Express Sports: Recent Episodes
Express Audio
Express Sports is your one-stop shop for everything that is significant in sports. Tune in for freewheeling interviews of athletes and sharp analyses by our experienced sports reporters.
This week, The Indian Express cricket expert Venkata Krishna B speaks to former India all-rounder Robin Singh ahead of the Test series in Sri Lanka, starting this weekend. Robin shares his views on the critical issues facing Indian cricket as the team enters a crucial phase.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Rohit Sharma’s future in India’s ODI team remains uncertain. With no official word from the selectors, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath are joined by Lalith Kalidas to discuss the questions surrounding his place in the team, whether it is fair to single him out for India’s recent struggles, and what the team could lose by moving on from him.
They also discuss whether Yashasvi Jaiswal is ready to take over, the challenges of preparing for overseas conditions, and the larger questions around India’s selection policy, team management and lack of clarity ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
The CWG began yesterday, but there's barely any buzz around it. It's not because the FIFA World Cup has dominated the headlines, but because this scaled-back edition of the Games has significantly reduced India's medal prospects. And for many of the athletes competing, the CWG is little more than a warm-up for the Asian Games. Host Mihir Vasavda and Pritish Raj discuss all this and much more in this week's episode.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
After more than 1,500 days at the top of the ICC T20I rankings, India were knocked off the perch by England following a 5-0 series whitewash. The humiliation in England was preceded by another series defeat, in Ireland, and suddenly, the world champions coached by Gautam Gambhir are looking wobbly. In this week's episode, hosts Amit and Mihir are joined by The Indian Express' cricket expert Venkata Krishna B, who explains the reasons behind the troubled run.
Produced by Niharika Nanda and Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Hosts Amit and Mihir are joined by The Indian Express' athletics correspondent, Pritish Raj, to unpack why India's track and field athletes have been rewriting the record books. They examine how these performances compare with Asian and global standards, discuss why some results warrant cautious optimism, and look ahead to this month's Commonwealth Games.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
In this episode, Sandip G., The Indian Express' man on the ground in the US and Mexico, takes us behind the scenes of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Sandip joins hosts Amit and Mihir to talk about the emotions of stepping into the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City for the first time, contrasts the atmosphere there with the mood in the US, and shares his thoughts on the teams that have impressed him most after the group stage.
Read Sandip's World Cup dispatches here: https://indianexpress.com/profile/author/sandip-g/
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Amit and Mihir return this week to talk about Neeraj Chopra's comeback after nearly eight months. The javelin great competed in the Doha Diamond League on Friday - his first competition since the World Championships last year. They discuss his performance, his decision to go solo without a foreign coach, the technical changes and the path ahead as the season picks momentum ahead of the Commonwealth and Asian Games.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week, Mihir Vasavda is joined by Sandip G, The Indian Express' man on the ground in the USA and Mexico, where the FIFA World Cup gets underway this week. Sandip provides a crash course on covering a tournament of this scale, before they discuss why European teams may find it tough to succeed at this tournament, and if Carlo Ancelotti can finally lead Brazil to the promised land.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
In this episode, Mihir Vasavda is joined by The Indian Express' cricket expert Venkata Krishna B. They talk about how Chennai Super Kings - the five-time IPL champions who owe their identity and stature to their former captain - are forced to put their future plans on hold because of Dhoni's uncertain future. They also talk about the rise of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and what it means for Indian cricket.
Produced by Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
In this episode, our co-hosts Amit Kamath and Mihir Vasavda discuss one of sport’s most controversial innovations — a competition for athletes who use performance-enhancing drugs. The inaugural edition of the Enhanced Games took place in Las Vegas over the weekend. They examine the ethical questions surrounding the event, as well as its Indian connection.
In photo: Aron D’Souza, the Indian-origin man whose brainchild the Enhanced Games are, is marketing the event as a disruptor to the Olympics.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
An investigation by The Indian Express has found that funds meant to support athletes and build public sporting infrastructure were also used to develop high-end facilities inside civil services institutions and a residential colony for bureaucrats. In this episode, host Mihir Vasavda, who undertook this investigation, talks about how the National Sports Development Fund was allegedly diverted, the records uncovered through RTI documents, and why the findings raise larger questions about accountability and the use of public money.
You can read the investigation here.
Hosted and produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
In this week’s episode, host Mihir Vasavda is joined by cricket expert Venkata Krishna B to discuss a concerning development in the Indian Premier League. The BCCI’s anti-corruption unit has flagged the presence of unauthorised persons in IPL dugouts, and board secretary Devajit Saikia has said there will be no leniency and that no one will be spared. Venkata explains the match-day protocols, the exact nature of the violations, and why the BCCI is concerned.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
In this week's episode, Amit and Mihir are joined by The Indian Express' badminton expert Shivani Naik to analyse the rise of 21-year-old badminton player Ayush Shetty. The 6-foot-4 shuttler has turned heads with his performances at the Asian Championships and Thomas Cup. Shivani dissects his playing style, the pros and cons of being a tall player and what his emergence means for Indian badminton.
Produced by Ichha Sharma and Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
In this episode, hosts Amit Kamath and Mihir Vasavda discuss Magnus Carlsen's remarks on Gukesh's 'understanding' of chess - one of the many critical remarks the former world champion has made on the reigning champ. They analyse the strengths and weaknesses of Gukesh and Sindarov, who will face off for the world title later this year, and end the episode by discussing why India's bid for 2038 Asian Games sounds more reasonable than other events the country wants to host.
Produced by Niharika Nanda and Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week on the show, we discuss the story behind the making of the newest World Championship challenger from India, R Vaishali.
Produced by Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
In this week's episode, Amit, Vinayakk and Mihir marvel over the emergence of teenage star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has taken the IPL by a storm. They analyse his early days, the technique and mindset that set him apart, and the need to nurture a young talent with care. And, at the end of the episode, there's also a special farewell.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week on the show, hosts Vinayakk and Mihir are joined by Shashank Nair to discuss Italy’s failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup and how it compares to the decline of other sporting dynasties. They also talk about soaring World Cup prices that could deter travelling fans, and share the storylines they’re looking forward to in the 48-team tournament starting June 11.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Laxman Sivaramakrishnan made his Test debut at just 17 and was seen as one of India’s brightest cricketing talents of the 1980s. But behind that early promise was a more difficult journey, marked by the pain of discrimination over his skin colour. In this episode, Venkata Krishna B joins Vinayakk Mohanarangan to unpack his story. You’ll also hear from LS himself, as he reflects on his journey in his own words.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Hosts Vinayakk and Mihir are joined by hockey coach and commentator Siddharth Pandey this week to talk about all things Indian hockey. The men's team recently lost all their matches at home and remained winless at the tour of Australia. Have the back-to-back Olympic medallists begun the transition too late, and will that impact their World Cup ambitions? They also discuss the bold decisions taken by women's coach Sjoerd Marijne as he aims to rebuild a side that was in doldrums.
Produced by Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Shivani Naik, The Indian Express’ badminton expert, joins host Vinayakk and Amit to break down an Indian shuttler’s run to the final of the All England tournament.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
India defeated New Zealand to become the first team to win back-to-back T20 WC titles, turning the Narendra Modi Stadium into the site of a very different memory for Indian cricket fans. India posted 255 for 5, with half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, before their bowlers sealed a dominant win. In today's episode host Mihir Vasavda joined by The Indian Express' Sandip G and Devendra Pandey discuss about how exactly India dismantled New Zealand and where Indian cricket may be heading next.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Amit and Mihir are joined by cricket expert Venkata Krishna B to talk about India's path to the World Cup semifinal. They look back at Sanju Samson's incredible knock against the West Indies, analyse Jasprit Bumrah's greatness and look forward to the two semifinals: New Zealand vs South Africa on Wednesday, followed by India vs England on Thursday.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
In this week's episode, Amit, Vinayakk and Mihir talk about the heartwarming tales from the T20 World Cup, including Zimbabwe's fairytale run, Nepal fans adding colour to the tournament and the other unfancied teams who have punched above their weight. They also look forward to the Super 8s, as the tournament enters its business end.
Produced by Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
In this week’s Game Time episode, Vinayakk and Amit discuss Sunday’s India vs Pakistan clash in Colombo that was once again a lopsided contest with Suryakumar Yadav’s side prevailing comfortably. Venkata Krishna, who was at the venue to witness the thrashing, joins in with his inputs.
Produced by Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week on the show, Vinayakk, Amit and Mihir get together to preview the T20 World Cup. They begin by discussing if there's a growing World Cup fatigue, with a major event every year since 2021. They also talk about India's explosive batting line-up, wondering if it makes them the overwhelming favourites and touch upon other big storylines - including a Pakistani spinner with unique action - likely to unfold during the tournament.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week, hosts Amit and Mihir discuss how window for athletes to train is shrinking in and around the National Capital Region because of toxic air in winter and searing summers. As the country makes a pitch for the 2036 Olympics, this is adversely impacting the health and training of athletes from a wide range of sports, especially the juniors. International badminton stars who competed in Delhi at the India Open, have complained to the International Olympic Committee about the air pollution, and have cited health concerns.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
In this episode, hosts Amit Kamath and Mihir Vasavda discuss the fallout from Bangladesh’s refusal to travel to India for next month’s T20 World Cup, the events leading up to it, and whether it permanently damages cricketing relations between the neighbours.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week, hosts Vinayakk and Mihir dive into the off-court chaos at the India Open badminton tournament — from pigeon droppings on the court to monkeys in the stands.
Though even on court, India’s performances, left much to be desired.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Recently, some of the top Indian footballers made a heartfelt appeal to solve the crisis engulfing the domestic game. There are no broadcasters and no investors willing to put their money in Indian football - and now, the players are staring at a pay cut. This week, Vinayakk, Mihir and Shashank Nair talk about Indian football's freefall and why the game finds itself mired in multiple problems.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
As the year comes to a close, we wrap up 2025 with a special year-ender episode. In this edition, we speak to journalists and editors from The Indian Express newsroom, not from the sports desk, about the sporting moments that stayed with them this year. From iconic wins and unforgettable matches to personal favourites that sparked joy, debate, or disbelief, our colleagues share what made 2025 memorable for them as sports fans.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week, Amit and Mihir are joined by a special guest, Michael Payne. Widely credited as the architect of the modern sports marketing model, Payne offers a ring-side view into some of the biggest Olympic deals and explains how the mega-event was transformed into a commercial colossus. The former marketing director of the International Olympic Committee -- who recently published his third book, _Fast Track and Dark Deals_ -- also explains what India must be wary of as the country mounts and aggressive pitch to host the 2036 Olympics.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week on the show, host Mihir Vasavda speaks to The Indian Express’ Lalith Kalidas about his investigation into how Puducherry has become a backdoor into Indian cricket’s elite leagues. They discuss how fake addresses, eligibility papers, and a parallel selection system allow players from other states to bypass residency rules, often in plain sight of cricket’s governing bodies, and how money, access, and lax oversight allow the system to thrive.
You can read the investigation here.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week, our hosts Amit and Mihir are joined by The Indian Express’ Nihal Koshie to discuss the story of the boy who ran into trouble. Aman Malik, a budding long-distance runner from Haryana got embroiled in a doping scandal in Kenya and is sentenced to three years in jail. We discuss his journey and what it indicates about the drugs menace in sports.
To read the story, click here: https://indianexpress.com/article/long-reads/budding-long-distance-runner-haryana-doping-scandal-kenya-10392324/
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed Suresh Pawar
Former Indian cricket coach international cricketer L. Balaji joins The Indian Express' Mihir Vasavda and Venkata Krishna B to analyse India's 2-0 series loss against South Africa, the concerns in the pace-bowling department and why, despite the defeat, there's no need to panic.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed Suresh Pawar
At the ongoing FIDE World Cup in Goa, neither world champion Gukesh, nor Pragg and Arjun Erigaisi made it to the semis. This week hosts Mihir Vasavda, Vinayakk Mohanarangan and Amit Kamath discuss the extent to which this is a cause for concern.
Further listening:
https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/chess/chess-world-cup-a-question-for-grandmasters-what-after-work-their-reply-take-a-walk-10350335/
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed Suresh Pawar
The journey of Indian women's cricket from sidelines to spotlight
This week, Vinayakk and Mihir are joined by expert guest Ananya Upendran, who played for Hyderabad and India A during her career and is Program Lead at GoSports Foundation for the Equal Hue program. Ananya reflects on the journey of women's cricket over the years and the challenges it overcame before becoming world champions.
Produced by Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Hosts Vinayakk Mohanarangan and Mihir Vasavda talk about one of the most famous sporting moments in India's history as the women's cricket team won the World Cup on Sunday. They look back at India's campaign, talk about the incredible journeys of the players who made it happen and what this could do for women's cricket in the country.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Additional links:
* Her grit, Her game, Her glory: From Harmanpreet Kaur to Shafali Verma, meet India’s 16 pioneering World Cup winners
- Her story is history: Harmanpreet Kaur & Co on top of the world
This week, host Mihir Vasavda talks to The Indian Express chess experts Amit Kamath and Mayank Chaudhary about the untimely passing away of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky. They talk about how the Russian great Vladimir Kramnik has found himself at the centre of the controversy, and discuss the larger issue of cheating in chess, especially how Kramnik’s unsubstantiated allegations against Naroditsky took a mental toll on him.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
The Indian Express' Venkata Krishna B joins host Amit Kamath this week to discuss what fans can expect from Shubman Gill's reign and what the future could hold for stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week on Game Time, hosts Amit Kamath, Vinayakk Mohanarangan and Mihir Vasavda share their views on the complete breakdown of cricketing relations between India and Pakistan. From Suryakumar Yadav's actions to Pakistani players' gestures on the field and the Asian Cricket Council chairman Mohsin Naqvi running away with the trophy... Is there a way back from this historic low?
Produced Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Amit Kamath, Vinayakk Mohanarangan and Venkata Krishna B discuss the ICC Women’s World Cup starting on September 30 in Guwahati. Can India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, create history by winning their first ever title? And is there truly home advantage?
Produced by Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Hosts Amit Kamath, Vinayakk Mohanarangan, and Mihir Vasavda discuss Neeraj Chopra’s eighth place finish at the Athletics World Championships, examining the possible reasons behind his struggles this season and how he might bounce back. They also look at Sachin Yadav’s fourth place finish, a result that came as a pleasant surprise.
(This episode was record on the 19th of September)
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawas
This week, hosts Amit Kamath and Mihir Vasavada are joined by Sandip G, The Indian Express' man on ground in Dubai, covering the Asia Cup. They talk about the India vs Pakistan tie and the calls to cut off the sporting ties. In Dubai, Sandip says there's very little buzz on the eve of the match in which India start as favourites.
Produced by Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week, hosts Amit Kamath and Mihir Vasavda turn their attention to the World Athletics Championships, scheduled for September 13–21. Neeraj Chopra will lead a 12-member Indian team and, notably, return to the site where he transformed from just another athlete into a javelin legend. They look back on the Pandemic Games, the challenges Neeraj overcame before winning gold, and how that moment sparked a javelin revolution in India—with four throwers qualifying for the Worlds, the most from any country.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh
This week, hosts Vinayakk Mohanarangan, Shivani Naik and Mihir Vasavda look back at the Badminton World Championships. Satwik and Chirag won their second medal, a re-energised Sindhu continued her dominance over China, Dhruv-Tanisha had a decent run in mixed doubles but Lakshya Sen had another frustrating outing.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week, The Indian Express' badminton correspondent Shivani Naik joins hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath to talk about why a change in taste palette in China is making badminton academy owners in India sweat. Come for Shivani's insights and stay for Mihir's impassioned plea to Indians to eat more duck meat in "national interest".
Further reading: https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/badminton/shuttlecock-prices-increase-spiral-india-stocks-china-pork-duck-10180007/
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week on Game Time, hosts Amit Kamath, Mihir Vasavda and Vinayakk Mohanarangan are joined by The Indian Express’ Sandip G to discuss the debate around Bumrah's availability for long tours and the drying talent pool in the pace bowling department.
To read Sandip's analysis, click here: https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/jasprit-bumrah-mohammed-siraj-india-vs-england-fast-bowling-10181589/
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
The Indian Express' sports editor, Sandeep Dwivedi, joins hosts Vinayakk Mohanarangan and Amit Kamath this week to talk about his experiences of covering the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy from the ground in five England stadiums.
You can read Sandeep Dwivedi's India vs England Tour diary here.
Produced by Ichha Sharma and Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week on Game Time, hosts Vinayakk Mohanarangan and Amit Kamath are joined by Mayank Chaudhary to discuss a possible power shift in women’s chess. For decades, the game has been dominated by Chinese players — but with two Indian women recently battling it out for the World Cup title, while two Chinese players competed for third place, signs are emerging that a new Indian era could be on the horizon. Tune in for insights on what this moment means for Indian chess and how the landscape of the women’s game is evolving.
Produced by Niharika Nanda and Shashank Bhargava
Edited by Suresh Pawar
In this episode, hosts Vinayakk and Mihir are joined by The Indian Express cricket writer Venkata Krishna B to talk about Rishabh Pant’s courageous performance in the fourth Test against England. The trio also debates whether cricket should adopt a more flexible substitution rule—similar to those in football and hockey.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
In this episode of Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda, Amit Kamath, and Vinayakk Mohanarangan are joined by Deepali Deshpande, a former India shooter and the coach of the Indian shooting team who has been to multiple Olympics and shaped many careers of Olympic medalists and world champions. Together, they break down the game-changing rule proposals introduced by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), set to take effect from 2026, and what these rule changes could mean for the future of rifle shooting.
Produced by Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
In this episode, hosts Vinayakk, Amit and Mihir look back at the first three Tests of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. They try to make sense of India's frequent batting collapses in Tests, the consistency of Ravindra Jadeja and how Mohammed Siraj has brought an edge to the bowling unit.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
In a special episode, hosts Amit Kamath, Vinayakk Mohanarangan and Mihir Vasavda are joined this week by former India women's hockey coach Sjoerd Marijne, who led the team to a famous fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics. He talks about the 'pain' of watching the rapid slide of the women's team, what India can learn from other nations and the way forward.
Produced by Shasahnk Bhargava and Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week, Amit Kamath and Mihir Vasavda talk all things athletics. First up, they look forward to Neeraj Chopra's NC Classic. They then discuss why the newest sprint sensation, Australia's Gout Gout, is compared to Usain Bolt and then debate if Faith Kipyegon's attempt to run a mile inside 4 minutes was just a Nike gimmick or meant something more.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Hosts Amit Kamath, Vinayakk Mohanarangan, and Mihir Vasavda look ahead to the five-Test series between India and England, beginning today — a series that marks not just the start of a new season, but also the unmistakable sense of a new era unfolding.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
In this week on Game Time, The Indian Express' Shivani Naik joins hosts Vinayakk Mohanarangan and Mihir Vasavda to make sense of the slump in Indian badminton, the form of singles stars including PV Sindhu, the hope in doubles, and why patience will be the key in this transition phase.
Produced by Ichha Sharma and Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week on Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavada and Amit Kamath discuss the one thing that the entire sporting world, not just the chess world, was talking about in the last few days, the famous Magnus Carlsen fist bump on the table and the pat on the back after losing to D. Gukesh at Norway Chess Championship.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
In this episode, hosts Vinayak Mohanarangan and Mihir Vasavda are joined by The Indian Express’s Sandip G for an in-depth discussion on the rise of Madhya Pradesh as a cricket hub. They explore how the state has produced nearly a dozen players who have featured for various teams in the ongoing IPL. Sandip shares stories and insights from his travels across the state, while Vinayak explores trends uncovered through a detailed survey.
Additional links:
https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/shashank-singh-rajat-patidar-tale-of-three-madhya-pradesh-cities-indian-t20-boom-10034852/
https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/ipl-2025-survey-india-state-t20-leagues-impact-mp-punjab-delhi-10035386/
Produced by Ichha Sharma and Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s retirements, all eyes on India’s transition into a new era with Shubman Gill named as captain and Rishabh Pant his deputy ahead of a daunting tour of England for five Test matches. Mihir Vasavda, Venkata Krishna B and Vinayakk Mohanarangan discuss what’s ahead for the Indian men’s Test team.
Produced by Niharika Nanda
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
On Friday at the Doha Diamond League, Neeraj Chopra finally achieved something he had long aimed for—a 90m-plus throw. His 90.23m effort not only marked a personal best but also made him the 25th man to enter the 90m club in javelin. In this episode of Game Time, Amit Kamath and Vinayakk Mohanarangan discuss what this long-awaited milestone means for Chopra and its significance in the sport.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
The 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) was abruptly suspended on Friday due to the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan. However, with a ceasefire now in place, the BCCI is planning to extend the tournament until May 30 and will be releasing a revised schedule soon.
In this episode, recorded on Saturday (May 10), host Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath discuss what led the BCCI to put the IPL on hold and how the board explained its decision.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week on Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath discuss the electrifying rise of two teenage sensations, Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old Barcelona forward shining in the Champions League, and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 14-year-old batting prodigy from Bihar who's stormed into the IPL spotlight. As headlines hail them the next Messi and Tendulkar, we ask: is early success really a blessing is disguise?
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week on Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda, Amit Kamath, and Vinayakk Mohanarangan dive into one of the toughest moments in an athlete’s journey — retirement. They discuss why players often struggle to time their exit right, the emotional and financial challenges they face in life after sport, and how some find new purpose while others grapple with identity loss. Tune in for insights, anecdotes, and reflections on a decision every athlete must eventually confront.
Produced by Ichha Sharma and Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
In this episode of Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda, Amit Kamath, and Vinayakk Mohanarangan analyze how a tweak in gun laws, increased accessibility, and growing interest have made shooting in India arguably second only to cricket in terms of mass participation.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Amit, Vinayakk and Mihir dissect the changes to Los Angeles Olympics sports programme, how it impacts India's medal hopes, the landmark decision to allot more spots to women than men and recap the Badminton Asian Championship and Shooting World Cup.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week on Game Timer, hosts Mihir Vasavda, Amit Kamath, Vinayakk Mohanarangan, and Devendra Pandey discuss the cricketing logic of CSK persisting with Dhoni as well as the emotional connect the fans have developed with him. And they also touch upon the BCCI's decision to host a Test match in Delhi during peak pollution season.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
In this episode of Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavada, Amit Vinayak and Vinayakk Mohanarangan discuss the first week of the IPL, where controversy brews over pitches, batting dominance, and the role of bowlers. From Ajinkya Rahane's pitch request at Eden Gardens to Kagiso Rabada’s candid take on the rising scores in the tournament, we explore the latest trends and debates around cricket’s most exciting league. Plus, updates on Arif Khan’s Winter Olympics qualification and a breakthrough in Indian athletics.
Produced by Ichha Sharma
Mixed and edited by Suresh Pawar
It’s summertime, and that can only mean one thing—the IPL is back! In this episode, hosts Mihir Vasavda, Vinayak Mohanarangan, and Venkat Krishna B. chat all things IPL, from Dhoni’s fitness and Chennai’s spin-heavy strategy to surprise captaincy calls at RCB and KKR. Will this be MS Dhoni’s final bow? Can Punjab Kings finally come of age? And what does ‘Project Bumrah’ mean for MI and Team India?
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Sunil Chhetri, one of the greatest footballers of his generation, had bid farewell to international football nine months ago. However, with India facing a do-or-die situation in the third round of the Asian Cup qualifiers, the former captain has made an unexpected return to the national team.
This week on Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath discuss what Chhetri’s comeback means for Indian football and the concerns it raises about the team’s future.
Produced by Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
In today’s episode, hosts Mihir Vasavada and Amit Kamath discuss India’s long-awaited victory in the ICC Champions Trophy and their first ICC tournament win since 2013. From Virat Kohli’s tournament performance, which could silence retirement talks for now, to Rohit Sharma’s match-winning knock. The hosts also discuss the standout performances, like KL Rahul’s solid innings and Varun Chakravarthy’s incredible bowling, which led India to the finish line.
Hosted by Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath
Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week on Game Time, our cricket correspondent Venkata Krishna B joins hosts Vinayakk Mohanarangan, and Amit Kamath to discuss the recent India-Pakistan match in the Champions Trophy, noting that while the rivalry was exciting, the match itself didn't live up to expectations. They also look forward to India’s upcoming match against New Zealand.
Produced by Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week on Game Time, our cricket correspondent Venkata Krishna B joins hosts Vinayakk Mohanarangan, and Amit Kamath to discuss the complexities of the Champions Trophy’s hybrid model and the challenge of balancing two vastly different playing conditions between Pakistan and Dubai, its impact on team strategies, and the road ahead for India and other teams.
Produced by Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week on Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda, Vinayakk Mohanarangan, and Amit Kamath discuss the latest developments in Indian hockey. As the FIH Pro League begins in Bhubaneswar—also serving as a 2026 World Cup qualifier—India's men's and women's teams make their return to international competition, each with their own distinct goals.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week on Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath discuss Indians and people of Indian origin investing in franchises of The Hundred, a British cricket league. They then talk about India’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, two decades after the controversial 2010 edition.
Produced by Ichha Sharma and Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
From the doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand to potential future stars like Anupama Upadhyay and Rakshitha Ramraj, The Indian Express' Shivani Naik joins host Mihir Vasavda, Amit Kamath, and Vinayakk Mohanarangan to discuss the current state of Indian badminton. In light of recent tournaments and the upcoming Olympic cycle, she reviews the sport’s highs and lows, offering insights into where Indian badminton stands today and what the future might hold.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Returning from Australia after covering the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Indian Express chief cricket writer Sri Veera joins hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath to share ground-level stories, behind-the-scenes reporting challenges, and unique insights into covering an international cricket series.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Gukesh is the world champion, and another Indian could challenge for the title in 2026. Magnus Carlsen is no longer interested in competing for the World Chess Championship. There is also the prospect of a breakaway league looming. What does this mean for chess? Hosts Vinayakk Mohanarangan and Amit Kamath discuss it in this episode of Game Time.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
India lost their grip on the Border Gavaskar Trophy as they lost the Sydney Test. The Indian Express’ Vinayakk Mohanarangan and Mihir Vasavda recap a disappointing outcome with Sriram Veera joining from Sydney.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
A whopping FIFTEEN wickets fell on Day 2 of the Sydney Test. The Indian Express’ Vinayakk Mohanarangan, Amit Kamath and Mihir Vasavda recap the day's action with Sriram Veera joining from Sydney.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Another batting debacle leaves India on the ropes in the series finale, with Gill and Kohli getting out in questionable fashion while Pant shows willingness to take blows before being dismissed. The Indian Express’ Vinayakk Mohanarangan, Amit Kamath and Mihir Vasavda recap the day's action with Sriram Veera joining from Sydney.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Niharika Nanda
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
An exclusive story by The Indian Express’ Devendra Pandey, Sriram Veera, and Venkata Krishna B went viral online yesterday. The report revealed that shortly after India lost seven wickets in 20.4 overs, conceding the Melbourne Test to Australia, head coach Gautam Gambhir delivered stern remarks to the entire squad in the dressing room on Monday. The story sparked widespread discussion about the current state of the Indian cricket team, Gambhir's leadership, and whether such a 'leak' should have been reported at all.
In this episode, host Mihir Vasavda is joined by Devendra Pandey to dig deeper into the story and address the questions it has raised.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Read the story here: https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/gautam-gambhir-india-dressing-room-chaos-cracks-whip-bgt-ind-aus-9753802/
Hosts Mihir Vasavda, Amit Kamath, and Vinayakk Mohanaranga wrap up the year by discussing the most significant sporting moments of 2024, highlighting the triumphs, controversies, and the unforgettable events that defined the year.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
The Indian Express’ Vinayakk Mohanaranga and Mihir Vasavda are joined by Sriram Veera and Pratyush Raj to dissect India's defeat in the fourth Test, which leaves them trailing 1-2 heading into the final match of the series. They also discuss the future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, as well as Rishabh Pant's another debatable dismissal.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
The Indian Express’ Vinayakk Mohanarangan, Venkata Krishna, and our man in Melbourne, Sriram Veera, look back at Day 4 of the Melbourne Test where India had Australia in a spot of bother but let things slip.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
The Indian Express’ Sriram Veera, Vinayakk Mohanarangan and Mihir Vasavda look back at the young batsman's maiden Test century that has given India a fighting chance to save the Test match.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
The Indian Express’ Sriram Veera, Vinayakk Mohanarangan and Mihir Vasavda look back at a dramatic day where India seem to have lost the plot in the last 20 minutes that saw Jaiswal getting run out, Kohli losing his wicket cheaply and India staring down the barrel once again.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Hosts Vinayakk Mohanarangan, Mihir Vasavda and Sriram Veera analyse the opening day of the Boxing Day Test, which lived up to the hype. 19-year-old debutant Konstas challenged Bumrah & Co. in an unprecedented manner as Australia dominated Day 1. But the biggest talking point will be Kohli's barging into Konstas's shoulder in a show of aggression.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
In today's episode, Venkata Krishna B joins Vinayakk to discuss the surprising decision by Ravichandran Ashwin to retire in the middle of the Border-Gavaskar series and much more.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
The Indian Express' Sriram Veera, Mihir Vasavda, and Sandip G discuss how Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah dug deep to brighten India's chances of salvaging a draw from an impossible situation after KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja scored fine fifties, with Australia set to be without the injured Josh Hazlewood for the remainder of the Test and possibly the series.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Sriram Veera joins Mihir Vasavda and Lalith Kalidas to analyse India's batting collapse, whether the visitors can save this Test and wonder how Jasprit Bumrah must feel like watching his teammates cheaply throw away their wickets.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Can India still salvage the Brisbane Test? Sriram Veera joins us with insights from the Gabba, while Mihir Vasavda and Vinayakk Mohanarangan discuss Rohit Sharma and Co struggles.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Sriram Veera joins us from Brisbane, with insights on how Indian players have been faring before the third Test, alongside Mihir Vasavda and Vinayakk Mohanarangan.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Yesterday, the 18-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju upstaged China’s Ding Liren in the final game of their best-of-14-games to become the youngest ever world chess champion in Singapore. Gukesh is now the second Indian to claim the prestigious classical chess world title, following the legendary Viswanathan Anand.
In this episode, hosts Amit Kamath, Mihir Vasavda, and Vinayakk Mohanarangan discuss Gukesh's historic victory, and how he managed to outplay the reigning champion.
Further listening: Why 17-yr-old Gukesh is a worthy successor to Vishy Anand
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Australia level the five-match series with a comfortable 10-wicket win. Our cricket correspondent Venkata Krishna B joins hosts Mihir and Vinayakk to analyse the defeat, captain Rohit Sharma's slump and if it's affecting his captaincy.
Produced by Niharika Nanda
Edited and Mixed by Suresh Pawar
With India on the brink of losing the Adelaide Test, Sriram Veera joins us from Australia to discuss Day 2 action with Mihir Vasavda and Vinayakk Mohanarangan.
Produced by Niharika Nanda
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
The Indian Express’ Sriram Veera joins from Adelaide as Mihir Vasavda and Vinayakk Mohanarangan discuss a brilliant Day 1 for Australia in the 2nd Test.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Sriram Veera, The Indian Express’ man in Australia, joins from Adelaide with Mihir Vasavda and Vinayakk Mohanarangan, looking forward to the 2nd Test of Border Gavaskar Trophy.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Where does Perth 2024 rank among India’s greatest Test wins Down Under? Sriram Veera, The Indian Express’ man in Australia, weighs in as Vinayakk Mohanarangan and Lalith Kalidas discuss a famous day.
Produced by Niharika Nanda
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Sriram Veera joins from Perth as Venkata Krishna and Amit Kamath dissect a sensational day for India in the Perth Test.
Produced by Niharika Nanda
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Sriram Veera joins from Perth as Venkata Krishna and Vinayakk Mohanarangan dissect a sensational day for India in the Perth Test.
Produced by Niharika Nanda and Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Vinayakk Mohanarangan and Venkata Krishna discuss an incredible Day 1 of BGT. Sriram Veera, The Indian Express' man on the ground in Australia for the IND vs AUS series also shares his notes from Perth.
Produced by Niharika Nanda
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Sriram Veera, The Indian Express' man on the ground in Australia for the IND vs AUS series shares his impressions and notes from Perth a day before the first Test.
Produced by Niharika Nanda
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
As the Border–Gavaskar Trophy kicks off this Friday, hosts Amit Kamath and Vinayakk Mohanarangan are joined by The Indian Express' Chief Cricket Writer, Sriram Veera, on this week's podcast. Together, they explore India's prospects, the challenges ahead, and the key moments to watch in this eagerly awaited series.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Sanju Samson struck his second T20I century in the opening match against South Africa at Durban's Kingsmead stadium on Friday. He reached the milestone in just 47 balls, setting a new record for the fastest T20I century by an Indian against South Africa. With this, he surpassed captain Suryakumar Yadav, who had previously held the record with a 55-ball century.
This week on the show, hosts Amit Kamath and Vinayakk Mohanarangan are joined by The Indian Express’ Lalith Kalidas to discuss Samson's remarkable innings, his rising profile in T20 cricket, and India's strategic plans going forward.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week on the show, hosts Mihir Vasavda, Amit Kamath, and Vinayakk Mohanarangan are joined by Venkata Krishna B to discuss India’s shocking whitewash at home against New Zealand, marking a historic low for the team. They dissect the series, debating whether it was worse to bat first on a challenging pitch or to face a formidable New Zealand side underestimated by India.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
India’s medal haul at the 2022 Commonwealth Games (CWG) is set to be harder to replicate in 2026, as six of the 12 medal winning sports from last time—responsible for 37 of India’s 61 medals—won’t be part of the lineup. Scheduled in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, the 2026 Games will exclude badminton, cricket, hockey, squash, table tennis, and wrestling. Previously, shooting and archery, both strongholds for India, were also left out of the 2022 Birmingham Games.
But does India really care about the CWG? Should the government start prioritizing other international competitions instead? This week on Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath examine the Games' relevance and their significance for Indian athletes.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Vinayakk Mohanarangan reflect on a challenging week for Indian cricket, with both the women's and men's teams facing disappointing outcomes. India captain Harmanpreet Kaur had called this one of the best teams India had ever sent to a World Cup, making their group stage exit especially disheartening. Meanwhile, the men's team's poor performance at home, where they were bowled out for just 46 runs against New Zealand, further compounded the disappointment. Tune in as they discuss where India fell short and explore the implications these setbacks could have for the future of Indian cricket.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week on Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Vinayakk Mohanarangan are joined by The Indian Express' Namit Kumar to look back at the most iconic moments of Rafael Nadal's career. From his rivalries with Federer and Djokovic to the comebacks that define his legacy, they explore what made him stand apart. Tune in as they share the emotional moments that left a lasting impact on Nadal's journey to greatness.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week on Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Vinayakk Mohanarangan are joined by The Indian Express' Pratyush Raj to recap the India vs Bangladesh Test series, discussing everything that went right and wrong—both on and off the field.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
With India’s chess masters making history by winning gold medals in both the men’s and women’s team competitions at the 45th International Chess Federation (FIDE) Chess Olympiad, this week on Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda, Amit Kamath, and Vinayakk Mohanarangan trace their journey to the top and discuss why it took India so long to achieve this milestone.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Earlier this month, Vinesh Phogat joined the Congress party and is contesting the Haryana elections from Julana constituency, shortly after her disqualification from the Paris Olympics 50-kg gold medal bout for being 100 grams overweight. Phogat, a key figure in protests against BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accused of sexually harassing female wrestlers, is now campaigning in Julana with days left before the elections.
Indian Express’ Nihal Koshie, who spent a day with her on the trail, shares insights on her smooth transition from wrestling to politics on this week’s Game Time with hosts Mihir Vasavda and Vinayakk Mohanarangan.
Produced by Niharika Nanda and Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
After the Paris Olympics, where he missed defending his gold and settled for silver, Neeraj Chopra opened up about his groin injury and how it impacts his performance. This week on Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath discuss how this injury could affect his future and his pursuit of the 90-meter mark.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Vinayakk Mohanarangan dive into India’s performance at the 2024 Paralympics, highlighting the key medal winners and the most memorable moments.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
With the Paralympics currently underway, hosts Mihir Vasavda, Amit Kamath, and Vinayakk Mohanarangan discuss India's medal winners so far and how the media should be covering the event.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week on Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda, Amit Kamath, and Vinayakk Mohanarangan dissect India’s hockey performance in Paris and discuss what the bronze medal win means for the team’s future.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Niharika Nanda
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat returned home this week to an unexpected hero’s welcome despite her Olympic heartbreak. After staying in Paris to appeal her disqualification from the 50-kg gold-medal bout due to being 100g overweight, her appeal was dismissed, leaving her visibly disheartened. Yet, her homecoming was marked by celebration. This week on Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Mihir Vasavda breakdown the entire saga.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Mihir Vasavda, The Indian Express' man in Paris covering the Olympics, joins Amit Kamath and Vinayakk Mohanarangan for this episode to put into context India's six Paris 2024 medals (with one medal in limbo due to Vinesh Phogat's case being heard at international court).
Hosted by Amit Kamath and Vinayakk Mohanarangan
Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
In this episode, co-host Vinayakk Mohanarangan is joined by Indian Express' Shivani Naik to talk about India's most promising athletes who fell short at Paris 2024. They explore the reasons behind the unexpected outcomes, analyse key performances, and reflect on what went wrong for the top medal contenders.
Hosted by Amit Kamath and Vinayakk Mohanarangan
Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
On the day Neeraj Chopra became India's greatest living Olympian, Neeraj Chopra also showed that he is human after all
Hosted by Amit Kamath and Vinayakk Mohanarangan
Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Vinayakk Mohanarangan joins Amit Kamath to discuss Neeraj Chopra's silver medal and Indian hockey team's bronze
Hosted by Amit Kamath and Vinayakk Mohanarangan
Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Mihir Vasavda, who's covering Paris Olympics for Express, joins Vinayakk and Amit to talk about the twin heartbreaks that lay between Vinesh Phogat's fight to reduce 100 gms of body weight and Mirabai Chanu's fight for a second Olympic medal that ended one kilogram short.
Hosted by Amit Kamath and Vinayakk Mohanarangan
Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Mihir Vasavda, The Indian Express man in Paris covering the Olympics, joins Vinayakk and Amit to speak about Day 11 of Paris 2024, featuring Vinesh Phogat, Neeraj Chopra, and the Indian hockey team.
Hosted by Amit Kamath and Vinayakk Mohanarangan
Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Mihir Vasavda, The Indian Express' man in Paris covering the Olympics, joins Vinayakk and Amit to discuss where this medalless campaign leaves Lakshya Sen and Indian badminton.
Hosted by Amit Kamath and Vinayakk Mohanarangan
Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Mihir Vasavda, who was in the stands for India's win over Great Britain, and Vinayakk Mohanarangan, explain why the Indian men's team's win over Great Britain in the Paris Olympics quarters was one of the best in recent times.
Hosted by Amit Kamath and Vinayakk Mohanarangan
Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Vinayakk Mohanarangan and Amit Kamath discuss a damp squib of a day for India in Paris and talk about the super Sunday at the Olympics
Hosted by Amit Kamath and Vinayakk Mohanarangan
Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
No medals for India, but plenty of history-making for Indian athletes at the Paris Olympics. Mihir Vasavda joins Vinayakk Mohanarangan and Amit Kamath from Paris to discuss India's Day 7.
Hosted by Amit Kamath and Vinayakk Mohanarangan
Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Athletes like Nikhat Zareen, PV Sindhu, Satwik-Chirag and Sift Samra -- who were considered brightest medal hopes for India -- crashed out on Thursday.
Hosted by Amit Kamath and Vinayakk Mohanarangan
Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
On a medal-less Day 5 for India at Paris 2024, badminton stars came to the party. But history-making paddlers were ousted.
Hosted by Amit Kamath and Vinayakk Mohanarangan
Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
After Manu Bhaker made history at the Paris Olympics, we examine what makes the young shooter different.
Hosted by Amit Kamath and Vinayakk Mohanarangan
Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Mihir Vasavda joins us from France to talk about the significance of 22-year-old Manu Bhaker's history-making medal.
Hosted by Amit Kamath and Vinayakk Mohanarangan
Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Mihir Vasavda joins us from France to talk about the significance of 22-year-old Manu Bhaker's history-making medal.
Hosted by Amit Kamath and Vinayakk Mohanarangan
Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
The Indian Express’ Mihir Vasavda, who is covering the Olympics from the ground in Paris, gives us his impressions of the games so far, and India’s Day 1 performance.
Hosted by Amit Kamath and Vinayakk MohanaranganProduced by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
With the Paris Olympics set to start on the 24th of this month, this is the final part of a three-part preview of what’s at stake for India and the challenges that lie ahead for our contingent. Each part of the preview will explore the aspirations and hurdles aligned with the Olympic motto — Faster, Higher, Stronger. This week, we go stronger.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
With the Paris Olympics set to start on the 24th of this month, this episode is part of a three-part preview of what’s at stake for India and the challenges that lie ahead for our contingent. Each part of the preview will explore the aspirations and hurdles aligned with the Olympic motto: Faster, Higher, Stronger. This week, we go higher.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
With the Paris Olympics set to start on the 26th of this month, we kick off our special Olympics series, Pod of the Rings. Mihir Vasava, Amit Kamath, and Vinayakk Mohanarangan will bring you a comprehensive look at the games, including highlights, in-depth discussions, and event recaps.
We begin this week with a three-part preview of what’s at stake for India and the challenges that lie ahead for our contingent. Each part of the preview will explore the aspirations and hurdles aligned with the Olympic motto — Faster, Higher, Stronger.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Yesterday, India stunned South Africa to clinch their second ICC T20 World Cup title with a thrilling seven-run victory at Kensington Oval in Barbados.
After being asked to bowl first, the Proteas made a strong start, claiming three crucial wickets during the Powerplay, including those of skipper Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Suryakumar Yadav. However, India staged a remarkable recovery as Virat Kohli and Axar Patel forged a crucial 72-run partnership for the fourth wicket, the highest by an Indian pair in a World Cup final.
In this episode, our hosts Mihir Vasavda, Amit Kamath, and Vinayakk Mohanarangan discuss what led India to lift the T20 World Cup this time.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week on the podcast, hosts Mihir Vasavda, Amit Kamath, and Vinayakk Mohanarangan discuss the ways in which the ICC’s policies have favored India this time. They explore the lack of transparency in the draw, a schedule that seemingly benefits India, and a tournament structure that appears to stifle surprises and intrigue.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week on the podcast, hosts Amit Kamath and Vinayakk Mohanarangan dive into the excitement of the ongoing T20 World Cup. Join them as they discuss the USA’s advancement to the Super 8, Pakistan’s surprising early exit, the impact of stormy weather on the tournament, and India’s prospects moving forward.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
With the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup underway, this week on the podcast, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Vinayakk Mohanarangan discuss the India vs. Pakistan match scheduled for later today, as well as the match between Pakistan and the United States that concluded on Friday, in which the United States defeated Pakistan.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Mahiyar Rohinton Patel
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week on the podcast, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath sit down with Indian Express’ Vinayakk Mohanarangan to discuss the highs and lows of the IPL 2024 season. Join them as they delve into the standout performances, surprising upsets, and major controversies that defined this year's tournament.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Earlier this week, 39-year-old Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri announced his retirement in a video posted online, stating that the match against Kuwait on June 6 will be his last game for the Indian national team.
Chhetri has been India's top goal scorer and a mentor for young Indian footballers for over a decade. This week on Game Time, host Amit Kamath is joined by Indian Express' Shashank Nair to discuss what sets Chhetri apart, what he has meant for the Indian team, and the gap he leaves behind.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Earlier this week, the Senior Selection Committee announced India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to take place in the West Indies and the United States of America starting in June. Notably, among those selected was the wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, who has showcased exceptional form during IPL 2024.
In this week's episode of Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath are joined by Indian Express’ Sandip G to delve into Sanju’s career trajectory, his fervent fan base, and his diverse interests beyond the cricket field.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
After considering the possibility of selecting new-generation players and appointing a new captain, it appears that the selectors have ultimately returned to familiar choices while assembling the World Cup T20 lineup. This week on Game Time, host Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath are joined by Indian Express' Rahul Pandey to discuss the lineup and the possible reasons behind it.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
From world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen to his mentor Vishy Anand back home, doubts surrounded D Gukesh's potential heading into the Candidate Tournament. However, the 17-year-old prodigy shattered expectations, emerging triumphant in the competition and earning the chance to face off against reigning world chess champion Ding Liren. Join hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath this week on Game Time as they delve into Gukesh's stunning victory, discussing what sets him apart and what this win means for him.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week on the podcast, host Mihir Vasavda is joined by Indian Express’ Venkata Krishna B to discuss everything IPL, from people criticizing Virat Kohli’s strike rate, Hardik Pandya facing constant criticism, to ticket prices skyrocketing (to as high as over Rs 52,000).
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
With nearly 100 days left until the Paris 2024 Olympics, is India ready? Will Neeraj Chopra finally throw beyond 90m? Will Saikhom Mirabai Chanu lift over 200kgs? And will Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Chandrashekhar Shetty be able to win a medal for us?
This week on Game Time, host Mihir Vasavda is joined by Indian Express' Vinayakk Mohanarangan to take stock of India's Olympic contingent.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Why doesn't MS Dhoni own the helicopter shot? Why is sports betting illegal in India? And why isn't the garbage cleared after an IPL match? These are just some of the curious questions that lawyer Nandan Kamath examines in his book ‘Boundary Lab’. It is the answers to these questions that end up revealing a lot about the way we view and organize the world around us.
This week on Game Time, Kamath is joined by hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath to discuss the book and some of these fascinating topics.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
After switching from the Gujarat Titans to the Mumbai Indians, Hardik Pandya faced relentless booing during his team's initial match in Ahmedabad, supposedly due to feelings of betrayal from Gujarat. This hostile reception continued during the subsequent game in Hyderabad as well. As he prepares for his first match at home this Monday, it remains uncertain whether Pandya will encounter the same level of disapproval at Wankhede Stadium as he did in Ahmedabad and Hyderabad.
This week on Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath are joined by Indian Express’ Devendra Pandey and Venkata Krishna B to discuss the reasons behind this trolling and what it says about the current fan culture.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Since its establishment in 2008, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has emerged as the foremost T20 cricket tournament globally, gradually overshadowing longer domestic competitions. Last month, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the wealthiest cricket board worldwide, addressed this issue by warning players against favoring IPL over domestic cricket.
As a deterrent, two young players, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan, were excluded from their list of central contracts for missing Ranji Trophy matches this season. A recent analysis by the Indian Express highlights the extent of this problem: out of the 165 Indian cricketers enlisted for IPL 2024, 56 didn't participate in any Ranji matches, with an additional 25 featuring in just one game.
This week on Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath are joined by Indian Express’ Pratyush Raj to discuss this issue and how it is affecting the sport.
Produced by Niharika Nanda and Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
With the Paris Olympics just five months away, Satwik-Chirag, along with javelin champion Neeraj Chopra and boxing talent Nikhat Zareen, have sparked discussions regarding the possibility of them winning a gold at the tournament.
This week on Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath are joined by Indian Express' Shivani Naik to discuss the challenges ahead for the badminton duo and the current status of Indian badminton.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawa
Last week, after recently achieving his 500th test wicket, R Ashwin became only the 14th Indian to feature in 100 Test matches. This week on Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath are joined by Venkata Krishna B to trace his journey thus far.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
In less than a week, Indian hockey witnessed the departure of two key figures. First, the women’s coach Janneke Schopman resigned, stating that it was ‘very difficult’ to deal with individuals in Hockey India. Then, on Tuesday, the body’s CEO Elena Norman also resigned, citing incidents of factionalism and challenging working conditions.
In this episode, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath discuss the issues plaguing Indian hockey and how worried we should be about it.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Last week, India clinched the Badminton Asia Team Championships title for the first time, whether in the men's or women's category.
This achievement holds particular significance as prior to this win, India had not advanced beyond the quarterfinal stage. What makes this victory even more noteworthy is that it was spearheaded by three youngsters under the age of 21.
To decipher the significance of this title, Shivani Naik and Vinayakk Mohanarangan from the Indian Express join host Amit Kamath.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Last month, Rohan Bopanna became World No. 1 in the ATP men's doubles rankings with victory alongside his Australian partner Matthew Ebden at the Australian Open, becoming the oldest player to do so at 43.
This week on Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath track Bopanna's remarkable career, and the lessons we can learn from it
Produced by Niharika Nanda and Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
In the ongoing India-England test series, much attention has been directed towards the condition of the pitches and how they might potentially influence India's performance. In this episode, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath are joined by Indian Express’ Rahul Pandey to discuss everything related to the pitch and India's prospects in this series.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Niharika Nanda
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
They came 4th at the Tokyo Olympics, but could not even qualify for Paris. In this episode, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath are joined by Vinayakk Mohanarangan to discuss what went wrong.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Over the past several months, wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan had expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of breaks amidst his hectic cricketing schedule. However, when he finally secured some time off, he chose to appear on the show "Kaun Banega Crorepati" and later travelled to Dubai. Photos surfaced of him on the balcony of a skyscraper and dining at a fine restaurant.
Surprisingly (or not so surprisingly), even though this aligns with the typical notion of taking a break, it appears that the decision-makers in Indian cricket were not pleased. And later, Kishan was mysteriously dropped from the Afghanistan Series.
In this episode, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath are joined by Indian Express’ Pratuysh Raj to talk about this entire affair, and the concerns it raises for other players.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
For the first episode of this year, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath discuss the six most important decisions that India's sports persons, coaches, and management will have to make, including those related to the T20 World Cup and the Olympics.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
After a hiatus of 5 weeks, Game Time returns just in time for the year-end! In this episode, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath unveil the top 5 sports moments selected by The Indian Express sports team—or, at least, that was the initial plan. However, an unexpected sixth pick is revealed by our producer, surpassing even the coveted top slot. Tune in to discover the surprise twist.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed Suresh Pawar
Additional Links:
* Shivani Naik’s Asian Games piece
* Andrew Amsan’s Delhi State Athletics Meet story
This was not an Australian cricket team that was as intimidating as previous iterations. But Australia managed to defeat the dominant Indians in the Cricket World Cup final. Amit Kamath and Vinayakk Mohanarangan dissect Australian cricket team's Championship DNA and talk about what Rohit Sharma and Co could have done better.
Edited and mixed bu Suresh Pawar
Hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath build-up to the final, relive the nightmare of 2003 and hope for redemption in Sunday's final. They also ask an important question: Would you pay Rs 8.51 lakh for one ticket?
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
In this episode of our ongoing World Cup series, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath discuss the biggest controversies (and the biggest nontroversies) that have kept fans entertained throughout the World Cup.
In this episode of our ongoing World Cup series, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath discuss Australia's victory over South Africa in the semi-final which secures them a clash with Rohit Sharma and Co in the final.
In this episode of our ongoing World Cup series, hosts Amit Kamath and Mihir Vasavda are joined by Pratyush Raj to discuss India’s victory against New Zealand in the semi-final and the phenomenal performances of Virat Kohli and Mohammad Shami.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
As India take on New Zealand in the semi-final of the World Cup, Rahul Pandey joins Amit Kamath on this special episode of Express Sports podcast to talk about the factors that could end up deciding the clash.
Produced by Usta Sarmin and Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Must reads:
How sea breeze at the Wankhede will make life tough for team batting second during the Powerplay
How Brendon McCullum effect and Kiwis reaching 2019 World Cup finals increased the number of second school cricket players in New Zealand
In this episode of our special series that will run through the end of the Cricket World Cup, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath look back at the 'drag' league phase with focus on England and Pakistan's disastrous campaigns.
On this week's episode, as India faces off against South Africa, host Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath are joined by Indian Express' Pratyush Raj to delve into India's exceptional bowling performance, particularly that of players like Mohammed Shami, while also exploring the remarkable success of underdogs Afghanistan in the ongoing World Cup.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Why does India want to host the Olympics? And should it? Is hosting the biggest sporting tournament really worth the hassle? This week on Game Time, host Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath are joined by The Indian Express' Shivani Naik to discuss India's Olympic hopes and whether it's better to host the party than to attend it.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
An injury and a dengue case notwithstanding, the Indian cricket team has been largely untroubled at the ongoing World Cup, winning all four of their games so far. The Indian Express sports team's Venkata Krishna B joins hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath to talk about India's campaign so far.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
The upcoming India-Pakistan World Cup match, scheduled for today, is one of the most highly anticipated cricketing events of the year, and the excitement is palpable in the air. In this episode of Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath are joined by Indian Express’ Devendra Pandey to discuss everything you need to know about it. This includes the security arrangements in place, what fans should and should not do at the venue, the politics surrounding this highly charged match, the atmosphere on the ground, the hype, and the challenges ahead for the Indian team in this World Cup.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
With India's World Cup campaign set to begin on Sunday in Chennai against Australia, star opener Shubman Gill is down with dengue. Is India prepared for the tournament, and how will the southern city's heat and playing at nine different venues affect the team? What are India's chances of winning the trophy this time? In this episode of Game Time, host Amit Kamath joins Venkata Krishna B to discuss all this and more.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
After six days of breakneck action, India have 32 medals at the Hangzhou Asian Games. What have been the biggest hits, and the most glaring misses? Vinayakk Mohanarangan and Amit Kamath discuss in this episode of Game Time.
Produced by Utsa Sarmin
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
As the Asian Games 2023 kick off today, we speak to Mihir Vasavda, our co-host who is currently in Hangzhou to cover the games. Join us for a brief update as Indian Express’ Amit Kamath chats about how China has welcomed the delegates, and how technologically advanced the Chinese city appears to be.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week on Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath are joined by Shivani Naik of the Indian Express to discuss the upcoming Asian Games, scheduled to take place from September 23 to October 8, 2023, in Hangzhou, China. They delve into what you can anticipate, explore whether India can replicate its medal count from Jakarta 2018, and also delve into the biggest storylines to follow.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week on Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath delve into the complications surrounding the Asia Cup, including its geopolitical and management challenges. They also explore the potential inclusion of cricket in the Olympics and its implications for the sport.
Produced by Utsa Sarmin and Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Even though rain led to the Asia Cup game between India and Pakistan being called off, the men in blue seems to have found some answers to how they may shape up at the upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup. Pratyush Raj joins host Rahul Pandey to discuss the game and the squad.
Read Devendra Pandey's breaking story on the World Cup squad.
Produced by Utsa Sarmin
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
After clinching gold at the Tokyo Olympics, Asian Games, and the Commonwealth Games, as well as finishing on top at the Diamond League, Neeraj Chopra last week also triumphed at the World Athletic Championship. This week on Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath discuss Chopra's remarkable consistency, his sportsmanship, and whether he is India’s greatest athlete of all time.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Abhishek Kumar
Earlier this week, R Praggnanandhaa, the 18-year-old Indian Grandmaster, made history by becoming the youngest player to reach the final of a FIDE World Cup. Despite losing the final to the reigning World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in tiebreakers, this undoubtedly marked his most remarkable achievement in a major tournament. In this episode of Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath discuss this feat, what contributed to his rise, and what lies ahead for India's young grandmasters.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Abhishek Kumar
'Hope' remains the big keyword as India announced their 17-member squad for the 2023 Asia Cup. The Indian Express' Pratyush Raj joins host Rahul Pandey to talk about the personnel involved and what skipper Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar said about them.
What are the implications of the recently concluded India vs. West Indies (ODI) tour on the upcoming World Cup? What does Jasprit Bumrah's return mean for the team? Will Rishabh Pant ultimately be included in the World Cup squad? Join host Mihir Vasavda as Indian Express' Sriram Veera and Devendra Pandey discuss all this and more.
Produced by Utsa Sarmin and Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Abhishek Kumar
The overarching theme of this football season, which commenced on Friday night in England, is the Saudi Arabian cash splurge. Do the billions of dollars spent by the country threaten Europe's dominance in world football? Does it make Asia the next prominent destination for the world's top footballers? Are top European teams and managers justified in feeling threatened? This week on Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath are joined by Indian Express’ Sandip G to answer these questions and more.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Abhishek Kumar
With nine changes made to the original 2023 ODI World Cup schedule, the updated itinerary came out less than two months away from the marquee tournament. The last set of tickets shall be made available less than a month away from the opening game. Indian Express' Devendra Pandey joins host Rahul Pandey to talk about the latest developments and how the BCCI has taken the cricket fans for granted.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Abhishek Kumar
Earlier this week, the 17-year-old chess prodigy and Grandmaster Dommaraju Gukesh became India's top chess player, breaking a live ratings record held by Viswanathan Anand for 36 years. In this episode, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath discuss Gukesh's remarkable rise, and the bond shared by the teenage prodigy and India's first Grandmaster. This episode also includes voice notes and interview excerpts from both of them, so listen in!
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
India won a total of 7 medals at the Tokyo Olympics — one gold, two silvers, and four bronze medals. This week on Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath discuss the possibility of the medal winners repeating history and assess their current standing, precisely a year ahead of the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and Mixed by Abhishek Kumar
With less than three months left in the big ticket India-Pakistan clash at the 2023 ODI World Cup in Ahmedabad, the BCCI may be forced into moving the match to another date owing to security concerns. Indian Express' Devendra Pandey talks details with host Rahul Pandey.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Mixed by Suresh Pawar
From being praised for having ‘a bit of Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic’ in him, to defeating Djokovic at the Wimbledon final, the 20-year-old World No.1 from Spain, Carlos Alcaraz, appears to be the ‘next big thing’ in tennis.
But what makes him different from those before him? What makes him actually stand out? And what will his trajectory look like? In this episode of Game Time, host Amit Kamath is joined by Indian Express’ Namit Kumar to answer all these questions and more.
(Also, stay tuned until the very end to find out who is watching Barbie and who is watching Oppenheimer this weekend.)
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Abhishek Kumar
After months of protests by some of India's top wrestlers, the Delhi police has now filed a 1,599 page chargesheet against BJP MP and Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused by six women wrestlers of sexually harassing them. The chargesheet claims that Singh is “liable to be prosecuted and punished for offences” of sexual harassment, molestation and stalking.
In this episode, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath are joined by Indian Express' Nihal Koshie to unpack the chargesheet, and discuss its biggest revelations.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Abhishek Kumar
With the likes of Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav at the fag end of their careers, Mohammed Shami approaching the same and Jasprit Bumrah out of action owing to a recurring injury, is the new World Test Championship cycle an apt time for India's pace attack transition? Pratyush Raj joins host Rahul Pandey to talk about the same.
Produced by Utsa Sarmin
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week on Game Time, hosts Amit Kamath and Mihir Vasavda talk about England's Ashes hypocrisy, and discuss the Indian football team's unbeaten home run this year.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Abhishek Kumar
If India ends up qualifying for the upcoming ODI World Cup final, then it would have played 9 matches in 9 different cities, and travelled over 8400 kms for it. This week on Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath are joined by Indian Express’ Venkata Krishna B and Rahul Pandey to talk about the possible mechanics that went into picking India's venues for the tournament.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Abhishek Kumar
After months and months of wait, the ICC finally revealed the schedule for the 2023 men's cricket world cup at an event in Mumbai. From the India-Pakistan setting in Ahmedabad and the political threads surrounding it to the varying conditions across venues, Indian Express' Venkata Krishna joins host Rahul Pandey to touch points around the itinerary.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
The Commonwealth Games bronze medallist high jumper Tejaswin Shankar, recently changed gears and ventured into a sporting event that requires an athlete to be a complete all rounder — Decathlon, in which a total of 10 events are divided equally over two days. This includes the 100 metres, long jump, high jump, shot put and 400 metres on Day 1, and the 110 metres hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin and 1500 metres on Day 2.
In this special episode of Game Time, Asian Games-bound Tejaswin joins hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath, along with Indian Express’ Andrew Amsan, to give a masterclass in what it takes to prepare and compete in the gruelling event.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawa
In this episode of Game Time, host Mihir Vasavda talks to Indian Express' Devendra Pandey about the road ahead for India after their humiliating defeat against Australia in the World Test Championship. They discuss the reasons behind the defeat, the reactions from the BCCI and the larger cricketing circle, the possible change in coach and the line-up, and why it is important for players to take a break.
Further reading: The R Ashwin interview
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Abhishek Kumar
A second straight loss in the World Test Championship Final, another ICC trophy missed out since 2013, Indian cricket suffered another heartbreak against Australia. Sandip G joins Rahul Pandey to talk about the mistakes India made in the 2023 WTC Final and the changes they can make to take the extra step in the next final.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
With the UEFA Champions League currently underway, this week hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath are joined by Sandip G to discuss the ongoing tournament, the highly anticipated final between Manchester City and Inter in Istanbul, the potential rise of the Saudi Pro League, and much more.
Produced by Utsa Sarmin and Shashank Bhargava
Edited and Mixed by Abhishek Kumar
As Rohit Sharma and Co prepare to face off Australia in the World Test Championship final, a 10-year drought awaits an end. Indian Express' Venkata Krishna B joins Rahul Pandey to preview the summit clash.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
This week on Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavada and Amit Kamath discuss the reasons behind the wrestlers' journey to Haridwar, where they intended to submerge their medals in the Ganga, what stopped them, and the reaction of international sports bodies to the wrestlers' protest.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Abhishek Kumar
This week on Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavada and Amit Kamath are joined by Indian Express’ Sandip G to talk about the biggest storylines emerging out of this IPL season, including how the Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans are giving a challenge to MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings for the top spot.
Also, Succession fans can look forward to Mihir’s analogy where Dhoni is Logan Roy, and Hardik Pandya is Roman Roy.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Utsa Sarmin
Edited and mixed by Abhishek Kumar
This week on Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath speak to Indian Express' Venkata Krishna B about how ‘fake fans’ queued up to buy tickets for MS Dhoni's last league cricket match, and then sold them for 4-5 times the money. Listen to find out who these people were, how the local police are often involved in such cases, and how fans are getting short-changed despite IPL ticket prices rising.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Abhishek Kumar
In this episode, hosts Mihir Vasavada and Amit Kamath are joined by chess legend Viswanathan Anand to discuss the rising stars of Indian chess, the results of the latest World Chess Championship, his experience of being a commentator, and what lies ahead for the sport.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited by Abhishek Kumar
In this episode, Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath discuss the ongoing protests by top Indian wrestlers and their investigation into Indian sports federations that revealed that more than half of the Indian sports federations are in violation of PoSh act guidelines and are ill-equipped to deal with sexual harassment complaints. In the later part of the show, they also talk about Ding Liren becoming the first world chess champion from China.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Abhishek Kumar
Back in January, some of India’s top wrestlers including Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and Vinesh Phogat got together to protest against the Wrestling Federation of India and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accusing him of sexually harassing several women wrestlers.
Shortly after this, the government formed an oversight committee to look into the allegations. But after barely three months, the wrestlers are back at the protest in New Delhi. In this episode, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath talk about the reasons behind this, and discuss the government inaction in the case.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Abhishek Kumar
Ajinkya Rahane, who was dropped from the Test side in 2022, has been selected for India’s World Test Championship final to be played against Australia at The Oval from June 7. In this episode of Express Delivery, Indian Express' Venkata Krishna joins host Rahul Pandey to talk about the return of Rahane and the reason behind his selection.
Produced by Utsa Sarmin
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
As he turns 50, we speak to the Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar in this special two part series. In this second part, he tells us about his journey to the top, and the most memorable moments from his career.
Hosted by Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath
Tendulkar’s interview by Sandeep Dwivedi, Sriram Veera and Devendra Pandey
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Abhishek Kumar
As he turns 50, we speak to the Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar in this special two part series. In this part, he tells us everything that led him to start playing cricket, and the support that he got from his family.
Hosted by Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath
Tendulkar’s interview by Sandeep Dwivedi, Sriram Veera and Devendra Pandey
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Abhishek Kumar
What is behind the massive fan following that MS Dhoni garners? What makes his relationship with CSK (and Chennai) so special? And is he in the top 5 of India's biggest sports stars? In this episode, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath are joined by Venkata Krishna B to discuss everything MS Dhoni.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Abhishek Kumar
People often talk about the former Indian cricketer Salim Durani, who passed away last Sunday, as a legend. The man who could hit sixes on demand, who could remove the best batsman, who eventually starred in Hindi films, and who was always surrounded by myths. In this episode, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath are joined by Indian Express’ Sriram Veera to pay tribute to the man who transcended the cricket field.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Abhishek Kumar
On today’s Game Time, Indian Express’ Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath talk about the mishaps and mismanagement by the organisers of the Women’s Grand Prix in New Delhi, including not ensuring proper hotel accommodation for players, which led to multiple players pulling out of the tournament and the FIDE president writing open letters of apologies to the players.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Abhishek Kumar
As the inaugural chapter of the Women’s Premier League comes to an end, Indian Express’ Pratyush Raj joins our host Rahul Pandey to talk about Mumbai Indians who were crowned champions, and discuss the players who dominated the league and whether Indian cricketers matched up to the levels of their international counterparts.
Produced by Utsa Sarmin
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
With the inaugural season of the Women's Premier League coming to an end tomorrow (Sunday), Australian all-rounder Grace Harris joins host Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath to talk about her experience playing with the UP Warriorz, and the future of the league.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Abhishek Kumar
If the Olympics, which is less than 500 days away, was to happen right now, how well would our athletes fare? What challenges are they facing right now? And who are the new faces that we should look out for? In this episode of Game Time, Indian Express' Mihir Vasavda and Amit Kamath answer these questions, and discuss what athletes really require in the lead up to the tournament.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
On today's Game Time, Indian Express' Mihir Vasavda, Amit Kamath and Shivani Naik discuss the upcoming All England Badminton Championship, give us a status check of the Indian players and who to look out for during the championships.
Edited and mixed by Abhishek Kumar
Produced by Utsa Sarmin
As the first chapter of the Women's Premier League is about to commence, Indian Express' Pratyush Raj joins our host Rahul Pandey to talk about what it means for an event like WPL in India. They discuss whether the league will provide a platform for women cricketers and coaches in India to showcase their talent and compete at a higher level, how it will give the domestic players an opportunity to train alongside and learn from some of the best cricketers in the world, and whether this league will change the society's views on women's cricket.
Produced by Utsa Sarmin
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Australia recorded an emphatic nine-wicket victory over India today during the third Test Day. This makes India's path to the World Test Championship final a bit complicated. But what went wrong during the match? Pratyush Raj joins Rahul Pandey to address this and more in this episode of Express Delivery.
Produced by Utsa Sarmin
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Should Russian athletes be allowed to take part in the Paris Olympics? What is the call that the International Olympic Committee should take in the matter? And how has the Russia-Ukraine war, which has been going on for over a year, impacted international sports? In this episode, host Mihir Vasavda and Indian Express' Amit Kamath try to answer all this and more.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Abhishek Kumar
While the Indian cricket team is busy adding runs and wickets, and fighting the international champions during the World Cup 2023, the auctions for the Women’s Premier League back home scored some big numbers as well. And for one player in the male cricket team, this week comes with a landmark moment for his cricketing journey. We are talking about Cheteshwar Pujara’s 100th Test.
In this episode, host Mihir Vasavda is joined by Devendra Pandey and Rahul Pandey to discuss a week, that was brimming with cricket news, cricket excitement, and a little cricket controversy, with a “sting” on one former BCCI member.
Edited and mixed by Abhishek Kumar
Produced by Anwiti Singh
Despite scoring a double hundred, two ODI hundreds, a T20 century and a maiden Test hundred over the past couple of months, Shubman Gill found himself out of India's XI for the Nagpur Test against Australia. Pratyush Raj joins Rahul Pandey to talk about that and India's selection policies of late.
From being outsiders in 2016 to being in the finals of the T20 World Cup, the 50-over World Cup, and Commonwealth Games, the Indian women’s cricket team has come a long way. And now for the World Cup 2023, which kicked off on Friday, the expectations are high.
In this episode, host Mihir Vasavda is joined by Game Time debutante Indian Express’ Venkata Krishna to discuss challenges the team has faced, the absence of Mithali Raj in the team this time, the entry of multiple new stars, and whether the women’s premier league could be as successful as the men’s IPL.
Edited and mixed by Abhishek Kumar
Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Anwiti Singh
In this episode, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Rahul Pandey are joined by Indian Express’ Sandip G to discuss everything you need to know about the latest BGT — From ‘tasty test matches’ and ‘Melbourne meltdowns’, to revisiting the India-Australia cricket rivalry and predictions for the upcoming series.
In this episode, host Rahul Pandey is joined by Indian Express’ Mihir Vasavda to to discuss the hockey world cup defeat, the Indian coach and captain, and is restarting the Hockey India League the solution to bring back India’s hockey glory or not?
This week, Indian wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik, accused BJP MP and Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment. In this episode, host Rahul Pandey is joined by Indian Express’ Nihal Koshie to talk about the allegations, the ongoing wrestlers protest, and who is Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
How will the tournament be affected without the presence of Roger Federer and Serena Williams? Who are the crowd favourites this year? And what are the storylines that you should look forward to? In this episode, host Rahul Pandey is joined by Indian Express’ Namit Kumar to talk about the Australian Open 2023.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
In this episode, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Rahul Pandey are joined by Indian Express’s Devendra Pandey to discuss the rise of SKY (Suryakumar Yadav), and the updates regarding Rishabh Pant's health post his car accident.
Produced by Anwiti Singh
Edited and mixed by Abhishek Kumar
In this episode, host Mihir Vasavda and Rahul Pandey are joined by Indian Express’ Devendra Pandey, Sandip G and Shivani Naik to talk to them about covering the biggest sporting events of 2022.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Abhishek Kumar
In this episode, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Rahul Pandey revisit and breakdown what was possibly the best World Cup final ever, and discuss what lies ahead for football considering how controversial the tournament was this time.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and Mixed by Abhishek Kumar
How did Argentina turn everything around after being defeated by Saudi Arabia? And is the team more than just its star player (Messi)? Also, how did France manage to reach the finals after having so many injured players? And who is their main star? Is it Mbappe or is it Griezmann? In this episode hosts Mihir Vasavda and Rahul Pandey discuss all this and more.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
On Tuesday, the Moroccan players etched their names in history as they progressed to the quarterfinals for the first time after defeating Spain, in yet another David versus Goliath battle. In this episode, host Rahul Pandey is joined by Indian Express’ Namit Kumar and Shashank Nair to discuss what made this possible, what it means for the North African country, and the storylines have really stood out.
Listen to all five episodes on the Indian Express://indianexpress.com/audio/pages-from-the-past/
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The FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar has witnessed surprise hits and surprise losses.
One such surprise has been Japan.
In this episode, host Rahul Pandey is joined by Mihir Vasacda and Shashank Nayar to discuss about Japan’s performance this world cup season. Without even probably understanding a word of Japanese commentary, football fans could feel all the emotions of this giant feat – Japan beating Spain and qualifying for the top 16.
Produced by Utsa Sarmin
Edited and mixed by Abhishek Kumar
On the 16th of November, Gulam Abbas Moontasir, the Indian basketball legend, died at the age of 80. Moontasir was one of India's greatest ball handlers and the most charismatic part of the star studded Railways team that won 9 titles out of 10 played domestically in the 60s and 70s.
In this episode, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Rahul Pandey are joined by Shivani Naik to talk about his career, what made him the original angry man of the 1970s, and his hometown Nagpada, which was once the centre for Basketball in India.
Produced by Anwiti Singh
Edited and Mixed by Abhishek Kumar
Title contenders at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and led by the talismanic Lionel Messi, Argentina were taken down by Saudi Arabia in a 2-1 defeat in Group C. From their high line and brave sense of attacking, to manager Herve Renard's party look, Indian Express’ Namit Kumar joins host Rahul Pandey to discuss everything that went by in the Group C clash.
In the shadow of several human rights violations, including the death of at least 9 Indian migrant workers, the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup will kick off tomorrow (20th November).
In this episode, host Mihir Vasavda is joined by Indian Express’ Sandip G, who will be in Qatar covering the tournament. They discuss what is going on in Qatar right now, the favourites and the underdogs this time, how this will be the last rumble for many football stars that have been worshipped by generations, and the storylines you should lookout for.
Also, don’t miss producer Shashank’s confusion over which team to support.
Additional link: https://bit.ly/3V6RRd2
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and Mixed by Abhishek Kumar
On Thursday, India suffered a heartbreak at the T20 World Cup after it lost to England by 10 wickets in the semi final in Adelaide. After the match, the cameras caught Indian skipper Rohit Sharma wiping away tears as he looked devastated after the loss, and the former England captain, Michael Vaughan, called India the “most under-performing white-ball team in history”.
In this episode, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Rahul Pandey, along with Devendra Pandey (who is in Adelaide right now) talk about the cracks within the Indian Team, and the need to completely revamp our T20 approach.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and Mixed by Abhishek Kumar
Even though India might have been a bit nervous going into the T20 World Cup without Jasprit Bumrah, it appears that Arshdeep Singh in his absence has handled that responsibility quite well. In this episode, host Mihir Vasavda and Rahul Pandey are joined by Indian Express' Sandip G to talk about Singh's performance so far, and the advantages of him being a left-arm seamer. They also discuss whether KL Rahul is back in form, and the last Pakistan vs South Africa match.
Before the upcoming match against South Africa on the 30th of October (Sunday), hosts Mihir Vasavda and Rahul Pandey sit down to dissect India’s first two matches (and wins) against Netherlands and Pakistan. They discuss Virat Kohli's monumental innings, India’s bowling line-up, why and how rains have been affecting the matches, and more.
Before the upcoming match against South Africa on the 30th of October (Sunday), hosts Mihir Vasavda and Rahul Pandey sit down to dissect India’s first two matches (and wins) against Netherlands and Pakistan. They discuss Virat Kohli's monumental innings, India’s bowling line-up, why and how rains have been affecting the matches, and more.
Earlier this week, Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary and the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), said that the Asia Cup 2023, which is to be hosted by Pakistan, will be shifted to a neutral venue. A few days after that, the Pakistan Cricket Board also issued a strongly-worded statement and threatened to boycott the 2023 ODI World Cup. And all this has happened just before the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match that is scheduled to take place tomorrow (October 23).
In this episode of Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Rahul Pandey are joined by Indian Express’ Devendra Pandey to talk about these statements, whether this is all political posturing, and the factors that will determine the result of tomorrow’s match (including the weather).
Earlier this week, Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary and the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), said that the Asia Cup 2023, which is to be hosted by Pakistan, will be shifted to a neutral venue. A few days after that, the Pakistan Cricket Board also issued a strongly-worded statement and threatened to boycott the 2023 ODI World Cup. And all this has happened just before the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match that is scheduled to take place tomorrow (October 23).
In this episode of Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Rahul Pandey are joined by Indian Express’ Devendra Pandey to talk about these statements, whether this is all political posturing, and the factors that will determine the result of tomorrow’s match (including the weather).
With the 2022 ICC Men's T20 World Cup starting tomorrow (16 October), hosts Mihir Vasavda and Rahul Pandey discuss how T20 has spread across the world, has helped democratise the sport, bring in new viewers, and the team they will be looking forward to this time.
With the 2022 ICC Men's T20 World Cup starting tomorrow (16 October), hosts Mihir Vasavda and Rahul Pandey discuss how T20 has spread across the world, has helped democratise the sport, bring in new viewers, and the team they will be looking forward to this time.
After a gap of 7 years, and in the backdrop of Navratri and the upcoming state elections, the National Games are currently underway in Gujarat. With an increased budget of Rs 2000 crore, the authorities somehow managed to get it up and running in a short span of three months. In this episode of Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Rahul Pandey talk about how serious athletes have been about these games, the problems that the organisers have faced, and the highlights for it so far.
After a gap of 7 years, and in the backdrop of Navratri and the upcoming state elections, the National Games are currently underway in Gujarat. With an increased budget of Rs 2000 crore, the authorities somehow managed to get it up and running in a short span of three months. In this episode of Game Time, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Rahul Pandey talk about how serious athletes have been about these games, the problems that the organisers have faced, and the highlights for it so far.
Two bowlers, two controversies. The first one involving Deepti Sharma’s run out that once again sparked the ‘Spirit of Cricket’ debate, and the second involving Jasprit Bumrah, who might not be taking part in the upcoming T20 World Cup. In this episode, host Rahul Pandey is joined by Indian Express’ Devendra Pandey to talk about how Bumrah’s absence will affect India, and why what Sharma did was absolutely fair (and was just revenge for what happened in Lagaan).
Two bowlers, two controversies. The first one involving Deepti Sharma’s run out that once again sparked the ‘Spirit of Cricket’ debate, and the second involving Jasprit Bumrah, who might not be taking part in the upcoming T20 World Cup. In this episode, host Rahul Pandey is joined by Indian Express’ Devendra Pandey to talk about how Bumrah’s absence will affect India, and why what Sharma did was absolutely fair (and was just revenge for what happened in Lagaan).
Right now, the world of chess is shaken by a possible cheating scandal involving American grandmaster Hans Niemann, and world champion Magnus Carlsen. The latter has posted cryptic memes after losing (further fueling suspicions) and has even withdrawn from a match, and the former has said that he is willing to play naked to prove his innocence. In this episode, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Rahul Pandey discuss how this controversy began, what have been the accusations, and the methods by which players have cheated in the past.
Right now, the world of chess is shaken by a possible cheating scandal involving American grandmaster Hans Niemann, and world champion Magnus Carlsen. The latter has posted cryptic memes after losing (further fueling suspicions) and has even withdrawn from a match, and the former has said that he is willing to play naked to prove his innocence. In this episode, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Rahul Pandey discuss how this controversy began, what have been the accusations, and the methods by which players have cheated in the past.
After winning the silver medal at the World Championships, and the Gold at the Olympics, javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has added another feather in his cap by winning the Gold at the Diamond League. In this episode, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Rahul Pandey join Indian Express’ Nihal Koshie to talk about the significance of this latest win, and break down the phenomenal success of Chopra.
After winning the silver medal at the World Championships, and the Gold at the Olympics, javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has added another feather in his cap by winning the Gold at the Diamond League. In this episode, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Rahul Pandey join Indian Express’ Nihal Koshie to talk about the significance of this latest win, and break down the phenomenal success of Chopra.
Last month, Serena Williams, one of the greatest athletes of all time, announced her retirement. In her nearly three decade long career, Williams has won 23 Grand slams and has had a tremendous impact on the field of Tennis. Recently, Indian Express’ Sriram Veera, to trace Williams’ journey, had spoken to Williams’ childhood coach Rick Macci. In this episode, we bring the highlights from that conversation that provide fascinating insights into Williams’ beginnings, what sets her apart from other athletes, and her legacy.
Last month, Serena Williams, one of the greatest athletes of all time, announced her retirement. In her nearly three decade long career, Williams has won 23 Grand slams and has had a tremendous impact on the field of Tennis. Recently, Indian Express’ Sriram Veera, to trace Williams’ journey, had spoken to Williams’ childhood coach Rick Macci. In this episode, we bring the highlights from that conversation that provide fascinating insights into Williams’ beginnings, what sets her apart from other athletes, and her legacy.
Indian Express’ Sandip G has been in Dubai covering the ongoing Asia Cup, and in this episode he joins hosts Mihir Vasavda and Rahul Pandey to talk about India's dilemma about its top-three, Afghanistan's stunning group-stage run, and of course the intolerant heat.
In this episode, host Rahul Pandey is joined by Indian Express’ Devendra Pandey to decipher Hardik Pandya's player of the match performance, Virat Kohli's return outing, India's bowling and playing XI choices in their thrilling Asia Cup 2022 opener vs Pakistan.
Tomorrow, 28th August, India will face Pakistan in the 15th edition of the Asia Cup cricket tournament. In order to defeat its arch rival, India will really have to get its batting order right. And which raises questions like, what should Kohli’s position be in the match? Should Dinesh Karthik be picked ahead of Rishabh Pant? And how much will Jasprit Bumrah’s absence affect India? To answer these questions, and many more, in this episode host Mihir Vasavda is joined by Indian Express’ Devendra Pandey and Rahul Pandey.
Additional links:
Sriram Veera’s article: https://bit.ly/3cnbcGm
Veera on the pod: https://bit.ly/3PZ3cJ3
In this episode, Rahul Pandey speaks to Mihir Vasavda and Shashank Nair about the suspension of the AIFF from FIFA, the consequences of this action, and what comes next.
Indian Express’ Sandip G, while talking about the recently concluded Chess Olympiad in Mahabalipuram (Chennai) says that he had never seen anything like it. In terms of how it was promoted, organised, and the calibre of players that attend the event. In this episode, he joins host Mihir Vasavda to discuss the biggest highlights of the tournament, and how the Indian teams performed.
In this final episode of the CWG Daily, Mihir Vasavda and Rahul Pandey go over their initial predictions for the games, what they were surprised by, and the final medals tally for India.
In this episode, host Mihir Vasavda speaks to Shivani Naik and Rahul Pandey about India setting a new precedent for its own achievement in track and field with 8 medals.
In this episode, host Mihir Vasavda is joined by Nihal Koshie to speak about the unexpected performance of Avinash Sable in the 3000m steeplechase to clinch the silver medal. They also discuss the improvement of India's performance in track events.
In this episode, host Rahul Pandey joins Shivani Naik to talk about Murali Sreeshankar's turnaround during his penultimate jump as well as a foul that cost him his gold, the domination of India and Pakistan in wrestling, and the the Brummie classic "balti" that has all the Commonwealth athletes and spectators addicted.
In this episode, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Rahul Pandey speak about how the CWG is the main stage for squash, Tejaswin Shankar's distinctively un-Indian habit of being very candid in his tactical performance, a boxing match India lost but worked out to be one of the best amateur matches ever, and what we can expect from today.
In this episode, Mihir Vasavda and Rahul Pandey speak about Saurav Ghosal's brilliant performance, how the judging criteria works in the light of the boxing result of Hussamuddin Mohammad, and Tulika Maan's journey to become a Silver medal judoka.
In this episode, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Rahul Pandey speak to Shivani Naik about Sharath Kamal's gold medal as well as his love for metal music, how lawn bowls may start its ascent to becoming a household name, a curious incident involving a hurriedly eaten sandwich, and a few too many name-based puns.
In this episode, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Rahul Pandey round up the events of day 4 of Commonwealth Games. They speak about the unexpected performance of India in lawn bowls, judoka Shushila Likmabam's journey and commitment to her sport, and the exciting hockey match between India and England.
https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/sport-others/explainer-what-is-lawn-bowls-8064326/
In this episode, Rahul Pandey, Mihir Vasavda, and Shivani Naik speak about the introduction of the famous India Pakistan cricket rivalry to the Commonwealth stage, Asian-Canadian swimmer Margaret Mac Neil's performance and the lack of Asian representation in swimming, Jeremy Lalrinnunga's gold, and Srihari Nataraj's 50m qualification.
In this episode, Mihir Vasavda and Rahul Pandey speak to Shivani Naik about how Mirabai Chanu's consistently unmatched performance rallies the audience together, Britain's response to COVID during the games, and a rumour about a gold medal.
In this episode, the Indian Express’ Shivani Naik joins host Mihir Vasavda and Rahul Pandey to talk about the opening ceremony and its questionable outfits, India’s women’s cricket team performance, what makes a British crowd so charming, and the most notable results from day 1 of the games.
Read the story about the outfits from the 2016 Olympics: https://indianexpress.com/sports/rio-2016-olympics/rio-2016-olympics-blazer-over-saree-not-what-indian-women-want/
The glittering opening ceremony, with all its music and madness, is past us and the focus now shifts to sports. No major medal event lined up for India on Day 1 of the Games but plenty to look forward to even then: a clash against Pakistan in badminton, a match versus heavyweights Australia in cricket apart from prelim rounds in a host of sports – as well as the country’s CWG debut triathlon. In this episode of our special Commonwealth Games series, hosts Mihir Vasavda and Rahul Pandey discuss it all.
India's athletes are expected to win dozens of medals at the Commonwealth Games. The Indian Express' Shivani Naik joins host Mihir Vasavda and Rahul Pandey to give us a glimpse into all that's unfolding on ground in Birmingham along with sharp analysis of the day's big stories.
The 2022 Commonwealth Games are scheduled to take place in Birmingham (England) from 28 July to 8 August. In this episode, host Mihir Vasavda joins Indian Express’ Shivani Naik to discuss India’s prospects at the upcoming games, and the events you should look forward to. Plus, they also share some memorable (and embarrassing) stories of covering previous Commonwealth Games.
(Episode image shows Perry, the 2022 CWG mascot, at the gates of Buckingham Palace)
For over a decade now, no world athlete has won a gold medal in Javelin at both the Olympics and the World Championships. But this time, Neeraj Chopra has a chance at accomplishing just that. In this episode, Indian Express’ Nihal Koshie joins host Mihir Vasavda to discuss the road ahead for Chopra, and his prospects at the ongoing World Championships.
In this episode, Indian Express’ Rahul Pandey takes over as host and is joined by Sandip G to speak about the India v England test match. They talk about the Indian bowling attack, Jasprit Bumrah’s performance, and the expectations other teams have of the Indian team under the captainship of Virat Kohli.
In this episode, host Mihir Vasavda speaks to Indian Express' Shashank Nair about the barring of transgender women from competition in swimming by FINA, the debate between inclusivity and fairness, and the case of Laurel Hubbard, the first openly transgender woman to compete in the Olympics.
Earlier this month, India's senior football team qualified for the Asian Cup after defeating Cambodia, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. But the road ahead is not going to be easy, and the team will have to put in considerable efforts if they hope to make a mark in the tournament.
In this episode, host Mihir Vasavda is joined by former Head of Player Development, All India Football Federation Richard Hood to talk about the challenges that the team will be facing in the Asian Cup, and the road ahead for Indian football.
In this episode, host Mihir Vasavda speaks to sports lawyer Nandan Kamath about the historic new deal for IPL broadcasting rights, what effect it will have on current players as well as the supply of new players, and the aspirational quality of the IPL.
Host Mihir Vasavda speaks to Rod Gilbert, the editor of the Hockey Paper, and Nicolas Maingot, Senior Communications Manager at the International Hockey Federation, about the new format of 5-a-side hockey, whether and in which form it will appear in the Olympics, and the differences with the 11-a-side games.
Host Mihir Vasavda speaks to Indian Express’ cricket experts Devendra Pandey and Abhishek Purohit about what it’s like to watch and report on the IPL in the Brabourne stadium in Mumbai, the strategies employed for the new format of the tournament, and Hardik Pandya’s recent performance on the pitch.
A few weeks back, one of India’s top athletes ran several seconds faster than her previous best timing, and subsequently qualified for the World Championship. This caught the attention of a global anti-doping watchdog, and since then the athlete has been AWOL, allegedly on the run from them. In this episode, host Mihir Vasavda is joined by Indian Express’ Nihal Koshie to talk about the entire affair, the prevalence of doping in Indian sports, and how dope testers monitor athletes.
In this episode, host Mihir Vasavda is joined by Indian Express' Shivani Naik to speak about the the unexpected performance of India in the Thomas Cup, how team bonding off the court affects the game on the court, and what we can expect next from the badminton players.
Journalist Mark Dreyer joins host Mihir Vasavda to discuss the possible reasons that led to China postponing the Asian Games.
Express Sports is back with a brand new season (and a new logo)! And we kick it off by talking about the extremely lean patch that Virat Kohli has been going through in his T20 career, which includes a recent innings tally of 9, 0, 0, 12 and 1.
In this episode, host Mihir Vasavda is joined by Indian Express’ National Sports Editor, Sandeep Dwivedi, and Chief Cricket writer Sriram Veera to discuss why it is now time to pull the plug on Kohli's T20 career.
Express Sports is on a four week break and our new episode will be released on 30th of April (Saturday). Meanwhile, check out this episode from our archives where Indian Express’ Sandip G joins former host Gaurav Bhatt to take a look back at India’s ODI performances over the years, and discuss what the format has meant for Indian cricket and why it has been slowly getting endangered.
Express Sports is on a four week break and our new episode will be released on 30th of April (Saturday). Meanwhile, check out this episode from our archives where host Mihir Vasavda is joined by Indian Express’ Sandip G to talk about R Praggnanandhaa's win against World Champion Magnus Carlsen in a rapid chess tournament, his playing style, and his future as a chess champion.
Express Sports is on a four week break and our new episode will be released on 30th of April (Saturday). Meanwhile, check out this episode from our archives where former host Gaurav Bhatt and Mihir Vasavda are joined by Indian Express’ Chief cricket writer Sriram Veera to talk about his career, his synergy with Virat Kohli, and what he has meant for India’s cricket team.
Express Sports is on a four week break and our new episode will be released on 30th of April (Saturday). Meanwhile, check out this episode from our archives where former host Gaurav Bhatt and Andrew Amsan talk about a small nondescript village in Haryana that is training national medal winning Javelin throwers out of an abandoned chicken farm turned cow shed.
In this episode of Game Time, hosts Gaurav Bhatt and Mihir Vasavda discuss what’s different about the latest season of Indian Premier League (IPL), the retirement announcement of Tennis star Ash Barty, and share a big news of their own.
If you’re a cricket fan, there’s a good chance that you’ve seen Rob Moody’s work. But perhaps you’re more familiar with his Youtube handle, Robelinda2, which has over 1 million followers. Moody, and his work, are popular among fans because he likely has the most exhaustive collection of cricket clips in the world. In this episode, he joins hosts Gaurav Bhatt and Mihir Vasavda to talk about his obsession with finding and archiving cricket footage, his battles with copyright claims, and his love for the game.
In this episode, hosts Gaurav Bhatt and Mihir Vasavda speak about the format change of the Davis Cup, how the material of the court affects the outcome of the match, and, as part of their monthly ritual, bring up the Djokovic controversy.
Last week, the 16 year old R Praggnanandhaa made headlines globally after he beat World Champion Magnus Carlsen in a rapid chess tournament. Praggnanandhaa, the second youngest Grandmaster in the world, has been slowly rising in the world of Chess. In this episode, host Mihir Vasavda is joined by Indian Express’ Sandip G who has been following Praggnanandhaa’s career, to talk about the Carlsen win, his playing style, and his future as a chess champion.
Last week, veteran India wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha revealed that he was threatened by a journalist for not accepting an interview and subsequently shared screenshots of the conversation on social media. Even though Saha did not reveal the name of the journalist, this has become one of the biggest talking points of Indian cricket at the moment.
In this episode, hosts Gaurav Bhatt and Mihir Vasavda are joined by Indian Express’ Devendra Pandey to talk about this controversy, and the relationship between sportsmen and journalists.
The Russian teenage figure skater Kamila Valieva caused a major storm at the Beijing Olympics last Monday, when reports emerged that she had failed a test for performance-enhancing drugs. In this episode, hosts Gaurav Bhatt and Mihir Vasava discuss the controversy, the questions it has raised, and the decisions that the Olympics committee has taken regarding the matter.
India recently became the second team in the world, after Australia, to play their 1000th ODI match. In this episode, Indian Express’ Sandip G joins host Gaurav Bhatt to take a look back at India’s ODI performances over the years, and discuss what the format has meant for Indian cricket and why it has been slowly getting endangered.
Note: Due to technical issues, this episode could not be released on the 12th of February. The next episode, will be released as per schedule on the 19th of February (Saturday).
Last week, during the Australian Open semifinal between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Daniil Medvedev, the latter lost his temper and started berating the chair umpire. He had been accusing his opponent, Tsitsipas, of being coached illegally by his father-coach Apostolos from the sidelines. This led the officials to conduct a ‘sting operation’, and almost an hour later Tsitsipas was caught.
In this episode, hosts Gaurav Bhatt and Mihir Vasavda discuss the entire controversy, and what should be done about illegal coaching in Tennis.
You can listen to the series at:
3 Things - https://bit.ly/34jEQbp
Express Elections - https://bit.ly/3gvzDQ1
Hosts Mihir Vasavda and Gaurav Bhatt discuss Rafael Nadal's historic comeback win in the Australian Open final, the 21st Grand Slam title and what it means for his legacy, and why Melbourne Park was the fitting venue.
Pradeep Magazine, one of India’s finest sports journalists, has reported on Cricket and other sports for more than four decades. In this latest book, Not Just Cricket, he gives readers an insight into cricket journalism, and gives them a precious look into the shaping of modern India. In this episode, he joins host Gaurav Bhatt and Mihir Vasavda to talk about the book, Kohli’s captaincy, the insular nature of Cricket, his love for commentary, and facing off against Kapil Dev.
Last week, the world No.1 men’s Tennis player, Novak Djokovic, flew out of Australia after a court upheld the government’s decision to cancel his visa, bringing an end to his hopes of winning the Australian Open.
In this episode, host Mihir Vasavda is joined by journalist Bharat Sundaresan, the Australia correspondent for Cricbuzz, to discuss how the fiasco played out in Australia, what the local people felt about it, and whether the Tennis superstar was treated unfairly.
Before Team India lost the series to South Africa on Day 4 of the Cape Town Test, they lost their heads on Day 3. Gaurav and Mihir discuss Virat Kohli and Co's reaction to perceived DRS and stump mic manipulation, and where India fell short on the field. They also give an update on the never-ending Novak Djokovic in Melbourne saga.
World number one men’s tennis player, Novak Djokovic has been confined to an immigration detention hotel in Australia. This is after Australia revoked his visa for entry into the country, and refused to accept a ‘medical exemption’ that Djokovic had been granted to get around a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for all players and their support teams.
In this episode, hosts Gaurav Bhatt and Mihir Vasavda discuss the entire controversy, and the mess that the vocal vaccine skeptic finds himself in.
Despite India’s latest win against South Africa at the Centurion, one thing that appears to be clear now is that our middle-order is in crisis. In fact, the middle-order trio, consisting of Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ajinkya Rahane, hasn’t scored big for a number of years now.
In this episode, host Mihir Vasavda is joined by Indian Express cricket writer Abhishek Purohit to discuss this crisis, and the possible reasons behind it.
In this year’s final episode of Game Time, hosts Gaurav Bhatt and Mihir Vasavda are joined by the entire Indian Express sports team to take a look back at 2021, and share their favorite sports moments of the year.
Last week, Virat Kohli was removed as ODI's skipper and the National Committee Team made Rohit Sharma the sole white-ball leader of the Indian cricket team. Earlier this week, Kohli gave a press conference in which he addressed some of the questions, and speculations that have emerged out of this decision. But this has only led to more speculation, confusion, and concerns.
This week on Game Time, hosts Gaurav Bhatt and Mihir Vasavda are joined by Indian Express' Shamik Chakrabarty to talk about the press conference. They also discuss the protocol of selecting and sacking captains, why Kohli's comments are significant, and the highlights of his stint as the captain.
Earlier this week, Virat Kohli was removed as India's ODI captain with the national selection committee making Rohit Sharma the sole white-ball leader of the team. In addition to this, Ajinkya Rahane was removed from Test vice-captaincy, a position which was also given to Rohit. This is a seismic change in Indian Cricket, and to talk about it, host Mihir Vasava is joined by Indian Express’ Sandip G and Devendra Pandey. They discuss why the BCCI took this decision, how Rohit will compare to Virat as a captain, and whether a wounded Virat will be detrimental to the team.
In this episode, Andrew Amsan joins host Gaurav Bhatt to talk about a small nondescript village in Haryana that is training national medal winning Javelin throwers out of an abandoned chicken farm turned cow shed.
The allegations of racism made by the former cricketer Azeem Rafiq have shaken the Yorkshire club (one of UK's biggest county cricket clubs), and has led to the resignation of several top officials. The person who got Rafiq to actually open up about his past is the noted cricket journalist, George Dobell. This week on Game Time, Indian Express' Chief cricket writer Sriram Veera talks to Dobell about the entire scandal, how insidiously racism affects the sport and young players, and what cricket clubs around the world need to reckon with.
Dobell is currently working with The Cricketer, the world's oldest cricket magazine.
This week on Game Time, hosts Gaurav Bhatt and Mihir Vasavda first talk about the former Yorkshire cricketer Azeem Rafiq levelling allegations that he was subjected to racism by players and coaches during his two stints at the county club.
And then, they discuss the disappearance of Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai after she accused a former top government official in China of sexual assault.
Earlier this week, as India beat Namibia at the T20 World Cup, Ravi Shastri’s tenure as India’s head coach came to an end. In this episode, hosts Gaurav Bhatt and Mihir Vasavda are joined by Indian Express’ Chief cricket writer Sriram Veera to talk about his career, his synergy with Virat Kohli, and what he has meant for India’s cricket team.
Link to Sriram Veera's article - https://bit.ly/30jK98S
After outclassing Scotland and securing the best run rate, India now hope for Afghanistan to upset New Zealand on Sunday. Shamik Chakrabarty joins Gaurav Bhatt to discuss the scenarios, Scotland's feel-good story at this tournament and Afghanistan's chances against New Zealand.
India opened their account at the ongoing T20 World Cup and, at least mathematically, kept themselves in contention with a 66-run win against Afghanistan. Shamik Chakrabarty joins hosts Gaurav Bhatt and Mihir Vasavda to discuss the changed approach, the scenarios, and whether it was too little too late.
With two losses in two matches, India's T20 World Cup campaign looks, in effect, over. Shamik Chakrabarty joins hosts Gaurav Bhatt and Mihir Vasavda to discuss the body language of Virat Kohli and Co, the selection and combination issues as well as the road ahead.
This week on Game Time, hosts Gaurav Bhatt and Mihir Vasavda discuss everything cricket. First, they go over Lucknow becoming the most valued team in IPL, and Ahmedabad getting pocketed by one of the world’s leading sports investors.
Next, they discuss Quinton de Kock refusing to take the knee before a match, and why that has caused a backlash.
And finally, they talk about the trolling and the vitriol that Mohammed Shami has been facing online after India lost to Pakistan.
In the first episode of our T20 World Cup special series, Shamik Chakrabarty joins host Gaurav Bhatt to discuss Pakistan 10-wicket win over India, Virat Kohli's innings and the team combinations. Shamik also shares the scenes from the stadium and how the hyperbolic discourse around the India-Pakistan cricket matches hasn't yet extended to the players on the field.
Tomorrow, on the 24th of October, arch rivals India and Pakistan face each other at the T20 World Cup in Dubai. As always, there have now been several calls made by politicians on both sides that the teams should not be playing together. But the match of course remains highly anticipated by cricket fans.
In this episode, hosts Gaurav Bhatt and Mihir Vasavda talk about the lineup of the two teams, their odds of winning, and why they are rooting for Pakistan, the underdog.
Gender testing in sports has been widely controversial, and in several cases has led athletes to experience trauma, and face stigma from those around them. The test in question is such a burning issue in the sporting world that it finds itself at the center of a recently released Bollywood film. Rashmi Rocket, starring Taapsee Pannu, is possibly the first Indian film to deal with the subject.
In this episode, host Mihir Vasavda is joined by the writer of the film Aniruddha Guha. They talk about the issue with gender testing, and the finding the balance between entertainment and telling a sensitive story.
Indian cricket Ravichandran Ashwin has often been called ‘disgraceful’ for not following the 'Spirit of the Game'. But what exactly is the spirit of the game? Is it really necessary? And does it create more problems than it solves?
In this episode, hosts Gaurav Bhatt and Mihir Vasavda talk about the mythical construct of the ‘spirit’, discuss various examples of when it has been known to be violated, and how it operates in other sports.
Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes had been India's greatest tennis duo, winning 24 consecutive doubles matches in Davis Cup. But their partnership and friendship famously soured more than two decades ago. But what caused that to happen?
In this episode, hosts Gaurav Bhatt and Mihir Vasavda talk about a recently released docu-series, Break Point (on Zee5) that explores this very question, and looks at their controversial legacy.
What are NFTs? What does it mean to own one? And are there any downsides to it? In this episode, hosts Gaurav Bhatt and Mihir Vasada, and producer Shashank Bhargava talk about the bizarre world of NFTs, and what it means for sports fans and artists.
In this episode, hosts Gaurav Bhatt and Mihir Vasavda are joined by Indian Express’ Sandip G to talk about the recently concluded England vs India test series that finished in India's favour. They discuss what worked for India, the team’s opening combination, Rohit Sharma’s first overseas test century, and Virat Kohli’s captaincy.
Last week, javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and wrestler Bajrang Punia were guests at the Indian Express Adda to talk about their historic performances at the Tokyo Olympics. They were in conversation with Indian Express’ sports editor Sandeep Dwivedi and our host Mihir Vasavda.
This week we bring you the best of that conversation. You can listen to it in full here - https://bit.ly/38XAkxR.
Also note that the conversation is entirely in Hindi.
This year at the Tokyo Paralympics, India has achieved its biggest medal haul so far. In this episode, hosts Gaurav Bhatt and Mihir Vasavda talk about the stories of three Indian paralympians and how they won their medals – Sumit Antil, Devendra Jhajharia, and Mariyappan Thangavelu.
And later, they also discuss what has changed and what needs to change at the systematic for disabled athletes.
With the Taliban returning to power after 20 years, just like everything else in Afghanistan, the future of sports in the country remains highly uncertain. In the past the Taliban has promoted men's cricket, but will it do so this time as well? And what about the participation of women in sports?
In this episode, hosts Gaurav Bhatt and Mihir Vasavda discuss the progress that sports like cricket and football have made over years in Afghanistan, and what they have meant for the people there. Plus, Gaurav talks about Afghanistan’s vibrant parkour scene, and the people that have made it possible.
In this episode, host Gaurav Bhatt is joined by Indian Express' chief cricket writer Sriram Veera to talk about India's spectacular win against England at Lord's on Monday, and why despite India's past such victories should no longer surprise us.
They also discuss England's mistakes, India's bowling, the Ravichandran Ashwin debate, and what has made KL Rahul a competent test opener.
With the hectic Olympics schedule behind him, Mihir Vasavda joins Gaurav Bhatt on Game Time this week to talk about what it was like covering the biggest sporting event in the middle of a pandemic. He shares tales of daily rigour, peeking Godzillas, “human” noodles, and kind volunteers, and also answers listener questions.
The Tokyo Olympics have come to an end and so has the Pod of the Rings series. In our final episode, Mihir Vasavda and Gaurav Bhatt go over the differences between the nervy opening ceremony and the peppy, dignified closing ceremony.
They also discuss how high-tech microphones captured every sound and relayed it to millions watching on television as well as what you can expect when our regular show 'Game Time' resumes this Saturday.
Gaurav Bhatt recaps how Neeraj Chopra provided a golden end to India's campaign. Mihir Vasavda captures scenes from the venue and the magnitude of the gold medal and Nihal Koshie breaks down the javelin thrower's technique and confidence which proved key.
Mihir Vasavda and Gaurav Bhatt discuss how shots of pickle juice kept the Indian team running without cramping. They also talk about Bajrang Punia's defeat and the javelin throw final featuring Neeraj Chopra and German great Johannes Vetter among others.
Mihir Vasavda and Gaurav Bhatt talk about the celebrations on the pitch after Indian men's hockey team beat Germany to take the bronze medal, in a match that was no less than an action-thriller. They also discuss Ravi Dahiya's silver and Vinesh Phogat's disappointing outing.
Read Sandip G's profile on goalkeeper PR Sreejesh here: https://indianexpress.com/article/olympics/india-vs-germany-p-sreejesh-india-win-hockey-bronze7439254/
On their Olympic debuts, wrestler Ravi Dahiya and javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra stepped up and impressed. Mihir Vasavda and Gaurav Bhatt break down Dahiya's sensational march into the final and Chopra's qualification-topping throw.
Mihir Vasavda explains why a 2-5 scoreline doesn't properly reflect the India vs Belgium contest, and how the men's team failed to execute skills under pressure. Gaurav Bhatt talks about the challenge ahead for the women's team, and Lovlina Borgohain's journey from Gold Coast to Tokyo semifinal.
Mihir Vasavda and Gaurav Bhatt break down how the India women’s hockey team stunned Australia to enter Tokyo Olympics semifinals, how they've gone from afterthoughts to toast of the town and coach Sjoerd Marijne's rapidly-increasing Twitter follower count.
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Mihir Vasavda relives the rush of emotions as PV Sindhu became the first Indian woman to win two Olympic medals and the men's hockey team reached the semifinal, the closest they've been to a medal in 41 years.
Mihir Vasavda and Gaurav Bhatt break down the India women's hockey team's historic progress into the Tokyo Olympics quarterfinals, the reasons behind the improved showing and its star Vandana Kataria whose father fought societal prejudice to let her daughter play. They also talk about the defeats of PV Sindhu and Amit Panghal.
Mihir Vasavda and Gaurav Bhatt talk about Lovlina Borgohain's medal-ensuring performance, her post-fight temperament and how she defeated a rival after four defeats. They also discuss the dramatic sights and sounds of badminton in an empty arena, and the road ahead for Indian hockey teams.
Mihir Vasavda and Gaurav Bhatt recap how confusion and misunderstanding reigned supreme after Mary Kom's defeat, and how the actual bout played out in the arena and on TV. Mihir also shares the scenes from Indian archer Atanu Das' stunning upset win over two-time gold medallist Oh Jin-hyek.
Mihir Vasavda and Gaurav Bhatt discuss the mental health struggles of Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka, how the two champions could usher a new era of athletes prioritising their well-being over sporting pressure, and the severity of mental blocks in gymnastics. Mihir shares his experience of watching Fiji's Rugby Sevens win over New Zealand and what the gold means for the nation.
Mihir Vasavda and Gaurav Bhatt discuss the unique story of Pita Taufatofua who has made his mark as the bare-torso, well-oiled Tongan flagbearer at three Olympics. They also talk about the disappointing shooting campaign and why India supporters should temper their expectations for the coming days.
Read Mihir's profile of Taufatofua here: https://indianexpress.com/article/olympics/topless-tongan-olympian-taekwondo-7425307/
Gaurav Bhatt and Shashank Bhargava discuss that Aussie coach celebration, skateboarding's teen champions and what they mean for its culture, and an overall dull day for Indians in Tokyo.
Our hosts discuss the deflating Tokyo heat and dejecting results. Mihir Vasavda explains Australia's 'beast mode' during the 7-1 win over Indian men's hockey team and shooter Manu Bhaker's equipment malfunction. Gaurav Bhatt geeks out over skateboarding's Olympic debut.
Mihir Vasavda and Gaurav Bhatt talk about Mirabai Chanu's process and the scenes inside the arena as she secured the silver medal, and explain why predicting shooting results remains unpredictable. Afterwards, a breakdown of the Indians in action today as shooters vie for medals while stars PV Sindhu and Mary Kom begin their campaigns.
Discussing the Tokyo Olympics 2020 opening ceremony; a geeky affair on TV but a sombre experience at the stadium with protests erupting outside it. Afterwards, a breakdown of the Indians in action today: shooters, archers and weightlifter Mirabai Chanu who could open the nation's account.
In the first entry to our daily Olympic series, Shivani Naik joins Gaurav Bhatt to share her experiences of covering the 2012 and 2016 Games. From the London festivities starring Mr. Bean, James Bond, and the Queen, to Rio's samba-filled evening, listen to the first-hand account of previous opening ceremonies before the Tokyo Olympics opening today.
After discussing India’s prospects in Badminton, Shooting, Wrestling, and Boxing, in the third part of our Olympics preview series Gaurav Bhatt, Mihir Vasavda and Shivani Naik talk about Weightlifting, Hockey, Javelin, Table Tennis and Archery.
Also in the end, they (reluctantly) stick their necks out to share their medal predictions.
In part two of our Olympics preview series, Gaurav Bhatt, Mihir Vasavda, and Shivani Naik discuss India’s prospects in Wrestling and Boxing – who are the main contenders? What are the challenges that players like Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Mary Kom are expected to face? And how likely are they to win a medal? Tune in to find out.
Discussing everything that plagues the Tour de France, and why the world’s toughest endurance tournaments may also be the most controversial one.
What led to New Zealand lifting the trophy, what makes their team standout, and what India can learn from its past defeats.
Discussing the celebrity online chess event in which billionaire Nikhil Kamath ‘defeated’ chess grandmaster Viswanathan Anand, what happened after, and how the fair play body finds out if someone cheated.
Discussing the recent bout between Mayweather and Logan, the current state of affairs in the boxing world, and the fading trust of fans in the game.
Discussing the questions that Osaka’s withdrawal from the French Open have raised, and what the role of tennis officials and media should have been.
Discussing Navdeep Bhatia’s fascinating journey – from escaping India after the 1984 riots to being recognized by one of the world’s biggest basketball leagues.
Japan's motivations behind refusing to cancel the Olympics, and what athletes have to say about the decision.
Discussing the murder case that Sushil Kumar is allegedly involved in, and the notorious link between wrestling and crime.
How did the players first got infected by COVID-19? How did they manage to get back to their home countries? And why did the BCCI conduct the IPL in India?
We remember two people, who although little known, have had a disproportionate impact on their sports – shooting coach Sanjay Chakravarty, and the hockey statistician BG Joshi.
Check out this episode from our archives where we discuss why players from Haryana dominate Indian wrestling.
Check out this episode from our archives where we pit Rohit Sharma with Zaheer Khan and see who is the better cricketer.
Deepak Pahal’s journey from being a junior India international boxer to becoming one of the most wanted criminals on the radar of the Delhi police.
Gaurav Bhatt is joined by Sandip G to talk about this great pool of talent, the options India has at every position, and what has made this possible.
What led to Bhavani Devi’s rise, the challenges she faced, and what makes fencing unique.
Catching up on the big events in Badminton, Boxing, Wrestling, Hockey and Shooting that have happened this month.
Mumbai City coach Sergio Lobera on making it to the AFC Champions League, the challenges of coaches in India, and his relationship with Pep Guardiola.
In this episode, Gaurav Bhatt and Mihir Vasavda are joined by Shivani Naik to talk about the upcoming events in Badminton, Table Tennis, Wrestling, and Boxing.
Talking about the political history of Motera stadium, the upcoming India-England test match, and why the stadium's pitch has garnered criticism.
Sanjog Gupta, head of sports at Star India, about remote broadcasting, increase in cricket viewership, the huge success of last year's IPL, and more.
Mihir shares the experience of covering the men's wrestling nationals in Noida and the women's meet in Agra, and Gaurav previews the first Grand Slam of the year.
English cricket writers Lawrence Booth and Ali Martin join Sriram Veera to discuss how India's triumph in Australia was viewed in England and whether the England vs India rivalry is on par with The Ashes.
Whether the Sydney Test incident will lead to lasting changes in cricket and why we shouldn’t worry about India’s poor performance at the Thailand Open.
R Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari’s stunning resilience, Cheteshwar Pujara and Rishabh Pant’s intent, and the ugly scenes from the stands, which held-up play on Sunday, as India snatched a draw in the third Test against Australia.
In this episode, Gaurav and Mihir discuss to what extent are sportspersons justified in being annoyed by the COVID-19 restrictions.
What are the challenges of promoting the Olympics? Will breakdancing, surfing and esports become mainstream in the future? And what will Olympians look like in the future?
A peek into what transpired inside the dressing room after the Adelaide debacle, how debutant Mohammed Siraj reacted when his teammates raised a toast to his performance and the role of bowling coach Bharat Arun in making the unit click.
What 2020 has meant for sports and the lessons the sporting world can take from this year.
Discussing the scarcely-believable performance by Virat Kohli’s ‘New India’, who were dismissed for 36 against Australia in the first Test.
Ramachandra Guha talks about how cricket has changed over the years, the dangers of making superstars out of sportsmen, the politics of BCCI, and his latest book 'The Commonwealth of Cricket'.
Discussing what made Maradona one of the biggest legends in football and his lasting impact on Indian football's psyche.
Discussing Ishant Sharma and Rohit Sharma being ruled out of the Australia series, Novak Djokovic wanting only three sets at Grand Slams, and Mike Tyson’s comeback.
What factors have contributed to the success of Mumbai Indians, and whether Rohit Sharma should become the India T20 captain.
In this special episode, Gaurav and Mihir are joined by the former host of the podcast, Daksh Panwar and two superfans of the show.
Why these players were left out of the Australia tour, why this matter needs to be investigated, and the values these players add to the Indian squad.
The fascinating journey T Natarajan has made as a cricketer, what makes him a great bowler, how the lack of formal training at a young age works to his advantage, and the challenges that players from the south face in getting recognized.
Gaurav and Mihir reexamine the trend of older players succeeding in sports, in the wake of Dhoni's performance in the recent T20 matches.
Discussing whether ‘Mankading’ is really against the spirit of cricket, whether the outrage around it is justified, and why the term itself is problematic.
How being diagnosed with a congenital heart condition will affect Anwar Ali’s career, and why Rafael Nadal is not happy with the new balls being used at the French Open.
The controversy around umpire Nitin Menon and why it is unreasonable to expect umpires not to make mistakes.
Why this IPL season comes with additional pressures for the player, and whether the organizers will manage to pull this off without anyone getting infected.
The impact of the PUBG ban on India’s esports community and what it takes to make it big in the field.
Why a ridiculously long list of awardees is a problem, how it devalues the entire point of awards, and the shortcomings of the National Sports Awards selection committee.
In this episode, Gaurav and Mihir discuss whether it is too risky to have the US Open this soon and what precautions can be taken so that it doesn’t turn into Djokovic’s Adria Tournament.
Indian Express’ National Sports Editor, Sandeep Dwivedi joins Gaurav to take a look back at MS Dhoni’s 16-year-long storied career.
Whether or not India should hold off on starting training camps, how contracting the virus can affect the athlete’s performances, and how quarantining itself can cost them.
VIVO pulls out of IPL, Chinese boycott hurts Indian sports industry and the Women’s T20 controversy.
Why the BCCI could not afford to postpone the IPL, why UAE has been picked as the destination and what its logistics would look like.
In this episode, Mihir and Gaurav discuss what the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics has meant for Indian athletes and what India’s chances would have been this time.
Gaurav and Mihir talk about the return of test cricket, the conditions under which the match took place and whether a live audience ends up helping or hurting the player's performance and the viewing experience.
Gaurav and Mihir are joined by Shivani Naik to talk about Lin Dan's career, his rivalry with Chong Wei, and what made him one of the best Badminton players in the world.
In this episode, Daksh Panwar, the co-founder of this podcast, joins Gaurav to talk about why Cricket Samrat was like ‘ESPNCricinfo, Sports Illustrated and Star Sports in one package’ and how it made cricket accessible to a whole generation from the Hindi heartland before TV and the internet.
How the Adria tour became a COVID-19 hotspot and why Novak Djokovic’s bizarre beliefs seem to have now proved dangerous.
In this episode, Gaurav and Mihir talk about how sports broadcasters are trying to re-invent themselves with the help of virtual reality and whether it will help recover their mounting losses post-pandemic.
Gaurav and Mihir talk how athletes have spoken out about social issues in the past and the problems that have arisen when they have done so. Gaurav also speaks to the former Chicago Bulls star, Craig Hodges, who was run out of the league for being politically outspoken, about this matter.
In this episode, Gaurav and Mihir talk about what made him India’s most-decorated athlete. Mihir also talks to former Hockey Olympian Aslam Sher Khan about his relationship with Singh, how he was as a manager, and his legacy.
In this episode of Game Time, Gaurav and Mihir talk about when will cricket restart, what different countries are planning, and the losses that organisations like BCCI are likely to face.
In this episode, Gaurav and Mihir discuss what the absence of a live audience means for sports - for both the players and the fans.
In this episode, Mihir Vasada talks to football historian and author Novy Kapadia about these two giants and how they came to define Indian football.
In this episode, Gaurav and Mihir look back at what was, at the time, perhaps the most hyped boxing match – the 1996 bout when Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield fought for the first time. Listen as our hosts break down the fight blow by blow and revisit the two boxers' controversial careers.
Mihir Vasavda and Nihal Koshie look at the economic fallout of the pandemic on the sports world and how it is bleeding it dry.
Updates from the sporting world - from Kapil Dev's new look and Novak Djokovic resisting the idea of a coronavirus vaccine to IPL's future plans and what this pandemic will do to smaller sports leagues.pandemic will do to smaller sports leagues.
A look back at four El Clásico matches and what made them one of the craziest phases in sporting history.
In this episode of Old Scores, Mihir and Gaurav revisit the 2009 French Open match, when Robin Söderling defeated Nadal, causing one of the biggest upsets in Tennis history.
We kick off a limited series called Old Scores for all you sports fans, in which we at the Express Sports team will revisit some of the greatest moments in the history of sports.
In this episode, Mihir and Gaurav discuss the consequences of postponing the Tokyo Olympics and what it would mean for the athletes.
In this episode, Gaurav is joined by Shashank (producer) to talk about the state of world sports and to look back at our first year in podcasting.
In the last episode of 99.94 season one, we discuss the results of the Ranji Trophy final and analyse what led to Saurashtra's victory.
In this episode, Gaurav Bhatt and Mihir Vasavda talk about these boxers, breakdown their techniques and discuss their chances of winning a medal.
In the last episode of our fantasy match-up series, we pit Clive Lloyd's West Indies team of the 80's against Steve Waugh's Australia team of the late 90's.
The impact that cancelling the 2020 Olympics would have on the sporting ecosystem and individual athletes.
The stars of India women's national cricket team, the stories behind their success, why watching them play dispels myths about cricket and why it an exciting time for women's cricket.
How India went from threatening to boycott the 2022 Commonwealth Games to now hosting Shooting and Archery.
In this edition of our fantasy match up series, our in-house cricket experts pit Kapil Dev with Kane Williamson to see who is the better cricketer.
In this episode, Gaurav and Nihal breakdown the entire 'Kambala-Usain Bolt' incident and discuss why it discredits the current Indian sports system.
In the last of our Ranji Trophy nostalgia episodes of this season, we look back at the 1998 semi-final match between two friendly rivals - Karnataka and Hyderabad.
In this episode, Nihal Koshie and Gaurav Bhatt discuss whether Neeraj Chopra can win an Olympic medal and why track and field desperately needs a star.
This week in our fantasy matchup series, we pit Rohit Sharma with Zaheer Khan and see who is the better cricketer.
In this episode, Mihir and Nihal talk about the World Athletics' decision to ban the use of exclusive shoes made for athletics (like Nike's Vaporfly for Kipchoge) and why it is being called as the 'democratisation of the running shoe'.
The historic rivalry between Delhi and Bombay and why the 1984-85 final was part of probably the most successful two months in the history of Indian cricket.
In this episode, Gaurav and Mihir are joined by Shahid Judge to talk about the current crop of Indian player and what is keeping them from winning a title.
This week on 99.94, the match-up is between the two legendary Aussies - Steve Smith and Shane Warne. And as a special bonus, we had Trentwood Hill, Smith's personal batting coach weigh in on the match-up.
Mihir and Gaurav are joined by Shamik Chakraborty to talk about what this merger and what it means for both the teams and the ISL.
Praveen Kumar's struggle with his mental health, why his talking about depression is a big deal and what makes cricketers susceptible to it.
Impact of climate change on sports, Greta Thunberg calling out Roger Federer and what to look forward to in this year's Australian Open.
The showdown between one of the most successful fast bowlers, Glenn McGrath and the "Mr. 360°" AB de Villiers.
In this episode of Game Time, Mihir and Gaurav discuss whether India is capable of hosting so many large scale sporting events and the impact that they could have.
Looking back at the 2005 UP vs Bengal Ranji Trophy match and the changes it brought to Indian Cricket.
Predictions for the coming year, the final bout between Mary Kom and Nikhat Zareen and a big announcement for listeners.
Would Virat Kohli, the right-handed top-order batsman be able to hold his ground against Wasim Akram, the left-arm bowler?
Daksh and Gaurav sit down and look back at the some of the biggest sports moments of the past ten years.
What makes Ranji Trophy special, why it matters and why as a cricket fan you should go watch a Ranji match.
With Irfan Pathan tweeting in support of Jamia Millia University students, the issue of whether celebrities should talk about current issues and take a political stand is back . Our reporters discuss this in a global context.
In this episode of our cricket exclusive series 99.94, Daksh and Gaurav are joined by special guests National Sports editor Sandeep Dwivedi and Sriram Veera, to discuss the ultimate face off. If India's greatest batsman Sachin Tendulkar was to face arguably the best bowler currently, Jasprit Bumrah, who would win?
In this episode, Daksh and Gaurav discuss whether a non-vegetarian diet is necessary for professional athletes and to what extent one's diet affects performance.
Daksh and Gaurav unpack whether the pink ball match series between India and Bangladesh really helped to draw attention to the Test format and how the Bhogle vs Manjrekar tiff played out.
Discussing the Davis Cup controversy, India-Bangladesh test series and Indian shooters qualifying for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
What is behind the rise of Indian women's hockey, why Glenn Maxwell is taking a break from cricket and debating whether Lewis Hamilton is better than Michael Schumacher.
Nikhat Zareen's demand to have a trail bout with Mary Kom, Andy Murray's come back and India's phenomenal win against South Africa.
Asif Kapadia's new documentary Diego Maradona, Mary Kom's win at the World Boxing Championships and Eliud Kipchoge's recording breaking marathon.
NBA's debut in India, World Athletics Championships, Mohammed Shami's bowling, listener's feedback and more.
Looking at Rohit Sharma's rise, what he is like off the field and what makes him stand out from other Indian cricketers.
Looking at the questions that the Barmer car rally raises and whether the sport is too dangerous to be held in India.
Daksh and Gaurav take us behind the wins of wrestler Vinesh Phogat and boxers Amit Panghal and Manish Kaushik.
Why India's draw against Qatar is a big deal and what it says about the progress Indian football has made.
Daksh and Gaurav discuss whether Bumrah is a bigger match winner than Kohli and the upcoming fight between Dustin Poirier and Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Breaking down the rise of PV Sindhu - how she managed to dominate the Chinese players, the role of her coach (GopiChand) in her success and how she has transformed herself into perhaps India's greatest athlete.
What the room was like in the World Championship trail between Sushil Kumar and Jitender Kumar, the facts about the ‘first Indian ever to win motorsport world title’ and discussing who all should have won an award this year.
In this episode of Game Time, Daksh and Gaurav debate whether Mary Kom should been made to participate in the boxing trail that was scheduled against Nikhat Zareen, before being selected for the upcoming World Championships in Russia.
Indian Express' chief cricket writer, Sriram Veera, joins Daksh and Gaurav to share insights about what it was like to cover the World Cup this time.
How India is expected to perform in the Olympics next year, which athletes have a chance of winning a medal and why Indian participants seem to get performance anxiety during the actual event.
High jumper Tejaswin Shankar on his life as a student athlete, the cultural and training differences between India and the US and how he is preparing for Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
In the last episode of the World Cup Locker Room, Daksh and Gaurav are joined by Sandeep Dwivedi to talk about the final match between New Zealand and England and exactly how the latter won.
Do we blame Kohli, Shastri or the selectors? And what should be the way ahead for the Indian Team?
A look at the various players who have stood out so far during this World Cup through a fun association game.
Will Pakistan reach the semi-finals, what Dhoni's performance might be costing India and the message Kohli's curses sends to younger players.
In this episode, Daksh and Gaurav are joined (again) by the Indian Express' National Sports Editor, Sandeep Dwivedi as they discuss whether the current format has made the tournament less exciting.
The history of India and Pakistan playing against each other and why as a cricket fan one shouldn't hesitate to support Pakistan; they are after all the underdogs here.
Discussing the controversy around Dhoni wearing a military insignia, reports of AB de villiers wanting to come out of retirement and the upcoming Ind v/s Aus match.
Discussing what Hasan Minhaj gets wrong (and right) about Indian Cricket and India's upcoming with South Africa.
Why do certain international football clubs have an emotional sway over Indian fans and whether certain clubs tend to attract a certain kind of fan.
The implications of CAS's decision about Caster Semenya and the ramifications it can have for women in sports.
Why do certain sports thrive in certain pockets? And does this negatively impact the sports in anyway?
In this episode, Daksh and Gaurav are joined by Mihir Vasavda to debate the future of Olympics.
Why is Tennis seeing taller players? And will the sport be dominated by giants in the future?
In this episode of Express Sports, Daksh and Gaurav analyse whether replacing human umpires with technology is a good idea.
How have older players suddenly begun to excel? And what is the secret to their success?