https://podcasts.indiatoday.in/podcast/cricket-unfiltered
With sharp insight and a generous dash of humour, Rajdeep and Nikhil break down the game beyond the headlines—mixing analysis with quirky anecdotes, little-known trivia, and the occasional burst of spontaneous fun. From historic victories to crushing heartbreaks, they revisit the moments that have shaped cricket’s legacy.]]>enCricketCopyright © 2026 Living Media India Limitedhttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/5abf5f2cdd972816e39388c4f4b48e31.jpghttps://podcasts.indiatoday.in/podcast/cricket-unfilteredThu, 13 Aug 2026 10:09:00 +0000India Today PodcastsIndia Today Podcastssunil.kumar2@aajtak.comCricket Unfiltered is a podcast hosted by Nikhil Naaz and Rajdeep Sardesai where the two passionate cricket fans bring together sharp cricket analysis, informed opinion, and engaging conversation and unpack the stories behind the players on and off...
With sharp insight and a generous dash of humour, Rajdeep and Nikhil break down the game beyond the headlines—mixing analysis with quirky anecdotes, little-known trivia, and the occasional burst of spontaneous fun. From historic victories to crushing heartbreaks, they revisit the moments that have shaped cricket’s legacy.]]>falseepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sarfaraz-khan-returns-ipl-or-india-vvs-laxman-s-next-move-cricket-unfiltered-ep-9--73846538
On this episode of Cricket Unfiltered, Nikhil Naz and Rajdeep Sardesai discuss Sarfaraz Khan's return to the Test squad and debate whether he should walk straight into India's XI or whether Dhruv Jurel deserves to retain his place. With Sai Sudharsan unavailable and Devdutt Padikkal making a strong case, the selection puzzle has become even more intriguing ahead of the Sri Lanka series beginning on August 15.

The conversation then turns to India's growing injury concerns. Why has the BCCI struggled to find a top sports medicine expert for the Centre of Excellence? Are players being rushed back before they are fully fit? And why does India continue to see key players pick up injuries despite the resources available to the world's richest cricket board?

Rajdeep and Nikhil also discuss the growing buzz around VVS Laxman's future and reports that he could be handed a major new assignment in September. Could Laxman become chairman of selectors or take charge of India's Test team? And could Indian cricket eventually move towards separate red-ball and white-ball coaches?

Finally, they tackle one of the biggest questions in Indian cricket: is the IPL being prioritised over international cricket? The duo debate player workloads, franchise pressure, the BCCI's relationship with the IPL and whether the entire system needs to become more professional.

Tune In!

Produced by Areeb Raza

Sound mixed by Suraj Singh]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73846538Wed, 12 Aug 2026 12:57:21 +0000India Today PodcastsIndia are heading into the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle with plenty of questions surrounding the team — from selection and injuries to the future structure of Indian cricket. On this episode of Cricket Unfiltered, Nikhil Naz and Rajdeep...
On this episode of Cricket Unfiltered, Nikhil Naz and Rajdeep Sardesai discuss Sarfaraz Khan's return to the Test squad and debate whether he should walk straight into India's XI or whether Dhruv Jurel deserves to retain his place. With Sai Sudharsan unavailable and Devdutt Padikkal making a strong case, the selection puzzle has become even more intriguing ahead of the Sri Lanka series beginning on August 15.

The conversation then turns to India's growing injury concerns. Why has the BCCI struggled to find a top sports medicine expert for the Centre of Excellence? Are players being rushed back before they are fully fit? And why does India continue to see key players pick up injuries despite the resources available to the world's richest cricket board?

Rajdeep and Nikhil also discuss the growing buzz around VVS Laxman's future and reports that he could be handed a major new assignment in September. Could Laxman become chairman of selectors or take charge of India's Test team? And could Indian cricket eventually move towards separate red-ball and white-ball coaches?

Finally, they tackle one of the biggest questions in Indian cricket: is the IPL being prioritised over international cricket? The duo debate player workloads, franchise pressure, the BCCI's relationship with the IPL and whether the entire system needs to become more professional.

Tune In!

Produced by Areeb Raza

Sound mixed by Suraj Singh]]>2543falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/rohit-sharma-s-2027-world-cup-dream-reality-or-wishful-thinking-cricket-unfiltered-ep-8--73107155
The hosts examine the reports surrounding Rohit Sharma's ODI future, discuss whether the selectors are already planning a transition, and analyse if his brilliant century at Lord's has changed the conversation. Is Rohit still among India's most valuable ODI players, or should the team start investing in younger talent with the next World Cup just over a year away?

The discussion also explores the role of the selectors, Gautam Gambhir's vision for the ODI side, the balance between experience and youth, and whether India's management has communicated a clear roadmap to its senior stars. With the 2027 World Cup approaching, every ODI innings from Rohit Sharma could shape one of the biggest selection decisions in recent Indian cricket.

Tune In!

Produced by Areeb Raza

Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73107155Wed, 22 Jul 2026 13:09:12 +0000India Today PodcastsWill Rohit Sharma still be wearing India's blue jersey at the 2027 ODI World Cup, or is Indian cricket preparing for life after its T20 World Cup-winning captain? That's the big question on this episode of Cricket Unfiltered, where Nikhil Naz and...
The hosts examine the reports surrounding Rohit Sharma's ODI future, discuss whether the selectors are already planning a transition, and analyse if his brilliant century at Lord's has changed the conversation. Is Rohit still among India's most valuable ODI players, or should the team start investing in younger talent with the next World Cup just over a year away?

The discussion also explores the role of the selectors, Gautam Gambhir's vision for the ODI side, the balance between experience and youth, and whether India's management has communicated a clear roadmap to its senior stars. With the 2027 World Cup approaching, every ODI innings from Rohit Sharma could shape one of the biggest selection decisions in recent Indian cricket.

Tune In!

Produced by Areeb Raza

Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti]]>2984falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-isn-t-vaibhav-sooryavanshi-playing-rajdeep-sardesai-nikhil-naz-on-england-hopes-what-cricketers-do-after-hours--72766639
In this episode, veteran journalists and passionate cricket fans Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz discuss the buzz around Vaibhav's absence, explain why fans shouldn't lose hope, and share why England could be the stage where the young batter gets his opportunity.

But the conversation goes beyond team selection. From what cricketers actually do after training sessions and match days to dressing room routines, downtime, travel, and life away from the spotlight, the two offer a fascinating look into the unseen side of professional cricket.

Whether you're curious about India's next generation of stars or want a glimpse into the everyday lives of elite cricketers, this episode has plenty of insights.

In this episode:


Why isn't Vaibhav Sooryavanshi playing?
Could England be his breakthrough opportunity?
How selectors manage young talent
What cricketers do after hours
Dressing room culture and off-field routines
Exclusive insights from Nikhil Naz


Produced by Taniya Dutta

Sound mixed by Aman Pal]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72766639Wed, 01 Jul 2026 06:29:48 +0000India Today PodcastsWhy isn't Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the playing XI? It's the question every cricket fan is asking. In this episode, veteran journalists and passionate cricket fans Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz discuss the buzz around Vaibhav's absence,...
In this episode, veteran journalists and passionate cricket fans Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz discuss the buzz around Vaibhav's absence, explain why fans shouldn't lose hope, and share why England could be the stage where the young batter gets his opportunity.

But the conversation goes beyond team selection. From what cricketers actually do after training sessions and match days to dressing room routines, downtime, travel, and life away from the spotlight, the two offer a fascinating look into the unseen side of professional cricket.

Whether you're curious about India's next generation of stars or want a glimpse into the everyday lives of elite cricketers, this episode has plenty of insights.

In this episode:


Why isn't Vaibhav Sooryavanshi playing?
Could England be his breakthrough opportunity?
How selectors manage young talent
What cricketers do after hours
Dressing room culture and off-field routines
Exclusive insights from Nikhil Naz


Produced by Taniya Dutta

Sound mixed by Aman Pal]]>3132falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/shreyas-replaces-sky-dawood-s-shadow-on-cricket-why-lalit-modi-vijay-mallya-live-like-kings-in-london-cricket-unfiltered-ep-6--72365881
In this explosive conversation, veteran journalists and cricket enthusiasts Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz debate whether Shreyas Iyer should replace Suryakumar Yadav as India's T20 captain and discuss what the ideal Indian T20 playing XI should look like going forward.

The two also take on the hottest selection debate in Indian cricket: Is teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi truly ready for the international stage, or is India rushing its newest prodigy?

But the conversation doesn't stop there.

From the shadow cast by the underworld on cricket through the years and allegations of threats to players, to the enduring fascination surrounding Dawood Ibrahim, the discussion explores some of the sport's darkest chapters.

The episode also examines why former IPL architect Lalit Modi and businessman Vijay Mallya continue to command attention from London, years after leaving India. How did they shape modern cricket? Why do their interviews still make headlines? And what do their stories say about power, money and influence in Indian sport?

From captaincy battles and selection controversies to IPL politics and cricket's murky past, this is a conversation that spans the full spectrum of Indian cricket.

Produced by Taniya Dutta

Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72365881Fri, 05 Jun 2026 10:48:50 +0000India Today PodcastsIs Indian cricket on the verge of a major reset? And why do some of the biggest controversies from cricket's past refuse to go away? In this explosive conversation, veteran journalists and cricket enthusiasts Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil...
In this explosive conversation, veteran journalists and cricket enthusiasts Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz debate whether Shreyas Iyer should replace Suryakumar Yadav as India's T20 captain and discuss what the ideal Indian T20 playing XI should look like going forward.

The two also take on the hottest selection debate in Indian cricket: Is teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi truly ready for the international stage, or is India rushing its newest prodigy?

But the conversation doesn't stop there.

From the shadow cast by the underworld on cricket through the years and allegations of threats to players, to the enduring fascination surrounding Dawood Ibrahim, the discussion explores some of the sport's darkest chapters.

The episode also examines why former IPL architect Lalit Modi and businessman Vijay Mallya continue to command attention from London, years after leaving India. How did they shape modern cricket? Why do their interviews still make headlines? And what do their stories say about power, money and influence in Indian sport?

From captaincy battles and selection controversies to IPL politics and cricket's murky past, this is a conversation that spans the full spectrum of Indian cricket.

Produced by Taniya Dutta

Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti]]>2745falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/virat-vs-rohit-ipl-s-glitz-drama-and-ethics-rajdeep-sardesai-nikhil-naz-cricket-unfiltered-ep-5--72003085
The two also discuss:

Dressing-room dynamics in modern cricket

Should girlfriends and families be allowed in team spaces?

Why coaches like Ashish Nehra are thriving in the IPL

Board of Control for Cricket in India's rules on unauthorized people in hotel rooms

Spot-fixing and honeytrap concerns in cricket

Should IPL owners, celebrities, and VIPs get boundary-line access and on-field photo ops?

Packed with candid opinions and insider perspectives, this episode takes an unfiltered look at the glamour, politics, and power dynamics of modern cricket.

Tune in!

Produced by Taniya Dutta

Sound mixed by Suraj Singh]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72003085Thu, 14 May 2026 09:28:38 +0000India Today PodcastsIn this episode of Cricket Unfiltered, veteran journalists and passionate cricket fans Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz engage in a no-holds-barred debate on some of the biggest talking points in Indian cricket. From the ultimate T20 batting face-off —...
The two also discuss:

Dressing-room dynamics in modern cricket

Should girlfriends and families be allowed in team spaces?

Why coaches like Ashish Nehra are thriving in the IPL

Board of Control for Cricket in India's rules on unauthorized people in hotel rooms

Spot-fixing and honeytrap concerns in cricket

Should IPL owners, celebrities, and VIPs get boundary-line access and on-field photo ops?

Packed with candid opinions and insider perspectives, this episode takes an unfiltered look at the glamour, politics, and power dynamics of modern cricket.

Tune in!

Produced by Taniya Dutta

Sound mixed by Suraj Singh]]>3052falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/speed-debate-old-legends-vs-modern-cricketers-rajdeep-sardesai-nikhil-naz-ep-4--71776956
In this episode of Cricket Unfiltered, journalists and cricket enthusiasts Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz go head-to-head on a fascinating generational debate, comparing legends like Jeff Thomson with today’s stars Pat Cummins and Jofra Archer.

From uncovered pitches and minimal protection to today’s high-tech gear, fitness regimes, and bowling machines—has evolution made cricketers faster or just smarter?

The conversation also dives into the IPL era, rising names like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and the big question: is Mumbai or Delhi the true capital of Indian cricket today?

Plus, a surprising cultural twist—how legends like Asha Bhosle and Madhubala shared a deep love for the game.

Tune in!

Produced by Taniya Dutta

Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71776956Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:15:39 +0000India Today PodcastsWere fast bowlers of the past actually quicker or has modern cricket taken pace to another level? In this episode of Cricket Unfiltered, journalists and cricket enthusiasts Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz go head-to-head on a fascinating...
In this episode of Cricket Unfiltered, journalists and cricket enthusiasts Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz go head-to-head on a fascinating generational debate, comparing legends like Jeff Thomson with today’s stars Pat Cummins and Jofra Archer.

From uncovered pitches and minimal protection to today’s high-tech gear, fitness regimes, and bowling machines—has evolution made cricketers faster or just smarter?

The conversation also dives into the IPL era, rising names like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and the big question: is Mumbai or Delhi the true capital of Indian cricket today?

Plus, a surprising cultural twist—how legends like Asha Bhosle and Madhubala shared a deep love for the game.

Tune in!

Produced by Taniya Dutta

Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti]]>4063falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/cricket-test-vs-ipl-the-politics-in-between-rajdeep-sardesai-nikhil-naz-ep-3--71366080
They also unpack why the Kolkata Knight Riders seem to have lost the plot—and ask the big question: can sport ever truly stay apolitical? Plus, a proud moment as India features 4 cricketers in the latest Wisden list.

Watch the full conversation on Cricket Unfiltered.

Tune in!

Produced by Taniya Dutta

Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71366080Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:35:57 +0000India Today PodcastsIn the latest episode of Cricket Unfiltered, journalists and passionate cricket fans Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz dive deep into cricket’s biggest debates—Test vs IPL, Chennai nostalgia, and the story behind the gate named after legendary cricketer...
They also unpack why the Kolkata Knight Riders seem to have lost the plot—and ask the big question: can sport ever truly stay apolitical? Plus, a proud moment as India features 4 cricketers in the latest Wisden list.

Watch the full conversation on Cricket Unfiltered.

Tune in!

Produced by Taniya Dutta

Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti]]>3600falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-the-indian-premier-league-changed-cricket-forever-rajdeep-sardesai-nikhil-naz-ep-2--71083460
More than 18 years on, they explore why the IPL continues to thrive, spotlighting its impact in bringing talent from smaller towns and villages to the big stage. The conversation also touches upon the meteoric rise of young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, his remarkable performances at just 15, and inevitable comparisons with legend Sachin Tendulkar.

Set against the backdrop of the ongoing IPL season, this discussion blends cricket, business, and storytelling to decode one of India’s biggest sporting phenomena.

Produced by Taniya Dutta

Sound mixed by Aman Pal]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71083460Fri, 03 Apr 2026 14:29:11 +0000India Today PodcastsIn this engaging podcast, journalists and passionate cricket fans Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz dive deep into the origins and evolution of the Indian Premier League—unpacking the vision behind the tournament, the role of figures like Lalit Modi and...
More than 18 years on, they explore why the IPL continues to thrive, spotlighting its impact in bringing talent from smaller towns and villages to the big stage. The conversation also touches upon the meteoric rise of young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, his remarkable performances at just 15, and inevitable comparisons with legend Sachin Tendulkar.

Set against the backdrop of the ongoing IPL season, this discussion blends cricket, business, and storytelling to decode one of India’s biggest sporting phenomena.

Produced by Taniya Dutta

Sound mixed by Aman Pal]]>2364falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/can-india-win-the-t20-world-cup-rajdeep-sardesai-nikhil-naz-break-it-down-s1-ep-1--70547556
They discuss standout performers, debate India’s top five cricketers of all time, analyze the brilliance of Jasprit Bumrah, and examine the rising future of Abhishek Sharma. Most importantly, they ask: Can India lift the trophy when they face the New Zealand national cricket team in the final at Narendra Modi Stadium this Sunday?

Tune in for sharp insights, lively debate, and cricket nostalgia.

Produced by Taniya Dutta

Sound mixed by Suraj Singh]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70547556Mon, 09 Mar 2026 13:08:17 +0000India Today PodcastsIn the debut episode of Cricket Unfiltered, journalists and passionate cricket fans Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz break down the India national cricket team’s thrilling semifinal win at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. They discuss standout...
They discuss standout performers, debate India’s top five cricketers of all time, analyze the brilliance of Jasprit Bumrah, and examine the rising future of Abhishek Sharma. Most importantly, they ask: Can India lift the trophy when they face the New Zealand national cricket team in the final at Narendra Modi Stadium this Sunday?

Tune in for sharp insights, lively debate, and cricket nostalgia.

Produced by Taniya Dutta

Sound mixed by Suraj Singh]]>2580falsefull