Cricket Unfiltered is a podcast hosted by Nikhil Naaz and Rajdeep Sardesai where the two passionate cricket fans bring together sharp cricket analysis, informed opinion, and engaging conversation and unpack the stories behind the players on and off the field.
With sharp insight and a generous dash of humour, Rajdeep and Nikhil break down the game beyond the headlines—mixing analysis with quirky anecdotes, little-known trivia, and the occasional burst of spontaneous fun. From historic victories to crushing heartbreaks, they revisit the moments that have shaped cricket’s legacy.
India’s New Zealand Tour Raises Big Questions About Team Selection | Cricket Unfiltered | EP 12
Why is Mohammad Shami missing from India’s plans despite his performances in domestic cricket? And why has Manav Suthar been overlooked for the New Zealand tour after impressing in Sri Lanka? On Cricket Unfiltered, hosts Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz examine some of the selection decisions raising questions about Indian cricket.
Rajdeep argues that Shami’s experience and wicket-taking ability should keep him in consideration, especially with the next ODI World Cup on the horizon. The discussion explores concerns about his age, his suitability across formats and the importance of having an experienced fast bowler alongside Jasprit Bumrah.
The hosts also debate Manav Suthar’s omission, the likely role of Ravindra Jadeja as India’s leading Test spinner and the value of selecting players who have recently performed well in domestic competitions. Sarfaraz Khan’s uncertain place in the national setup adds another dimension to the conversation.
Beyond individual players, Rajdeep and Nikhil question how selectors communicate their decisions and who holds them accountable. They also discuss the shortage of dependable all-rounders, injuries to key players and whether India’s much-discussed bench strength is as deep as previously assumed.
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Produced by Areeb Raza
Sound mixed by Piyush Kumar
23 Sept 2026
Should Indian & Pakistani Players Shake Hands? The Politics Of Cricket | Cricket Unfiltered | EP 11
Why can Indian and Pakistani cricketers not simply shake hands? In this episode of Cricket Unfiltered, hosts Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz examine the growing controversy around India-Pakistan cricket, and why the issue of handshakes has become so politically charged.
The conversation compares cricket with other sports, including table tennis, hockey and tennis, where Indian and Pakistani athletes have continued to interact. Rajdeep and Nikhil discuss the different rules governing international sports, the role of sporting bodies and the special position cricket occupies in India-Pakistan relations.
The episode also looks at the Asia Cup trophy presentation involving Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, the India-Japan cricket match and the controversy surrounding a reversed wide-ball decision, as well as the future of Ajit Agarkar as BCCI chief selector and the major selection calls made during his tenure.
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Produced by Areeb Raza
Sound mixed by Suraj Singh
2 Sept 2026
How Pakistan Cricket Went From World-Class To Crisis | Cricket Unfiltered | EP 10
On Cricket Unfiltered, Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz examine the deeper crisis facing Pakistan cricket, from its recent poor performances and constant changes in coaches and captains to selection controversies, weak governance and a shrinking pool of international-quality players.
They look back at the generations that produced legends such as Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Zaheer Abbas and Wasim Akram and ask why Pakistan is no longer consistently producing players of that calibre. The hosts also compare Pakistan's struggling talent-development structure with India's expanding domestic cricket ecosystem and discuss the importance of academies, age-group cricket and a wider talent pipeline.
The episode then turns to the controversial Sky Sports interview with the sons of Imran Khan, the former Pakistani prime minister and cricketer, leading to a heated disagreement between Rajdeep and Nikhil over whether a cricket broadcaster should use its platform to discuss a political and human-rights issue. While one argues that cricket can be a powerful platform for speaking up on issues that affect players and the game, the other warns that bringing politics into sports broadcasts could open the floodgates to partisan agendas.
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Produced by Areeb Raza
Sound mixed by Suraj Singh
12 Aug 2026
Sarfaraz Khan Returns, India's Injury Crisis, VVS Laxman's Next Move & IPL vs India | Cricket Unfiltered | EP 9
India are heading into the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle with plenty of questions surrounding the team — from selection and injuries to the future structure of Indian cricket.
On this episode of Cricket Unfiltered, Nikhil Naz and Rajdeep Sardesai discuss Sarfaraz Khan's return to the Test squad and debate whether he should walk straight into India's XI or whether Dhruv Jurel deserves to retain his place. With Sai Sudharsan unavailable and Devdutt Padikkal making a strong case, the selection puzzle has become even more intriguing ahead of the Sri Lanka series beginning on August 15.
The conversation then turns to India's growing injury concerns. Why has the BCCI struggled to find a top sports medicine expert for the Centre of Excellence? Are players being rushed back before they are fully fit? And why does India continue to see key players pick up injuries despite the resources available to the world's richest cricket board?
Rajdeep and Nikhil also discuss the growing buzz around VVS Laxman's future and reports that he could be handed a major new assignment in September. Could Laxman become chairman of selectors or take charge of India's Test team? And could Indian cricket eventually move towards separate red-ball and white-ball coaches?
Finally, they tackle one of the biggest questions in Indian cricket: is the IPL being prioritised over international cricket? The duo debate player workloads, franchise pressure, the BCCI's relationship with the IPL and whether the entire system needs to become more professional.
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Produced by Areeb Raza
Sound mixed by Suraj Singh
22 Jul 2026
Rohit Sharma's 2027 World Cup Dream: Reality Or Wishful Thinking? | Cricket Unfiltered | EP 8
Will Rohit Sharma still be wearing India's blue jersey at the 2027 ODI World Cup, or is Indian cricket preparing for life after its T20 World Cup-winning captain? That's the big question on this episode of Cricket Unfiltered, where Nikhil Naz and Rajdeep Sardesai take a deep dive into one of the biggest debates in Indian cricket.
The hosts examine the reports surrounding Rohit Sharma's ODI future, discuss whether the selectors are already planning a transition, and analyse if his brilliant century at Lord's has changed the conversation. Is Rohit still among India's most valuable ODI players, or should the team start investing in younger talent with the next World Cup just over a year away?
The discussion also explores the role of the selectors, Gautam Gambhir's vision for the ODI side, the balance between experience and youth, and whether India's management has communicated a clear roadmap to its senior stars. With the 2027 World Cup approaching, every ODI innings from Rohit Sharma could shape one of the biggest selection decisions in recent Indian cricket.
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Produced by Areeb Raza
Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti
1 Jul 2026
Why Isn't Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Playing? | Rajdeep Sardesai & Nikhil Naz on England Hopes & What Cricketers Do After Hours
Why isn't Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the playing XI? It's the question every cricket fan is asking.
In this episode, veteran journalists and passionate cricket fans Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz discuss the buzz around Vaibhav's absence, explain why fans shouldn't lose hope, and share why England could be the stage where the young batter gets his opportunity.
But the conversation goes beyond team selection. From what cricketers actually do after training sessions and match days to dressing room routines, downtime, travel, and life away from the spotlight, the two offer a fascinating look into the unseen side of professional cricket.
Whether you're curious about India's next generation of stars or want a glimpse into the everyday lives of elite cricketers, this episode has plenty of insights.
In this episode:
Why isn't Vaibhav Sooryavanshi playing?
Could England be his breakthrough opportunity?
How selectors manage young talent
What cricketers do after hours
Dressing room culture and off-field routines
Exclusive insights from Nikhil Naz
Produced by Taniya Dutta
Sound mixed by Aman Pal
5 Jun 2026
Shreyas Replaces SKY? Dawood's Shadow on Cricket & Why Lalit Modi-Vijay Mallya Live Like Kings in London | Cricket Unfiltered | Ep 6
Is Indian cricket on the verge of a major reset? And why do some of the biggest controversies from cricket's past refuse to go away?
In this explosive conversation, veteran journalists and cricket enthusiasts Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz debate whether Shreyas Iyer should replace Suryakumar Yadav as India's T20 captain and discuss what the ideal Indian T20 playing XI should look like going forward.
The two also take on the hottest selection debate in Indian cricket: Is teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi truly ready for the international stage, or is India rushing its newest prodigy?
But the conversation doesn't stop there.
From the shadow cast by the underworld on cricket through the years and allegations of threats to players, to the enduring fascination surrounding Dawood Ibrahim, the discussion explores some of the sport's darkest chapters.
The episode also examines why former IPL architect Lalit Modi and businessman Vijay Mallya continue to command attention from London, years after leaving India. How did they shape modern cricket? Why do their interviews still make headlines? And what do their stories say about power, money and influence in Indian sport?
From captaincy battles and selection controversies to IPL politics and cricket's murky past, this is a conversation that spans the full spectrum of Indian cricket.
Produced by Taniya Dutta
Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti
14 May 2026
VIRAT vs ROHIT; IPL’S Glitz, Drama and Ethics! | Rajdeep Sardesai & Nikhil Naz | Cricket Unfiltered | Ep 5
In this episode of Cricket Unfiltered, veteran journalists and passionate cricket fans Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz engage in a no-holds-barred debate on some of the biggest talking points in Indian cricket. From the ultimate T20 batting face-off — Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma — to the intense loyalty fans and players show towards IPL franchises, the conversation goes far beyond the boundary ropes.
The two also discuss:
Dressing-room dynamics in modern cricket
Should girlfriends and families be allowed in team spaces?
Why coaches like Ashish Nehra are thriving in the IPL
Board of Control for Cricket in India's rules on unauthorized people in hotel rooms
Spot-fixing and honeytrap concerns in cricket
Should IPL owners, celebrities, and VIPs get boundary-line access and on-field photo ops?
Packed with candid opinions and insider perspectives, this episode takes an unfiltered look at the glamour, politics, and power dynamics of modern cricket.
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Produced by Taniya Dutta
Sound mixed by Suraj Singh
30 Apr 2026
Speed Debate: Old Legends vs Modern Cricketers | Rajdeep Sardesai & Nikhil Naz | Ep 4
Were fast bowlers of the past actually quicker or has modern cricket taken pace to another level?
In this episode of Cricket Unfiltered, journalists and cricket enthusiasts Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz go head-to-head on a fascinating generational debate, comparing legends like Jeff Thomson with today’s stars Pat Cummins and Jofra Archer.
From uncovered pitches and minimal protection to today’s high-tech gear, fitness regimes, and bowling machines—has evolution made cricketers faster or just smarter?
The conversation also dives into the IPL era, rising names like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and the big question: is Mumbai or Delhi the true capital of Indian cricket today?
Plus, a surprising cultural twist—how legends like Asha Bhosle and Madhubala shared a deep love for the game.
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Produced by Taniya Dutta
Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti
16 Apr 2026
Cricket: Test vs IPL & The Politics In Between | Rajdeep Sardesai & Nikhil Naz | Ep 3
In the latest episode of Cricket Unfiltered, journalists and passionate cricket fans Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz dive deep into cricket’s biggest debates—Test vs IPL, Chennai nostalgia, and the story behind the gate named after legendary cricketer Dilip Sardesai at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
They also unpack why the Kolkata Knight Riders seem to have lost the plot—and ask the big question: can sport ever truly stay apolitical? Plus, a proud moment as India features 4 cricketers in the latest Wisden list.
Watch the full conversation on Cricket Unfiltered.
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Produced by Taniya Dutta
Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti
3 Apr 2026
How the Indian Premier League Changed Cricket Forever | Rajdeep Sardesai & Nikhil Naz | Ep 2
In this engaging podcast, journalists and passionate cricket fans Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz dive deep into the origins and evolution of the Indian Premier League—unpacking the vision behind the tournament, the role of figures like Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya, and how the league transformed cricket into a global spectacle.
More than 18 years on, they explore why the IPL continues to thrive, spotlighting its impact in bringing talent from smaller towns and villages to the big stage. The conversation also touches upon the meteoric rise of young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, his remarkable performances at just 15, and inevitable comparisons with legend Sachin Tendulkar.
Set against the backdrop of the ongoing IPL season, this discussion blends cricket, business, and storytelling to decode one of India’s biggest sporting phenomena.
Produced by Taniya Dutta
Sound mixed by Aman Pal
9 Mar 2026
Can India Win the T20 World Cup? Rajdeep Sardesai & Nikhil Naz Break It Down | S1 Ep 1
In the debut episode of Cricket Unfiltered, journalists and passionate cricket fans Rajdeep Sardesai and Nikhil Naz break down the India national cricket team’s thrilling semifinal win at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.
They discuss standout performers, debate India’s top five cricketers of all time, analyze the brilliance of Jasprit Bumrah, and examine the rising future of Abhishek Sharma. Most importantly, they ask: Can India lift the trophy when they face the New Zealand national cricket team in the final at Narendra Modi Stadium this Sunday?
Tune in for sharp insights, lively debate, and cricket nostalgia.
Produced by Taniya Dutta
Sound mixed by Suraj Singh
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