Never on the Backfoot: A Podcast

349. Could Mid-Season Transfers Fix the IPL?

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.

348. The Rise Of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi & The India Call-Up Debate

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?

347. Beyond The Icons: Is The IPL Moving Past Star Culture?

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?

346. Whose Story Is It Anyway? The Credit Debate In Commentary

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.

345. Senior Women’s Inter Zonal Multi-Day Trophy 2026 - Review + Wrap Up

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.