Cricket with an Accent Podcast

Aftab Khanna on New Zealand's win in the inaugural WTC

Aftab Khanna(@aftabkhanna in twitter) returns to the podcast to join host Saqib Ali to discuss New Zealand's win in Southampton. The conversation looks at the tournament structure of this first edition and attempts at exploring how future FTP's may include a more level playing field. Is there room for a best of three WTC final given the already crowded cricket calendar.

The focus shifts on to the winners who have transformed into this world class unit with a potent fast bowling attack which oozes with variety. Khanna takes a deep dive into explaining the significance of Neil Wagner who has become a serious contributor to this Kiwi team's fortunes. Other notable mentions are of Ross Taylor the unsung hero and BJ Watling - the best gloveman in the business.

Last but not the least Khanna talks about the ever divisive conversation surrounding Che Pujara. This conversation on Pujara will continue as we post more episodes on India's tour to England.

We referred to this piece by Sid Monga on BJ watling during our conversation.

https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sidharth-monga-bj-watling-the-quintessential-new-zealander-and-the-best-at-what-he-does-1263018

Former cricketer Surinder Khanna looks back at his time in India and Delhi dressing rooms

Former India cricketer Surinder Khanna is the podcast guest. In this episode Khanna looks back at the roadmap of his cricket timeline from the grounds of the Hindu college to the ultimate honor in Indian cricket - playing for India. Khanna was a cricketer who was ahead of his times in how he approached his batting as a wicket keeper. We drew comparisons with the likes of Rishabh Pant and MS Dhoni. He was part of the exciting Delhi cricket batting lineup and played a mentor to the likes of Raman Lamba and Ajay Sharma. It's a typical Khanna conversation - straight from the heart. 

He pays homage to his captains Bishan Bedi, Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev. A must listen episode for all fans.

Matt Roller on a variety of topics surrounding English cricket

Matt Roller of Espn cricinfo joins the show this week. Roller as a writer is versatile in his coverage of the sport where he covers all forms of the international game along with the domestic English county matches. Keeping the county coverage as a backdrop I asked Roller about the chances of one Matt Parkinson to make his test debut this summer. In this episode Roller talks about the space of cricket journalism in England and how the sport still remains a niche sport. 

The conversation covers lot of ground where the stats vs old school coverage of the sport gets mentioned along with the independent analysis of the game vs the established voices. Last but not the least Roller looks ahead at the clash vs India this summer. 

Matt Roller on twitter - @mroller98

https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/eng-vs-nz-2021-ben-stokes-to-make-comeback-from-injury-for-durham-in-vitality-blast-1263411

https://www.msn.com/en-in/sports/cricket/matt-parkinson-i-don-t-just-want-to-be-in-england-squads-on-potential/ar-BB1gDKcy?li=AAggjDC&srcref=rss

 

In conversation with Vijay Lokapally

Senior cricket writer Vijay Lokapally joins the podcast for an episode where he recalls some of the fascinating battles between Delhi and Mumbai. In the era of domestic cricket that rivalry was seen as a test match itself. The conversation also focuses on Lokapally's early cricket memories of the Kotla - home of the Delhi cricket team.

Lokapally also takes us down the memory lane where we relive Bedi, Amarnath and Raman Lamba. Last but not the least we talk about K.P. Bhaskar - perhaps one of the best cricketers to not play for India. 

Nakul Pande previews RCB, RR, PBKS and MI

Nakul Pande (@nakulMpande) of Guerilla cricket returns to the show to talk about IPL 2021. In this episode Pande helps preview the roasters of RCB, RR, PBKS and MI. 

IPL 2021 Preview - Capitals, Sunrisers, Knight Riders and Super Kings

Its IPL time of the year. In this episode Gurkirat Singh Gill(@gurkiratsgill) and Rahul Vishwanathan(Rv__97) join the show to help me preview the Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings. 

Greg Chappell reflects on his cricket journey

Former Australian captain and all time great Greg Chappell is the podcast guest. Chappell engages in a candid chat that covers his cricket journey as a player, captain, coach, selector and now columnist. The conversation explores the historic 1975 series vs the West Indies which was Chappell's first rodeo as captain. Other major talking point is the phase of his career where he swapped the captaincy with his successor Kim Hughes on more than few occasions. 

Using his book Fierce Focus as a measure Chappell helps us understand how successful batting captains can compartmentalize batting and leadership duties. Also included are his views on coaching, Virat Kohli's all format focus, Australian cricket's test future and the work Rahul Dravid has done for India A.

https://wisden.com/stories/archive/news/overwhelm-people-greg-chappell-coaching

 

Ayaz Memon on India's 3-1 win and it's incredible bench strength

Senior cricket writer Ayaz Memon returns to the show to talk about the 4th test between India and England.  While breaking down India's series win Memon highlights the contributions of Washington Sundar, Axar Patel and Rishabh Pant. In depth talking points include Sundar's potential as top order batsman and whether Pant should play the situation. 

Memon also weighs in on the upcoming WTC finals between India and New Zealand. Last segment of the conversation is a look back at Sunil Gavaskar and his large imprint on Indian cricket, especially on the eve of the 50th anniversary of his test debut.