Rewind India Today Podcasts

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

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