Episodes
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Rajdeep and Nikhil Naz rewind the 2019 world cup for you. The stage was set for a historic showdown, one that promised to crown a new world champion from either New Zealand or England. It was a momentous occasion because, for the first time, neither India nor any of the traditional cricketing giants were in contention for the coveted title.
Before delving into the thrilling drama of the World Cup, the conversation harked back to India's journey. Just like the heartbreak of the 2015 World Cup, India had stumbled at the semi-final hurdle. The nation had high hopes, but fate had other plans.
The build-up to the World Cup had been marred by controversy, with one name dominating the headlines – Ambati Rayudu. The omission of this exceptional white-ball player baffled cricket enthusiasts worldwide, leaving them wondering about the mysterious reasons behind his exclusion.
India's Achilles' heel had always been the No. 4 spot in the batting lineup. While they boasted a formidable top three, the search for a dependable fourth batsman remained elusive. This deficiency added an air of uncertainty to their campaign.
Rohit Sharma emerged as a shining star, scoring an incredible five centuries throughout the tournament. But it wasn't just his cricketing prowess that captured attention; it was also his dry sense of humor, providing moments of levity amidst intense matches.
Rajdeep, an ardent cricket enthusiast, fondly recalled a timeless memory of Rohit Sharma, a testament to the indelible mark he had left on the cricketing world.
However, it was New Zealand who had consistently overachieved on the global stage. The semifinal clash between India and New Zealand was etched in cricketing history. India found themselves in dire straits at 5-3, with all three top-order batters back in the pavilion. It was a moment of despair.
In the end, it was a bridge too far for India, and their World Cup dream slipped away. The gripping climax was reserved for the nail-biting final between New Zealand and England. Rajdeep and Nikhil passionately narrated the epic showdown, encapsulating the tension, drama, and spirit of the game.
Tune in to find out!
Produced by Anna Priyadarshini
Sound Mix by Kapil Dev Singh -
The 2015 Cricket World Cup was more than just a sporting event; it was a symphony of emotions, unforgettable moments, and a rollercoaster of experiences that left an indelible mark on cricket fans worldwide.
Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz rewind those moments, focussing on India’s campaign that ended in the semifinals.
What is the one memory about the Indian team that Rajdeep feels troubled about?
One poignant memory lingers in the mind of Nikhil, is the memory of that moment when MS Dhoni, the iconic Indian captain, announced his retirement from test cricket amidst the World Cup fervor. However, even the most ardent fans sometimes admit when their idols falter. Rajdeep confessed, "I am his greatest fan, but that was one occasion where he got it wrong."
Drawing parallels from the 1992 World Cup, both Rajdeep and Nikhil reminisced about how players entered the 2015 World Cup fatigued from test matches. The exception was Virat Kohli, who was as fresh as an apple and in the form of his life.
Controversies abounded during the World Cup, including the unjust blame on Anushka Sharma for Kohli's performance.
In 2015, the rise of social media added a new layer of scrutiny and critique. And when India lost to Australia, its host, it left a bitter taste in the mouths of Indian fans.
Listen in to more untold stories.
Produced by Anna Priyadarshini
Sound Mix by Kapil Dev Singh -
Missing episodes?
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In the world of Indian cricket, the fervor of fans was palpable as they chanted 'India Maange CUP,' echoing their longing for victory.
Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz rewind the iconic moments of the 2011 world cup, the second time India brought the cup home, after 1983.
What were the intriguing parallels between the 1983 and 2011 cricket World Cups?
Sachin Tendulkar, the stalwart of the 1990s team, found himself alone on a challenging path without the likes of Dravids or Laxmans to support him.
In the backdrop of 2011, Rajdeep and Nikhil shed light on the turbulent economic climate, marred by alleged scams during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's tenure. This era was tinged with a 'feel bad factor,' reminiscent of the circumstances in 1983 when Punjab was gripped by insurgency and Kashmir faced turmoil.
Virender Sehwag's revelation about Dhoni's superstition of consuming only khichdi piqued curiosity.
Also, they recount the subplot of the India-Pakistan match in the World Cup, that was set against the backdrop of the 26/11 attacks. The Indian government's skepticism about Pakistani fans visiting Mohali, a bordering area with Lahore, added an element of uncertainty to the typical subcontinental hospitality.
Finally they relive the dramatic finale, where the toss was tossed twice, Sri Lanka faced the finals without key players, and the stadium resounded with 'Vande Mataram' chants, sending shivers down spines.
And why the question still lingers: Was Gautam Gambhir and not Dhoni truly deserving of the 'Man of the Match' title?
Listen in to more untold stories.
Produced by Anna Priyadarshini
Sound Mix by Kapil Dev Singh -
In 2007, the World Cup graced the West Indies, yet it proved a lackluster affair.
Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz delve into the event that left Indian fans despondent, especially due to one-sided clashes, a 47-day duration, and doubts about the tournament format.
The tournament marked a dark chapter for Indian cricket, as even advancing to the Super Eights eluded the team. Nikhil's tournament coverage unearthed India's heart-wrenching loss to Bangladesh, exposing the struggles of an aging team despite its star-studded lineup.
Amidst the gloom, a tragic story unfolded: Pakistan's coach Bob Woolmer was found dead. Nikhil's poignant narration reveals how he relayed the news to Greg Chappell and eventually, the Indian team.
Greg Chappell's tenure faced intense criticism, notably due to his perceived inability to navigate Indian cricket's complexities. Rajdeep highlights the struggle Chappell encountered with managing the team's egos and pressures.
In the midst of these trials, there was one player who embraced Chappell's strategies. Nikhil recounts a poignant scene at the airport, where Indian fans expressed their frustration as the team's journey in the tournament ended prematurely.
Yet, a glimmer of positivity emerges—what was that singular moment that managed to evoke a smile during this somber period?
Listen in to more untold stories.
Produced by Anna Priyadarshini
Sound Mix by Sachin Dwivedi -
The turn of the 21st century saw South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya co-hosting the Cricket World Cup, with politics casting a shadow over the matches.
Discussing the 2003 World Cup, Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz recount Zimbabwe's political turmoil, led by Robert Mugabe's dictatorship and human rights abuses, that prompted New Zealand and England to boycott matches there. This fusion of politics and sports ignited debates on the world stage.
New Zealand's refusal to play in Kenya due to security concerns added to the tournament's political dimension, raising questions about the intersection of sports and global issues.
Controversies unfolded on and off the field. Shoaib Akhtar broke records with a 161 kmph delivery, while Shane Warne faced a drug abuse scandal linked to performance enhancement. Indian players protested ICC's ban on endorsing personal brands during the event.
The final between Australia and India became a pivotal memory, marked by Zaheer Khan's crucial first over. A pre-game psychological tactic by Australia added intrigue.
Listen in to more untold stories.
Produced by Anna Priyadarshini
Sound Mix by Sachin Dwivedi -
Relive the dramatic twists of the 1999 World Cup as Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz delve into the heart of cricket history. From India's lackluster campaign to Lance Klusener's near-heroics, discover the pressures that cost South Africa the Cup. Could Klusener have turned the tide?
Explore the era when cricket in England meant lush green pitches and gripping matches. This World Cup marked the end of the Azharuddin era and heralded a new batting dominance for India, with the rise of legends like Dravid, Ganguly, and Laxman, shaping a new order.
The duo discuss the nail-biting semi-final clash that saw Australia triumph and South Africa falter. Was it really Herschelle Gibbs' dropped catch that changed the game? Steve Waugh's words echo in the air as the Aussies clinch victory in a tense semi final against South africa and later against Pakistan in the finals.
Listen in to dive into the memorable, if not turbulent, journey of the 1999 World Cup.
Produced by Anna Priyadarshini
Sound Mix by Sachin Dwivedi -
In the gripping fourth episode, Rajdeep and Nikhil explore the unforgettable moments of the 1996 Cricket World Cup, a tournament that brought a remarkable shift in cricketing dynamics. This world cup held immense significance for Sri Lanka, a country that had long remained overshadowed by cricketing giants like India and Pakistan.
At the heart of the discussion was the emergence of private news television in India, which significantly changed the media landscape during the tournament. Unlike the previous edition in 1987, where Doordarshan was the sole broadcaster, 1996 witnessed the rise of private news channels, eagerly seeking to cover the World Cup and capitalize on the fervor of cricket-crazy fans.
However, this newfound competition between Doordarshan and private channels led to a major controversy.
The tournament was supposed to be jointly hosted by India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, but political turmoil in Sri Lanka forced Australia and West Indies to withdraw from playing there. Sri Lanka had faced a decade of terrorism in the 1990s, with the LTTE causing havoc, including the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in 1991. Co-hosting the World Cup was seen as a step towards normalcy, and India and Pakistan stood in solidarity with Sri Lanka while the western world hesitated.
The new format of the tournament came under scrutiny, leading to some intriguing discussions during the episode. Rajdeep and Nikhil also delve into India's campaign in the World Cup, particularly their iconic match against Pakistan, which took place on Indian soil for the first time in World Cup history.
One of the significant moments of the tournament was India's match against Sri Lanka, where questions arose about India's decision to bat first despite knowing that the pitch would favor spin bowling. Years later, match-fixing controversies would surround this match, with fingers pointed at Azharuddin for allegedly taking that decision under match-fixing pressures.
Listen in to more of the untold stories!
Produced by Anna Priyadarshini
Sound Mix by Sachin Dwivedi -
In the third episode, Rajdeep and Nikhil delve into the 1992 Cricket World Cup, which was co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. Rajdeep vividly describes the imposing amphitheater that was the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where he witnessed some of the thrilling matches.
This World Cup marked several significant milestones, such as it was the first time the tournament took place in the Southern Hemisphere, and it also signified the beginning of cricket's commercialization.
“While the English adhered to cricket as a tradition, the Australians recognized the evolving era of entertainment in sports,” Rajdeep says.
The 1992 World Cup introduced several groundbreaking changes. For the first time, white balls replaced red balls, posing a challenge for fast bowlers who were unaccustomed to this alteration. Additionally, fielding restrictions underwent modifications, adding to the excitement of the matches.
Surprisingly, New Zealand outperformed many celebrated teams during this World Cup, showcasing their cricketing prowess.
For India, the 1992 World Cup was a momentous occasion as it marked the debut of the young prodigy, Sachin Tendulkar, who astounded everyone with his talent and skills. Conversely, it was also the last World Cup for the legendary Kapil Dev.
Rajdeep's memories from that time are centered not on the Indian team but on Indian journalists meeting the cricketing legend Don Bradman.
The 1992 World Cup also saw the return of South Africa to international cricket after a 2-decade ban due to apartheid. Their comeback brought a breath of fresh air to the cricketing world.
Listen in to more of the untold stories!
Produced by Anna Priyadarshini
Sound Mix by Sachin Dwivedi -
Step back in time with Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz as they delve into the thrilling 1987 World Cup, a historic tournament that marked the first time the prestigious event left Great Britain's shores. How Doordarshan secured broadcasting rights over private players, with a captivating tale of Dhirubhai Ambani's involvement and the event being renamed the Reliance World Cup.
In the backdrop of a different India, with Rajiv Gandhi as the Prime Minister, explore how the world around cricket underwent transformation. A joint bid by India and Pakistan led to 10 games allocated to Pakistan and 17 to India, shaping a monumental year.
As the excitement builds, unravel the gripping story of the underdog Australian team's triumph, defying all expectations and emerging as the victorious World Cup champions. What role did Rajiv Gandhi play in organizing the event, and how did the 1987 World Cup significantly impact India cricket financially?
Relive the most controversial moment that led India to an unfortunate loss, where the match's total was mysteriously changed from 268 to 270 after the game concluded. Dive into the origin of the legendary 'Sixer Siddhu' story, and witness the coming-of-age of Australian cricket, captivating the hearts of the Eden Gardens crowd, who cheered fervently for the underdog Australian team.
Join us for an enthralling journey back to the iconic 1987 World Cup, where history was made, and untold stories await your discovery!
Listen in!
Produced by Anna Priyadarshini
Sound Mix by Sachin Dwivedi -
Relive the historic 1983 World Cup in our captivating first episode!
Join Rajdeep and Naz as they take you back to the thrilling final and share fascinating insights.
Uncover the pivotal role of Kapil Dev in making the 1983 World Cup possible. From helicopter arrivals to Balwinder Singh Sandhu's remarkable performance, relish the anecdotes that shaped the tournament.
Rajdeep's revealing regret and the mystery of the untelevised India vs Zimbabwe match by the BBC will keep you hooked. Was the BBC actually on strike? Delve into the team dynamics, specific game-changing moments, and the surprising reactions of an English family as they witnessed the downfall of their team. in 1983 Rajdeep was 18 and he recollects watching the match with an English family when they were aghast when England couldn't make it to the final.
Listen in!
Produced by Anna Priyadarshini
Sound Mix by Sachin Dwivedi
