Podcast · Sport

Sledging Room

by India Today Podcasts · English · Sport

A weekly India Today podcast, Sledging Room is a sports show which will hold discussions related to sports, especially cricket. This is a podcast with a difference, a podcast where tempers will flare and participants, to put it mildly, are not always polite. For your weekly dose of sporting hostilit

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 46 min
Latest: 1 Oct 2025
Language: English

Latest episode

1 Oct 2025 · 43 min

Asia Cup wild ride: No trophy for India. No dignity for Pakistan | Sledging Room S3, Ep 15

The Asia Cup turned out to be an ugly affair. Dominated by off-field drama, the continental tournament made headlines for the wrong reasons more often than not. India and Pakistan met three times, including a historic first in the final. Yet, their battles will be remembered more for the tensions on the field than for any memorable cricketing moments. From the handshake snub to provocative gestures by Pakistan players, the India-Pakistan clashes were a disappointment for purists of the sport. India, however, simply took a stand they believed in. Pakistan, on the other hand, opted for the…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

19 Sep 2025 · 27 min
Asia Cup: Has the PCB become the team’s biggest enemy? | Sledging Room, S03, Ep 14
When Pakistan finally took the field against the UAE in Dubai on Wednesday, the Asia Cup match began under a cloud that had little to do with form or tactics. An hour-long delay, frantic calls between Lahore and Dubai, and the sudden spectre of a boycott turned routine pre-match preparations into a full-blown media circus. This episode was not an isolated burst of indignation. It was the latest in a familiar pattern: a board that prizes theatrics and brinkmanship over consistency, with players left carrying the collateral damage. Fans can debate whether the handshake snub was provocation,…
12 Sep 2025 · 32 min
Asia Cup: Is India vs Pakistan Still Cricket’s Biggest Rivalry? | Sledging Room, S03 Ep 13
India and Pakistan are set to clash in the Asia Cup group stage on Sunday in Dubai. The much-anticipated contest comes amid cross-border tensions and calls in India to boycott the game. Unlike previous high-voltage encounters, the hype this time feels muted. As of Friday, even the tickets were not sold out. On paper, there remains a clear gap in talent and class between the two sides, even in T20 cricket. India, the reigning world champions, look far stronger. Pakistan, missing their key batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, are still trying to adapt to the modern approach in the shortest…
5 Sep 2025 · 58 min
Boycott or not? The big India vs Pakistan debate before Asia Cup | Sledging Room, S03 Ep 12
India are set to face Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup T20 after the Indian government recently clarified its stance on playing against Pakistan despite ongoing cross-border tensions. The Men in Blue will kick off their campaign against the UAE on September 10. However, all eyes will be on the blockbuster clash between the two arch-rivals at the Dubai International Stadium on September 14. This will be the first time India and Pakistan will face each other in an international cricket match since the Pahalgam terror attack. Should India boycott matches against Pakistan in continental and ICC…
29 Aug 2025 · 37 min
Virat, Rohit, Pujara and Ashwin: Didn’t modern-day legends deserve farewells? | Sledging Room, S03 Ep 11
Cheteshwar Pujara retired two years after playing his last Test. R Ashwin bowed out midway through a Test series in Australia. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announced their retirements from Test cricket during the IPL season. Yet, none of them were accorded a farewell. Overseas stars such as David Warner and James Anderson were able to choose their stage and script emotional farewell matches. Why can’t Indian greats enjoy the same privilege? Is this down to the BCCI’s inability to communicate better with its senior players? Pujara’s retirement also raises a crucial question: Is there still…
22 Aug 2025 · 54 min
Shubman Gill back in T20Is for Asia Cup: Injustice to Shreyas Iyer? | Sledging Room, S03 Ep 10
India have named a 15-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025, starting on 9 September. While Shubman Gill’s return to the T20I format – and that too as vice-captain – grabbed the headlines, a few notable omissions raised eyebrows. Has Gill’s comeback unsettled a well-oiled T20I line-up? What happens to Sanju Samson’s role as opener now? And, more importantly, what more does Shreyas Iyer need to do to break into this Indian T20I side? In the latest episode of the Sledging Room podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar and Kingshuk Kusari debate India’s Asia Cup squad. Tune in! Produced by Nikhil…
14 Aug 2025 · 46 min
No Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in 2027 World Cup? | Sledging Room S03, Ep 09
The two icons of Indian cricket are back in the news. After India fought hard to draw the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, there’s calm after the storm with no international assignments scheduled for the men’s team until the Asia Cup in September. However, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have once again been dragged into the headlines. Reports are circulating that the two players might retire after the ODIs in Australia this October. But why? Kohli and Rohit are still among India’s best one-day batters, and both have expressed their desire to play in the 2027 World Cup. Why are we forcing a…
6 Aug 2025 · 34 min
Siraj's Oval fury saves Gambhir's neck in England | Sledging Room S3 Ep 08
An epic final day brought fitting end to what has been a gruelling Test series between India and England. Mohammed Siraj left everything on the ground on the final day of the Oval Test match, handing India a comeback victory at the Oval. With the win in the final Test, India also levelled the 5-match series, 2-2, against the Ben Stokes side. In the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast, Kingshuk Kusari, Rishabh Beniwal and Alan John review the India vs England series. They go through the epic and the controversial moments occurred over the 40 days of play, and how it all culminated in…
29 Jul 2025 · 54 min
England lose morale battle as heroic India pull off Manchester heist | Sledging Room S3 Ep 07
India scripted a great escape in the 4th Test match at Manchester. Ben Stokes's England were left frustrated by the grit of Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. Controversy struck on the final day of the Test match when Jadeja and Sundar refused to go off the field, despite the hassling of Ben Stokes and Co. England, led by Stokes, wanted the batters to call it curtains much before the scheduled closure of play after realising that they were not going to win the match. A massive wave of criticism followed Stokes and his team for unsportsmanlike conduct and trying to dictate the…
22 Jul 2025 · 45 min
Is India vs England giving BGT 2020-21 vibes? | Sledging Room S3 Ep 06
India have a massive injury crisis on their hands ahead of the 4th Test match, set to start on July 23. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Arshdeep Singh have been ruled out of the Manchester Test match, and it is being reported that Akash Deep might not play as well. The injuries are not limited only to the bowling department. It is likely that Rishabh Pant will not be keeping wickets in the 4th Test due to his existing finger injury, which means that Dhruv Jurel will need to be drafted as the specialist keeper. What will be India's combination for the 4th Test? In the latest episode of the Sledging…
15 Jul 2025 · 36 min
Hero or Villain: Was Jadeja’s Lord’s Knock What India Needed? | Sledging Room S3 Ep 05
It was a heartbreak of epic proportions for India at Lord’s. Chasing 193, they were reduced to 82 for 7 and then 112 for 8. Just when it seemed England would wrap things up on the final morning and head in for a relaxed Lord’s lunch, Ravindra Jadeja stood tall with a resolute act of defiance. He faced 181 deliveries for a gritty 61, with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj for company. But did India miss a trick by not being more proactive while Jadeja was batting with the tail? While it may be unfair to expect Jadeja to take undue risks, was there a moment that slipped away? What really led…
9 Jul 2025 · 53 min
Shubman Gill shuts down haters! Did you see that coming? | Sledging Room, S3 Ep04
After the humbling at Headingley, not many expected India to bounce back the way they did in Birmingham. Despite piling up over 800 runs in the first Test, India lost after England chased down 371 in the final innings — a stunning blow. But at Edgbaston, it was a different India. Ruthless, clinical, and relentless. Led by Shubman Gill’s record-breaking 430-run performance and a sensational 10-wicket haul from Akash Deep, India demolished England and delivered a brutal body blow to Bazball. Did you see that coming from Gill? Criticized for his inconsistent overseas form, he’s now silenced his…
2 Jul 2025 · 56 min
Bumrah bachao? Is India’s fast-bowling future in danger? | Sledging Room, S3 Ep 3
The days of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, and Ishant Sharma hunting in packs in overseas Tests feel like a distant memory. While Bumrah still leads the pace unit, India’s overdependence on their premier fast bowler is becoming a worrying trend. In Australia, it was Bumrah or bust. He picked up 30 wickets before breaking down ahead of the series-deciding Test — and missed the Champions Trophy campaign due to injury. In England, things haven’t started well either. India appear to have learned little from past mistakes. In the first Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in Leeds,…
25 Jun 2025 · 32 min
Shubman Gill’s India crash in Leeds. New team, same problems? Sledging Room | S3 Ep 02
It was truly a baptism by fire for Shubman Gill in his Test captaincy debut. India lost a match they could have—and perhaps should have—won, despite racking up over 800 runs across two innings, fuelled by four centurions and a five-wicket haul from their pace spearhead. Yet, as a new era of Indian Test cricket began, they were once again undone by familiar frailties that have plagued them in the past. England, it must be said, made light work of a daunting 371-run target on the final day. Over the course of a fiercely contested five days at Headingley, captain Gill witnessed nearly every…
19 Jun 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
Shubman Gill’s first test, Gautam Gambhir’s final shot? Is Shubman ready to lead India? | Sledging Room, S3, Ep 01
India are set to embark on a 5-match Test series against England. Shubman Gill is captaining a new-look side away from home, as India hopes to start the new World Test Championship cycle in style. As the Sledging Room Podcast returns with the first episode of Season 3, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar and Kingshuk Kusari discuss India's chances in the series and the potential of this new-look team giving England a run for their money. There are several talking points going into the series. What is the status of Jasprit Bumrah's fitness, should the axe fall on Gautam Gambhir if India fails in…
27 May 2025 · 35 min
Rishabh Pant’s Nightmare Season: What Went Wrong for LSG & Delhi Capitals? | Sledging Room, S2 Ep 88
The Lucknow Super Giants splashed a massive amount of cash on Rishabh Pant in the Indian Premier League 2025 mega-auction. But things went horribly wrong for both Pant and his franchise this season. LSG failed to make it to the playoffs, and Pant endured a historic low in the competition. Questions were raised about Pant’s ability as a T20 batter and as a leader of the side. In the latest episode of the Sledging Room podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Kingshuk Kusari discuss what went wrong with the Lucknow-based franchise and their captain. They also delve into the fortunes of the…
16 May 2025 · 45 min
Virat Kohli Retires from Test Cricket | Who Will Lead India in England? | Sledging Room, S2 Ep 87
Virat Kohli has announced his shock retirement from Test cricket, just 770 runs short of the coveted 10,000-run mark. Despite the BCCI's efforts to convince him to stay for the upcoming England tour, Kohli decided the time was right to step away. Known for his fiery passion and unrelenting drive, Kohli’s Test legacy remains unmatched. But with his departure, the big question looms: Who will captain India in the red-ball format? Jasprit Bumrah or Shubman Gill? In this episode, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Alan Jose break down Kohli’s decision, his legacy, and what lies ahead for Indian…
5 May 2025 · 33 min
IPL 2025: Is Vaibhav Suryavanshi the NEXT Sachin Tendulkar? | Sledging Room, S2 Ep 86
What were you doing at 14? Vaibhav Suryavanshi, at just 14, has become the toast of the cricketing world after smashing a 35-ball hundred — a knock far beyond his years as he pummelled 11 sixes, two of which travelled over 90 metres. Vaibhav became the youngest player in Twenty20 history to score a century when he dismantled some of the best bowlers in the business against Gujarat Titans. The audacity and power of his strokes left the cricket world in awe. But is it really possible for a 14-year-old to generate such immense power? We asked his coach, Manish Ojha, about the teenager’s journey…
25 Apr 2025 · 39 min
Mumbai Indians mean business, but what's wrong with Rishabh Pant in IPL 2025 | Sledging Room S2 Ep 85
Just a week ago, everyone had written off the Mumbai Indians. But with four straight wins and a squad clicking in perfect rhythm, they've roared back into the spotlight. The five-time champions aren't just winning—they're dominating, playing with the swagger and confidence of a team that knows exactly how to conquer titles. In contrast, Rishabh Pant - acquired for a record-breaking Rs 27 crore to lead Lucknow Super Giants - has looked a shadow of his once-destructive self. After nine matches this season, he has mustered just 106 runs, with 63 of those coming in a single knock against CSK.…
24 Apr 2025 · 47 min
Worst Captain-Coach Combos of IPL 2025 | Sledging Room, S2, Ep 84
As IPL 2025 approaches its halfway stage, one trend is becoming increasingly clear: teams with strong captain-coach partnerships are thriving. Whether it’s Axar Patel and Hemang Badani, Ashish Nehra and Shubman Gill, or Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting — clear communication and mutual trust are driving success. We saw a similar impact last year with Gautam Gambhir’s return. This raises an important question: Is the IPL becoming more like football, where man-management takes centre stage? What exactly is the coach’s role — to offer technical input or to manage egos and personalities? In the…
3 Apr 2025 · 55 min
IPL 2025: Chennai’s cringe, Mumbai’s burden | Sledging Room, S2, Ep 83
Two of the biggest icons of the IPL, MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, are under scrutiny in the 2025 season. The Dhoni mania in Chennai has turned into a cringefest, while concerns over Rohit's form continue to grow. At 43, Dhoni remains sharp behind the stumps and still packs a punch with the bat. However, the idol-worship in Chennai has taken an uncomfortable turn, with some CSK fans even cheering for the dismissals of players batting ahead of him—sparking criticism from former cricketers. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma is struggling to find form. Could Mumbai Indians be forced into a tough decision if…
28 Mar 2025 · 56 min
RCB will win IPL 2025. Here's why! | Sledging Room, S2, Ep 82
Well, RCB are on top of the IPL points table. Yes, after the first round of matches, the men from Bengaluru are sitting pretty. They delivered a stellar performance against defending champions KKR in the IPL 2025 opener. Early signs are promising for the perennial underachievers. Could 18 finally be their lucky number? Meanwhile, CSK, DC, and SRH kicked off their campaigns with strong performances, but Rajasthan Royals have been dismal in their first two outings. They hardly resemble a side coached by Rahul Dravid. KKR, on the other hand, bounced back emphatically with a dominant win in…
11 Mar 2025 · 46 min
Champions Trophy Wrap: Is Rohit's India better than Dhoni's? Sledging Room S2 Ep 80
Is Rohit's India the best in ODI history? India clinched the Champions Trophy 2025 by beating New Zealand. Rohit Sharma's team played a dominant campaign, winning the title without losing a single game. Since taking over the team, Rohit has changed the culture in the Indian team, first under the stewardship of Rahul Dravid and then Gautam Gambhir. This has resulted in India dominating the ICC white-ball competitions, where they reached the final in the 2023 ODI World Cup and won two trophies in 2024 (T20 World Cup) and 2025 (Champions Trophy). So, where does that put Rohit on the list of…
6 Mar 2025 · 46 min
Champions Trophy a flop? Is ODI cricket dying? | Sledging Room S2, Ep 79
The Champions Trophy 2025 has reached its final stage. India and New Zealand are set to take on each other in the summit clash at the Dubai International Stadium on March 9, Sunday. While ICC tournaments usually have an edge to them, the ongoing tournament has been kind of bland. From washouts to security breaches in the stadiums and a lack of fans, this edition of the Champions Trophy has not had any zip about it. Is it the PCB, which is responsible for this mess, or is it the ICC, which has not been able to get the fans into the stadiums in the ODI format? With the stadiums not filling to…
24 Feb 2025 · 41 min
Champions Trophy: What Pakistan can learn from Virat Kohli | Sledging Room S2, Ep 78
How disappointed were you on Sunday? Whether you were a Pakistan fan or an Indian fan, and whether or not you enjoyed Virat Kohli's masterclass, you must have felt a tinge of sadness watching cricket's biggest rivalry turn into a one-sided affair. Once fierce competitors, Pakistan have now become India's punching bags. The Champions Trophy 2025 match in Dubai was a prime example. At no point did Pakistan look threatening. With the bat, they were timid against an Indian attack that wasn't even at its best. Captain Mohammad Rizwan played an outdated brand of ODI cricket, and Pakistan paid the…
18 Feb 2025 · 57 min
Champions Trophy 2025 preview and team ratings: Are India the favourites? | Sledging Room S02 Ep 77
The Champions Trophy returns to the cricket calendar after eight years, marking a significant moment for Pakistan, which hosts a major ICC event for the first time in 29 years. Eight teams will compete for the prestigious title, once famously dubbed the mini-World Cup. India enters as the outright favorite, but in a high-stakes tournament like the Champions Trophy, where margins for error are minimal, every team has a chance. While India's bowling unit appears slightly vulnerable without Jasprit Bumrah, their overall strength makes them strong contenders for the title. Can Pakistan defend…
12 Feb 2025 · 50 min
Champions Trophy: Shreyas Iyer's shocking claim exposes India's think-tank problem | Sledging Room, S2 Ep 76
Why fix something that isn't broken? India seem to be overcomplicating their combination in the ODI series against England, which is a worrying sign ahead of the Champions Trophy. There appears to be a real problem of plenty for coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma. Why on earth did they leave out Shreyas Iyer for the series opener in Nagpur? An injury to Virat Kohli meant Shreyas got an opportunity after a late phone call from the skipper. The star batter revealed he was not in the XI as late as the eve of the match. India had initially decided to play both Yashasvi Jaiswal and…
5 Feb 2025 · 47 min
No way back to T20Is for Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant? | Sledging Room, S2 75
India's T20I side is looking formidable after a dominant 4-1 series win over England at home, continuing their impressive run in the shortest format of the game. Under Suryakumar Yadav's captaincy, India have established a settled line-up in T20Is. Young talents are excelling, while senior players are embracing greater responsibility. The template set by Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid prior to the T20 World Cup triumph has been maintained, with a few lovely updates. Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson have stood out as openers, showcasing fearless cricket at the top of the order. They have been…
28 Jan 2025 · 42 min
Is Gautam Gambhir not equipped enough to be an all-format coach? | Sledging Room, S2 74
How good are India in T20I cricket? Since winning the T20 World Cup in 2024, India have taken their game in the shortest format of the game a notch higher. It seems the transition period in T20I cricket has been more seamless than in Tests for India. Three doyens of the format - Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja - retired after the World Cup triumph. However, India don’t seem to miss them a lot. The coach-captain partnership between Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav has worked wonders. While Gambhir has not managed to find success in Test cricket, he has been a remarkable coach…
25 Jan 2025 · 47 min
Ranji Trophy a smokescreen? How good is India’s Champions Trophy squad | Sledging Room, S2 73
Rohit Sharma suffered twin failure on his return to Ranji Trophy after nine years. The India captain struggled against Jammu and Kashmir in Mumbai. While he has not regained form, questions about his participation in the first-class tournament have emerged. What’s the point of Rohit playing Ranji now? There was an opportunity for him to play domestic cricket before the 2024-25 Test season. What can Virat Kohli achieve from one round of Ranji Trophy? Will India look past their batting superstars for the tour of England, which starts in June? Well, what do you make of India’s Champions Trophy…

About Sledging Room

Sledging Room is a English sport podcast from India Today Podcasts. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: India Today Podcasts
Language: English
Category: Sport
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 46 min
Latest episode: 1 Oct 2025
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1630184379

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