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The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 has delivered another fascinating chapter in women's cricket, and in Episode 354 Never on the Backfoot, we shift our focus to four teams that each had vastly different journeys—Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies. Janani of Sportsy Mathsy Tales joins in yet again as we assess South Africa's impressive run to yet another ICC semi-final, the impact of Laura Wolvaardt's captaincy, and whether the Proteas are edging closer to breaking their World Cup hoodoo. We also discuss West Indies' return to the knockout stages under Hayley Matthews, the players who stepped up alongside their captain, and what ultimately separated them from the eventual finalists. The conversation also turns to Pakistan's campaign under Fatima Sana, where we analyse the positives, the batting concerns, standout performers and whether this tournament showed genuine signs of progress. Meanwhile, we unpack Sri Lanka's inconsistent campaign, Chamari Athapaththu's leadership, the team's over-reliance on experienced stars, and the lessons they must take forward. From captaincy calls and tactical decisions to standout performances, memorable matches, batting and bowling reviews, and the biggest learnings from each campaign, this episode offers a comprehensive look at where these four teams stand as they begin building towards the next ICC event.

The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 wasn't just about the finalists; it was also a tournament of home hopes, historic milestones, emerging Associate nations, and valuable lessons for teams at different stages of their journey. In Episode 353 of Never on the Backfoot, Janani of Sportsy Mathsy Tales fame joins in as we review the campaigns of England, the Netherlands, Ireland and Scotland, four teams whose World Cups told vastly different stories. We begin with hosts England, who reached the final under Nat Sciver-Brunt but ultimately fell short against a dominant Australian side. We discuss whether reaching the final represents progress, the performances that defined their campaign, the impact of home conditions, and what England must do to bridge the gap to the world's best. We then turn our attention to the Netherlands, whose maiden Women's T20 World Cup appearance was about far more than simply participating. We explore how the Dutch proved they belonged on the biggest stage, the players who caught the eye, and what this experience means for the future of women's cricket in the Netherlands. Ireland's campaign produced a landmark moment with their first-ever Women's T20 World Cup victory, while also showcasing a young side capable of competing against Full Member nations. We analyse the positives, the areas that still need work, and why regular international cricket will be crucial to their continued growth. Finally, we look at Scotland, another team that created history with a memorable World Cup win and demonstrated that Associate nations are becoming increasingly competitive. From Kathryn Bryce's inspirational leadership to the team's encouraging performances, we discuss why Scotland leaves the tournament with genuine optimism for the future.

In Episode 352 of Never on the Backfoot, we shift our focus to three fascinating campaigns—Australia, Bangladesh and New Zealand, each of which offered a very different story. Australia once again proved why they remain the gold standard in women's cricket, successfully ushering in a new era under Sophie Molineux while claiming a record-extending seventh T20 World Cup title. We discuss the seamless transition in leadership, the depth of their squad, Beth Mooney's remarkable consistency, and whether this team has already laid the foundation for another period of dominance. We then turn our attention to Bangladesh, a side that showed encouraging signs despite another early exit. From the continued rise of Marufa Akter to the promise of their spin attack, we explore the positives, the persistent batting challenges, and what Bangladesh need to bridge the gap with the world's leading teams. Finally, we analyse New Zealand's disappointing title defence. After lifting the trophy in 2024, the White Ferns struggled to replicate that success, prompting important conversations around batting inconsistency, leadership, succession planning, and the end of a golden generation, with stalwarts Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates and Lea Tahuhu bidding farewell to international cricket. Join us as we unpack the biggest talking points, standout performers, defining moments, key tactical lessons and what lies ahead for each of these teams as the next ICC cycle begins.

India entered the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 carrying the weight of expectation. Fresh off their historic ODI World Cup triumph, Harmanpreet Kaur's side arrived in England with genuine title ambitions, exciting young talent, and the belief that this could finally be their year in the shortest format. Instead, their campaign ended in disappointment, raising as many questions as it answered. In Episode 351 of Never on the Backfoot, we take a deep dive into India's World Cup journey, from the squad selection and key omissions to the tactical decisions that shaped the tournament. We analyse the defining moments, the standout performers, the biggest disappointments, and whether India's much-talked-about "fearless" T20 philosophy translated into results when it mattered most. We also explore the bigger picture: Has the WPL truly transformed India's T20 approach? Are the selectors picking players for defined T20 roles or relying too heavily on experience? Is India's batting identity keeping pace with the evolving demands of the format? And what lessons must the team take forward after another campaign that fell short of expectations? Finally, with the Asian Games squad already announced, we discuss what lies ahead for Indian women's cricket. Should this be the beginning of a transition towards the next generation, or does continuity remain the right path?

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 350 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. At the Home of Cricket, the women's Test between India and England is far more than just another fixture. For decades, women were excluded from playing at Lord's, making every red-ball match at this iconic venue a reminder of how far the game has come and how much further it still has to go. This episode asks a question that sits at the heart of the women's game today: does women's Test cricket genuinely have a future, or has it simply never been given the opportunity to succeed? Nitesh Mathur of Broken Cricket Dreams joins us as we break down the economics of women's Test cricket, exploring the financial realities, broadcasting challenges, scheduling constraints, and the growing reluctance among several cricket boards to invest in the longest format. As franchise leagues continue to expand and white-ball cricket dominates commercial conversations, where does Test cricket fit into the women's game? The timing of this debate couldn't be more significant. Just days after a packed crowd of 28,887 spectators turned up at Lord's for the Women's T20 World Cup Final, proving that fans will show up for the women's game when it's marketed and showcased properly, we're once again asking whether the same belief and investment can be extended to Test cricket. We also discuss the wider implications of boards stepping away from women's Tests, including concerns around nations like the West Indies and New Zealand scaling back long-format commitments, and what that could mean for player development, competitive balance, and the identity of the women's game itself. From governance and commercial priorities to media narratives, fan culture, and the ICC's role, this is a conversation about much more than one match. It's about whether the pinnacle of cricket should be available to women in the same way it has always been for men. Because perhaps the real question isn't whether women's Test cricket is commercially viable. It's whether the game has ever truly been given a fair chance.

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 349 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. Mid-season transfers in the Indian Premier League sound like a game-changing idea but in reality, they’re barely used. So why does this rule even exist, and more importantly, why do teams ignore it? In this episode, Naman Samtani joins us as we break down the logic behind mid-season transfers, the rules that govern them, and the glaring gap between intent and execution. From overloaded benches and unused talent to injury gaps and tactical needs, the IPL seems like the perfect environment for transfers to thrive, yet they don’t. We also get into the bigger questions—are the rules too restrictive, are franchises too cautious, or is there simply no real incentive to make moves mid-season? And just for fun, we imagine what this season could have looked like if transfers were actually in play, picking players and scenarios that could’ve shaken things up. Missed opportunity or unnecessary rule? Tune in as we unpack one of the IPL’s most underused and most intriguing—mechanisms.

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 348 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. The rise of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been nothing short of extraordinary, but is Indian cricket moving too fast? In this episode, we look at the 15-year-old Sooryavanshi, who has taken the Indian Premier League by storm, showcasing fearless batting, composure beyond his years, and the kind of impact that has everyone talking about a potential India debut already. But amidst the hype, questions remain: is he truly ready for the senior stage, or does he need time to grow? We break down his meteoric rise, analyse what makes him stand out technically and mentally, and dive into the bigger debate around fast-tracking young talent in modern cricket. We also unpack insights from Anil Kumble, who has urged caution, highlighting the risks of rushing a prodigy into international cricket too soon. With Team India’s future tours and squad transitions in mind, we explore where Sooryavanshi could fit, what his ideal pathway should look like, and whether the system is equipped to nurture a talent like him the right way. Is this the arrival of India’s next big star or a moment that demands patience over pressure?

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 347 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we dive into one of the most defining debates in the modern Indian Premier League: the relevance of star culture in a league that may be rapidly evolving beyond it. From the towering influence of icons like MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the shifting identities of franchises, this episode explores whether teams have historically been built around individuals or systems and what that means in 2026. We take a closer look at the contrasting trajectories of legacy teams like Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, questioning whether their current struggles reflect a temporary dip or a deeper structural challenge tied to delayed transition and evolving T20 dynamics. At the same time, we examine the transformation of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, are they finally moving beyond a one-player narrative and the rise of system-driven teams like Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals, who seem to be thriving without being anchored to a single superstar. The conversation also moves beyond the field to unpack the role of fan expectations, brand value, and commercial pressure in shaping team decisions. Are franchises truly free to rebuild, or are they bound by the emotional weight of their icons? This episode ultimately asks the bigger question: Is the IPL transitioning from “teams built around stars” to “teams that create stars” and what does sustained success really require in today’s game: stability or constant evolution?

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 346 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, Aryan Surana joins us as we dive into a debate that’s been quietly simmering in cricket media and recently found its way into the spotlight.  In the past few days, a thought-provoking debate sparked by Joy Bhattacharjya has got the cricket and media world talking. At the centre of it is Ian Bishop, widely respected for the way he brings depth and storytelling into commentary and a larger, more uncomfortable question: when those stories originate from ground reporting, should the journalists behind them be explicitly credited on air? What begins as a conversation about one moment quickly expands into something much bigger. This episode dives into the tension between authorship and impact, between who tells the story first and how far that story travels.  In a media ecosystem where the byline has traditionally been the ultimate form of validation, is that recognition enough? Or does the nature of modern broadcasting, shaped by corporate ownership, competing networks, and platform silos, make attribution more complicated than it seems? When stories move across ecosystems, often without crediting rival organisations, are we looking at an ethical gap or simply the reality of how the industry functions? And ultimately, what kind of media culture are we building — one where stories reach millions, but the reporters behind them slowly fade into the background? This is a conversation about ethics, visibility, and the invisible labour that powers the stories we love.

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 345 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode,  we dive deep into the Senior Women’s Inter Zonal Multi-Day Trophy, breaking down every stage of the tournament — from the closely contested quarter-finals to a gripping final that was ultimately decided on a first-innings lead. Joining us on the show is Prajin, as we unpack key moments, standout performances, and tactical nuances that defined the competition. We begin with West Zone’s hard-fought win over Central Zone, highlighting Pratika Rawal’s fighting century and the importance of collective batting efforts. The conversation then shifts to North Zone’s dominant innings victory over North East Zone, powered by Priya Punia’s commanding hundred. As we move into the semi-finals, we explore West Zone’s control against East Zone and North Zone’s narrow edge over South Zone in a game shaped by Tanisha Singh’s resilience and Preeti Bose’s exceptional bowling spell. The episode culminates with a detailed discussion on the final between West Zone and North Zone — a match defined by a monumental 231-run partnership between Sushma Verma and Ayushi Soni, and Verma’s extraordinary double century that showcased patience, endurance, and elite red-ball temperament. We also reflect on the tournament as a whole — identifying standout performers, debating the effectiveness of the first-innings lead rule, and discussing whether the competition deserves a longer, more expansive format in the future. If you enjoy in-depth cricket analysis, storytelling, and conversations that go beyond the scorecard, this episode is for you.

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 344 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. At the end of every IPL season, alongside the glittering trophies and title celebrations, there’s another award, one that honours ‘fair play’. But what does fairness really mean in a league built on intensity, competition, and spectacle? In this episode, Sarthak Dev joins in as we dive deep into the IPL Fair Play Award—its history, its purpose, and the paradoxes it embodies. We ask tough questions: Is fair play something teams genuinely practice, or something they perform for points and perception?  Does the award still matter in today’s commercial IPL, or is it a symbolic relic of a simpler time? And ultimately, what does it say about the way we value ethics, discipline, and respect in sport and in life? Join us for a reflective, philosophical conversation exploring moments of sportsmanship, controversy, and the complex relationship between winning and integrity in the IPL.

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 343 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we’re diving into the Senior Women’s One Day Trophy [Elite and Plate] and the Senior Women’s Inter Zonal One Day Trophy 2026. Joining us is Prajin, as we unpack the structure of the Elite and Plate divisions and what this segregation means for competitiveness and player development across the circuit. From tightly contested group stages to high-stakes knockouts, we break down the most competitive groups, standout matches, and key performers who lit up the tournament. We also analyze the road to the final — from gripping Pre-Quarter Finals and Quarter Finals to surprising Semi-Final outcomes culminating in Delhi’s title-winning campaign against Railways. What made Delhi so dominant this season? Which players stood out the most? And what trends can we take away from this year’s competition? Shifting focus to the Plate division, we discuss Bihar’s commanding run and what it says about emerging teams in the domestic setup. The episode also covers the return of the Inter Zonal One Day Trophy, where we assess each zone’s performance from Central Zone’s clinical, title-winning run to West Zone’s strong campaign, and the mixed fortunes of other zones. We revisit the most memorable matches, key takeaways, and what this tournament means for the future of domestic women’s cricket in India. Tune in for a comprehensive review filled with insights, analysis, and appreciation of the depth in India’s women’s cricket pipeline.

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 342 of the Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we sit down with Tarutr Malhotra, the mind behind Best of Cricket, a daily curated newsletter dedicated to showcasing the finest cricket writing from across the internet. From sharp match analysis and long-form features to hidden gems from independent blogs and local publications, the newsletter has quietly become a go-to space for readers who care deeply about thoughtful cricket journalism. Tarutr talks about the origins of the newsletter, the intent behind creating a clutter-free space for quality cricket writing, and what defines “good” cricket storytelling in an era driven by algorithms and instant reactions. We explore the process behind daily curation, the evolving landscape of cricket media, and why newsletters may be emerging as an antidote to content overload. The conversation also dives into building a niche audience, sustaining consistency, the challenges of running an independent media project, and the road ahead for Best of Cricket — including questions around growth, community, and financial sustainability. If you love cricket beyond just scores and highlights, this episode is a deep dive into the people and ideas shaping how the game is written about today.

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 341 of the Never on the Backfoot Podcast. The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026 gave us far more than just four qualification spots. Across conditions in Nepal, teams from five regions pushed, adapted, stumbled, and surprised — revealing just how much the global women’s game is evolving. In this episode, Sudeshna Bhattarai joins us to break down the tournament beyond the scorecards. We discuss how early assumptions around team hierarchies were challenged, which sides truly understood the conditions, and how adaptability often mattered more than experience. From Bangladesh’s measured dominance and Ireland’s understated efficiency to Scotland and the Netherlands navigating pressure in different ways, we assess what actually separated the qualifiers from the rest. We also dive into the campaigns of Thailand, USA, PNG, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and host Nepal — unpacking identity, preparation gaps, momentum swings, and the psychological weight of expectations. The episode also zooms out to ask the bigger questions: with a 16-team Women’s T20 World Cup on the horizon, does this Qualifier finally feel like a real pathway? And which of the qualified teams looks best placed to compete — not just participate — on the world stage? A tournament shaped by conditions, clarity, and consequence — this is a deep-dive into what the Qualifier really told us about the present and future of women’s international cricket. Thank you so much for tuning in to today’s episode and for your incredible support. If you haven’t already, make sure to hit the follow button and tap the bell icon on Spotify to stay updated with every new episode. Stay connected with us on social media – follow @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram and Threads, and @neverontheback1 on Twitter (now X) for the latest cricket insights, fresh content, and much more throughout this action-packed season. You can also catch the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify for Podcasters, and many other streaming platforms. Plus, Never on the Backfoot is now on YouTube, so don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive, in-depth content coming your way. Thanks again for all your love and support. Until next time, stay safe, take care, and keep enjoying the game. Bye for now!

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 340 of the Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In this episode, we sit down with senior sports journalist Vijay Lokapally and co-author Akshay to unpack We Are the Champions, a book that revisits 40 defining moments in Indian sport. The conversation goes beyond medals and scorecards—diving into how sporting history is chosen, remembered, and sometimes overlooked. We talk about why the book looks at Indian sport beyond cricket, the challenge of narrowing decades of history into just 40 moments, and how ideas of success, failure, and transformation have evolved over time. The episode also explores what it takes to build a sport-first culture in India, the role of media in shaping sporting memory, and what the future of Indian sport could look like as the country sets its sights on hosting global events. A reflective conversation on storytelling, legacy, and the moments that truly shape a sporting nation. Thank you so much for tuning in to today’s episode and for your incredible support. If you haven’t already, make sure to hit the follow button and tap the bell icon on Spotify to stay updated with every new episode. Stay connected with us on social media – follow @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram and Threads, and @neverontheback1 on Twitter (now X) for the latest cricket insights, fresh content, and much more throughout this action-packed season. You can also catch the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify for Podcasters, and many other streaming platforms. Plus, Never on the Backfoot is now on YouTube, so don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive, in-depth content coming your way. Thanks again for all your love and support. Until next time, stay safe, take care, and keep enjoying the game. Bye for now!