual brilliance from the likes of KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs. Delhi were also hurt by the failure of their management, who were unable to provide the squad with the right replacements when needed.

Here’s a recap of the near misses from this season of the tournament, with a special focus on the future of LSG captain Rishabh Pant.

Produced by Prateek Lidhoo

Sound mix by Suraj Singh

Virat Kohli has announced his shock retirement from Test cricket, just 770 runs short of the coveted 10,000-run mark. Despite the BCCI's efforts to convince him to stay for the upcoming England tour, Kohli decided the time was right to step away. Known for his fiery passion and unrelenting drive, Kohli’s Test legacy remains unmatched. But with his departure, the big question looms: Who will captain India in the red-ball format? Jasprit Bumrah or Shubman Gill? In this episode, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Alan Jose break down Kohli’s decision, his legacy, and what lies ahead for Indian Test cricket. Don’t miss this crucial conversation. Tune in!

Produced by Prateek Lidhoo

Sound mix by Suraj Singh

What were you doing at 14? Vaibhav Suryavanshi, at just 14, has become the toast of the cricketing world after smashing a 35-ball hundred — a knock far beyond his years as he pummelled 11 sixes, two of which travelled over 90 metres.

Vaibhav became the youngest player in Twenty20 history to score a century when he dismantled some of the best bowlers in the business against Gujarat Titans. The audacity and power of his strokes left the cricket world in awe. But is it really possible for a 14-year-old to generate such immense power? We asked his coach, Manish Ojha, about the teenager’s journey from the dusty fields of Bihar to international stardom in the IPL. Ojha revealed that Vaibhav was clearing 90-metre sixes as an 11-year-old.

While Vaibhav has captured the spotlight at an age when most are still dreaming of hitting a boundary in gully cricket, experts believe he must be nurtured with care to ensure his growth stays on track. In the latest episode of The Sledging Room podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar and Kingshuk Kusari delve into the rise of the IPL’s latest phenomenon.

Produced by Prateek Lidhoo

Sound mix by Rohan Bharti

Just a week ago, everyone had written off the Mumbai Indians. But with four straight wins and a squad clicking in perfect rhythm, they've roared back into the spotlight. The five-time champions aren't just winning—they're dominating, playing with the swagger and confidence of a team that knows exactly how to conquer titles. In contrast, Rishabh Pant - acquired for a record-breaking Rs 27 crore to lead Lucknow Super Giants - has looked a shadow of his once-destructive self. After nine matches this season, he has mustered just 106 runs, with 63 of those coming in a single knock against CSK.

Pant has always thrived when brimming with confidence, but at LSG, he seems jaded and weighed down by expectations. His strike rate of 96.36 is alarmingly low for someone of his caliber. Part of the issue could be his constant shuffle in the batting order, never quite settling into one role. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja have retained their spots in the Grade A+ bracket of the BCCI central contracts despite stepping away from T20Is. We break down how the BCCI arrived at that decision.

In the latest episode of the Sledging Room podcast, Saurabh Kumar, Kingshuk Kusari, and Alan Jose John dissect the central contracts, Pant's struggles, and Mumbai Indians' roaring comeback in IPL 2025.

Produced by Prateek Lidhoo

Sound mix by Rohan Bharti

As IPL 2025 approaches its halfway stage, one trend is becoming increasingly clear: teams with strong captain-coach partnerships are thriving. Whether it’s Axar Patel and Hemang Badani, Ashish Nehra and Shubman Gill, or Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting — clear communication and mutual trust are driving success.

We saw a similar impact last year with Gautam Gambhir’s return.

This raises an important question: Is the IPL becoming more like football, where man-management takes centre stage? What exactly is the coach’s role — to offer technical input or to manage egos and personalities?

In the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Rishabh Beniwal dive into the evolving role of coaches and dissect the worst captain-coach combos of the season.

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Produced by Prateek Lidhoo

Sound mix by Suraj Singh

Two of the biggest icons of the IPL, MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, are under scrutiny in the 2025 season. The Dhoni mania in Chennai has turned into a cringefest, while concerns over Rohit's form continue to grow.

At 43, Dhoni remains sharp behind the stumps and still packs a punch with the bat. However, the idol-worship in Chennai has taken an uncomfortable turn, with some CSK fans even cheering for the dismissals of players batting ahead of him—sparking criticism from former cricketers.

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma is struggling to find form. Could Mumbai Indians be forced into a tough decision if his slump continues?

Also, why are some teams unhappy with home curators this season?

In the latest episode of the Sledging Room podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Kingshuk Kusari break down these burning IPL 2025 topics.

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Produced by Prateek Lidhoo

Sound mix by Suraj Singh

Well, RCB are on top of the IPL points table. Yes, after the first round of matches, the men from Bengaluru are sitting pretty. They delivered a stellar performance against defending champions KKR in the IPL 2025 opener. Early signs are promising for the perennial underachievers. Could 18 finally be their lucky number?

Meanwhile, CSK, DC, and SRH kicked off their campaigns with strong performances, but Rajasthan Royals have been dismal in their first two outings. They hardly resemble a side coached by Rahul Dravid.

KKR, on the other hand, bounced back emphatically with a dominant win in Guwahati after their opening-day defeat to RCB.

What’s with teams opting for secondary home venues? Does it truly work in their favour?

And no discussion would be complete without sparing a thought for the bowlers. The IPL is becoming an all-out run-fest, leaving bowlers with nowhere to hide. What does the future hold for bowling in T20 cricket?

In the latest episode of The Sledging Room, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Kingshuk Kusari break down the opening week of IPL 2025.

Produced by Prateek Lidhoo

Sound mix by Rohan Bharti

Is Rohit's India the best in ODI history?

India clinched the Champions Trophy 2025 by beating New Zealand. Rohit Sharma's team played a dominant campaign, winning the title without losing a single game. Since taking over the team, Rohit has changed the culture in the Indian team, first under the stewardship of Rahul Dravid and then Gautam Gambhir.

This has resulted in India dominating the ICC white-ball competitions, where they reached the final in the 2023 ODI World Cup and won two trophies in 2024 (T20 World Cup) and 2025 (Champions Trophy).

So, where does that put Rohit on the list of incredible white-ball captains that India has had? And where does this Indian team rank in terms of the best white-ball sides in the world?

In this episode of the Sledging Room Podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Kingshuk Kusari, and Alan John review the Champions Trophy Final and shed light on all the talking points of the tournament.

Stick around till the end, where Akshay continues to ask his weekly trivia question.

Produced by Prateek Lidhoo

Sound mix by Suraj Singh

The Champions Trophy 2025 has reached its final stage. India and New Zealand are set to take on each other in the summit clash at the Dubai International Stadium on March 9, Sunday. While ICC tournaments usually have an edge to them, the ongoing tournament has been kind of bland.

From washouts to security breaches in the stadiums and a lack of fans, this edition of the Champions Trophy has not had any zip about it. Is it the PCB, which is responsible for this mess, or is it the ICC, which has not been able to get the fans into the stadiums in the ODI format?

With the stadiums not filling to the brim in the majority of the ODI matches, it begs an important question. Is ODI cricket dying? Once considered the preferred format between the grit of Test and the flamboyance of T20Is, is ODI cricket going to die a sorry death?

Akshay Ramesh, Kingshuk Kusari, and Alan John discuss the Champions Trophy final and review the tournament in the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast.

Produced by Prateek Lidhoo

Sound mix by Rohan Bharti

How disappointed were you on Sunday? Whether you were a Pakistan fan or an Indian fan, and whether or not you enjoyed Virat Kohli's masterclass, you must have felt a tinge of sadness watching cricket's biggest rivalry turn into a one-sided affair. Once fierce competitors, Pakistan have now become India's punching bags.

The Champions Trophy 2025 match in Dubai was a prime example. At no point did Pakistan look threatening. With the bat, they were timid against an Indian attack that wasn't even at its best. Captain Mohammad Rizwan played an outdated brand of ODI cricket, and Pakistan paid the price. None of their batters showed urgency, appearing overawed by the occasion and the flamboyance of the Men in Blue.

What's hurting Pakistan cricket?

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli silenced his critics yet again. The batting great delivered a flawless knock of 100 from 111 balls, dismantling his favourite foes. However, Indian cricket fans should remain cautious-tougher tests await their batting superstar.

In the latest episode of The Sledging Room podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Kingshuk Kusari, and Alan John dissect the India vs Pakistan snoozefest and review the first week of the Champions Trophy 2025.

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Produced by Garvit Srivastava

Sound mix by Rohan Bharti

The Champions Trophy returns to the cricket calendar after eight years, marking a significant moment for Pakistan, which hosts a major ICC event for the first time in 29 years.

Eight teams will compete for the prestigious title, once famously dubbed the mini-World Cup.

India enters as the outright favorite, but in a high-stakes tournament like the Champions Trophy, where margins for error are minimal, every team has a chance. While India's bowling unit appears slightly vulnerable without Jasprit Bumrah, their overall strength makes them strong contenders for the title.

Can Pakistan defend their crown at home? Though their approach to modern-day ODIs has been questioned, home advantage could work in their favor.

While Australia and England seem out of form, Afghanistan could emerge as the dark horse from Group B.

In the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Alan John, and Sabyasachi Choudhury analyse the strengths and weaknesses of all eight teams and rank them accordingly.

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Produced by Garvit Srivastava

Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti

Why fix something that isn't broken? India seem to be overcomplicating their combination in the ODI series against England, which is a worrying sign ahead of the Champions Trophy. There appears to be a real problem of plenty for coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma.

Why on earth did they leave out Shreyas Iyer for the series opener in Nagpur? An injury to Virat Kohli meant Shreyas got an opportunity after a late phone call from the skipper. The star batter revealed he was not in the XI as late as the eve of the match. India had initially decided to play both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill in the XI at the expense of Shreyas.

However, after Shreyas let his bat do the talking in the first ODI, India dropped Yashasvi for the second match.

Similarly, India picked four spinners in their squad for the Champions Trophy and later added Varun Chakravarthy. Why are we mixing formats again? Why not Kuldeep Yadav instead of Varun?

The team combination issue isn't limited to India. Injuries have forced the likes of Pakistan and Australia to rethink their line-ups.

With just over a week to go before the Champions Trophy, things are starting to heat up.

In the latest episode of the Sledging Room podcast, we discuss the selection muddle and the build-up to the Champions Trophy.

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Produced by Garvit Srivastava

Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti

India's T20I side is looking formidable after a dominant 4-1 series win over England at home, continuing their impressive run in the shortest format of the game.

Under Suryakumar Yadav's captaincy, India have established a settled line-up in T20Is. Young talents are excelling, while senior players are embracing greater responsibility. The template set by Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid prior to the T20 World Cup triumph has been maintained, with a few lovely updates.

Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson have stood out as openers, showcasing fearless cricket at the top of the order. They have been brilliantly backed by captain Suryakumar and coach Gautam Gambhir. Tilak Varma has also cemented his place in the XI with consistent performances.

Barring the established trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Kuldeep Yadav, questions arise about whether there is room for other star players to return without disrupting the current balance of the T20I side.

Leading up to the 2024 T20 World Cup, the Rahul Dravid-led management reintroduced Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja. While the trio delivered strong performances, their return impacted team continuity and limited opportunities for emerging players.

Can Gautam Gambhir resist the temptation to reintegrate superstars? What will happen when Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant become available for T20Is? Will they be considered, and how will their inclusion affect the current dynamics?

In the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast, we also delve into the build-up to the Champions Trophy, as India and England prepare for a three-match ODI series starting on 6 February.

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Produced by Garvit Srivastava

Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti

How good are India in T20I cricket? Since winning the T20 World Cup in 2024, India have taken their game in the shortest format of the game a notch higher.

It seems the transition period in T20I cricket has been more seamless than in Tests for India. Three doyens of the format - Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja - retired after the World Cup triumph. However, India don’t seem to miss them a lot.

The coach-captain partnership between Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav has worked wonders. While Gambhir has not managed to find success in Test cricket, he has been a remarkable coach in T20I cricket. Why so?

Is it time for India to think about having different coaches for different formats?

In the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast, we also discuss the widening gap in the relationship between star players and journalists. Also, is Bazball really going to work in limited-overs cricket?

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Produced by Garvit Srivastava

Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti

Rohit Sharma suffered twin failure on his return to Ranji Trophy after nine years. The India captain struggled against Jammu and Kashmir in Mumbai. While he has not regained form, questions about his participation in the first-class tournament have emerged. What’s the point of Rohit playing Ranji now? There was an opportunity for him to play domestic cricket before the 2024-25 Test season.

What can Virat Kohli achieve from one round of Ranji Trophy? Will India look past their batting superstars for the tour of England, which starts in June?

Well, what do you make of India’s Champions Trophy squad? What was the need for India to pick four spinners? Will Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami be fit?

Were the BCCI selectors right in not picking Sanju Samson?

Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Kingshuk Kusari discuss the Champions Trophy squad and Ranji Trophy performances in the latest episode of Sledging Room Podcast.

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Produced by Garvit Srivastava

Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti

The Board of Control for Cricket in India's top brass seems to have listened to legendary Sunil Gavaskar. The BCCI is showing it’s not a cheerleader for star players. The latest restrictions on families, wives and girlfriends have created a stir in the cricket community.

Are the families on a tour a distraction? Well, this clampdown on family time is not new, but it has been brought back after India’s flop show in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, raising concerns about the health of the senior national men’s team.

Meanwhile, all eyes are on the selection committee meeting, scheduled for January 18/19, as the Champions Trophy squad announcement is due over the weekend.

Should Jasprit Bumrah be a part of it? Are Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli automatic selections? How about Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy for the Champions Trophy?

In the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar and Kingshuk Kusari discuss the family diktat and the probable Champions Trophy squad.

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Produced by Garvit Srivastava

Sound mixed by Nitin Rawat

India surrendered the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after seven years following a disappointing campaign that concluded in Sydney. The team unravelled after their loss in Melbourne, and Jasprit Bumrah’s absence denied them the opportunity to push for a series-levelling win in Sydney.

Is it fair to point fingers at individuals? Or is this a collective failure of the Indian team?

Yes, Rohit Sharma was poor both with the bat and as captain. Virat Kohli lacked the spark that once made him a Test cricket great. The two senior batters failed to step up when the team needed them the most.

But if we criticise the batters for their failures in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, why should the coaches escape scrutiny?

Under Gautam Gambhir, it has been all talk and no action. Why was his coaching staff unable to address the team’s technical troubles?

With India’s hopes of reaching the World Test Championship final now extinguished, is it time to begin the transition process? Should India wait until the England tour in June to make the tough decisions?

In the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Kingshuk Kusari discuss India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy failure.

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Produced and sound mixed by Nitin Rawat

Another decade-long streak has been broken under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy. India lost a Boxing Day Test in Melbourne for the first time in 13 years after their big guns flopped once again. Pressure is mounting on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

Are Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma overstaying their welcome in the Test team? How long will we keep hearing the oft-repeated refrain: “Retirement is a personal call?"

Does anyone within the Indian cricket team’s setup have the authority to tell Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli that their time is up? Can the head coach or selectors take the bold call of dropping them in Sydney? Some established senior players in the past, including Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane -- the heroes of India’s last Test series triumph in Australia -- were told their services were no longer required when their form dipped.

Is there a different standard for the superstars?

In the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Rishabh Beniwal, and Saurabh Kumar discuss the Boxing Day horror and what to expect in the New Year’s Test.

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Produced and sound mixed by Nitin Rawat

The build-up to the Boxing Day Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground has been fiery. India superstars Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja have been the centre of attention for the Australian media. The host media targeted the India duo with bizarre allegations ahead of the 4th Test match.

While Kohli was accused of misbehaving with a female reporter, the press accused Jadeja of not entertaining questions in English. While both allegations were busted later, did Australian media cross a line with the Indian team?

If the whole media vs players has been one of the talking points this week, the teams have had more drama. Ravichandran Ashwin opted to retire and fly out in the middle of the tour; the Australian team management snubbed a young batter after just 3 Test matches.

Both teams are expected to field fresh line-ups for the Boxing Day Test. But which team has the upper hand? India - who will be playing at their traditional stronghold in Australia? Or the hosts, who have done sensationally well in the last three Tests at the venue?

Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Kingshuk Kusari discuss this in the latest episode of the Sledging Room.

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Produced by Anna Priyadarshini

Sound mixed by Nitin Rawat

Ravichandran Ashwin’s decision to announce his retirement shocked the cricketing world. Rumors began circulating on Day 5 of the Gabba Test when Ashwin was seen sharing a hug with Virat Kohli in the dressing room. He then made his way to the post-match press conference alongside Rohit Sharma, where he quickly announced his retirement before leaving. While many were taken aback by the announcement, it appears that Ashwin had carefully considered his decision. The spinner is set to return home on Thursday.

At 38, when the Test season began with the home series against Bangladesh – where he earned the Player of the Series award – Ashwin seemed to have at least a couple of years of cricket left in him. However, with India not having any immediate red-ball commitments, his uncertain position as a starter in overseas matches, and ongoing knee issues, Ashwin decided to call it a day. He retires with an impressive tally of 537 wickets from 106 Tests.

Ashwin made the announcement after the Gabba Test ended in a draw on Day 5. Australia and India remain level in the series as they head into the Boxing Day Test, with the third Test in Brisbane ending in a draw due to more bad weather on the final day, which reduced play to just 24.1 overs.

The decision to conclude the match was made shortly after the tea break, which had been advanced due to poor light and impending rain. India, set a target of 275 in about 54 overs, were 8 for 0 in their second innings when play was called off. After a rollercoaster of a Test match at the Gabba, the focus now shifts to Melbourne, where the India-Australia rivalry will be reignited in the highly anticipated Boxing Day Test starting on December 26.

Did R Ashwin time his retirement perfectly? In the latest episode of the Sledging Room podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar and Kingshuk Kusari dissect India's draw in Gabba and discuss how Ashwin's retirement might hamper India's BGT chances.

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Produced and Sound mixed by Sachin Dwivedi