After the humbling at Headingley, not many expected India to bounce back the way they did in Birmingham. Despite piling up over 800 runs in the first Test, India lost after England chased down 371 in the final innings — a stunning blow.

But at Edgbaston, it was a different India. Ruthless, clinical, and relentless. Led by Shubman Gill’s record-breaking 430-run performance and a sensational 10-wicket haul from Akash Deep, India demolished England and delivered a brutal body blow to Bazball.

Did you see that coming from Gill? Criticized for his inconsistent overseas form, he’s now silenced his doubters in style — and is on course to break some major world records.

As for England — were they arrogant? Did they underestimate India again? Why can’t they play for a draw when needed? Are they simply incapable of batting in the traditional way anymore?

With India riding high on confidence, and the third Test at Lord’s just around the corner, the series hangs in the balance.

Who will edge ahead in this enthralling race? All eyes now shift to London.

Produced by Garvit Srivastava

Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti

The days of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, and Ishant Sharma hunting in packs in overseas Tests feel like a distant memory. While Bumrah still leads the pace unit, India’s overdependence on their premier fast bowler is becoming a worrying trend. In Australia, it was Bumrah or bust. He picked up 30 wickets before breaking down ahead of the series-deciding Test — and missed the Champions Trophy campaign due to injury. In England, things haven’t started well either. India appear to have learned little from past mistakes. In the first Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in Leeds, Bumrah was a lone warrior. Mohammed Siraj looked out of sorts, while Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur failed to provide any meaningful support. Despite Bumrah’s five-wicket haul and four Indian batters hitting centuries, India slumped to defeat. Head coach Gautam Gambhir has defended the bowling group, insisting the young pace attack needs time and backing. But is there merit in that argument? Can India continue to be so heavily reliant on Bumrah without unearthing new fast-bowling heroes? Ahead of the second Test between England and India at Edgbaston, Akshay Ramesh, Kingshuk Kusari, and Saurabh Kumar break down the state of India’s pace attack in today's episode.

Produced by Garvit Srivastava

Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti

It was truly a baptism by fire for Shubman Gill in his Test captaincy debut. India lost a match they could have—and perhaps should have—won, despite racking up over 800 runs across two innings, fuelled by four centurions and a five-wicket haul from their pace spearhead. Yet, as a new era of Indian Test cricket began, they were once again undone by familiar frailties that have plagued them in the past. England, it must be said, made light work of a daunting 371-run target on the final day.

Over the course of a fiercely contested five days at Headingley, captain Gill witnessed nearly every shade of Test cricket: India’s top order fired, he silenced his doubters with a maiden century in the much-debated SENA conditions, his vice-captain struck a hundred in each innings of the Test, but his bowling unit failed to function as a collective, his fielders turned in one of their poorest performances in recent memory, and his lower middle-order folded quicker than some of those ferrying drinks onto the field.

Who takes the blame for India's defeat in Leeds? There's no Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli to pin the blame on.

Coach Gautam Gambhir backed his team, but did stir some controversies in his press conference post the game. With just 1 win in the last nine Tests, Gambhir is under pressure.

Does he deserve more leeway? Did India get the team wrong in Leeds?

In the latest episode of the Sledging Room podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Alan John and Kingshuk Kusari discuss India's missed opportunity in the Leeds Test.

Produced by Garvit Srivastava

Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti

India are set to embark on a 5-match Test series against England. Shubman Gill is captaining a new-look side away from home, as India hopes to start the new World Test Championship cycle in style.

As the Sledging Room Podcast returns with the first episode of Season 3, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar and Kingshuk Kusari discuss India's chances in the series and the potential of this new-look team giving England a run for their money.

There are several talking points going into the series. What is the status of Jasprit Bumrah's fitness, should the axe fall on Gautam Gambhir if India fails in another overseas tour and what should India be a little braver in selecting their Test line-up.

The series will be a massive test of Shubman Gill's mettle, who even till the start of 2024 did not have his place settled in the playing XI. If young Shubman can lead the way with the bat, it would earn him massive respect in the dressing room. But will he able to separate his batting from his leadership?

As we build up for the Test series, the trio discuss a host of talking points ahead of the 1st Test at Headingly.

Produced by Garvit Srivastava

Sound mixed by Suraj Kumar Singh

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.

Tune in now!

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.

Tune in now!

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.

Tune in!

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