Cricktake

How do IPL teams like RCB leverage data to win titles, and what does it actually take to break into sports analytics?  

In Part 1 of this deep dive on Cricktake, we sit down with data analyst and entrepreneur Soumajit Chail to demystify the world of cricket analytics - from the four core branches of analytics to how artificial neural networks simulate on-field player matchups.  

We break down real-world bowling tactics against AB de Villiers, the technical stack you need (Python, SQL, Power BI, SPSS), and an actionable step-by-step roadmap to land analyst roles in IPL fran...

Shreyas Iyer started his T20I captaincy stint for India with a brutal 0-6 streak. 

In this episode of CrickTake, our cross-border panel of 2 Pakistani and 2 Indian cricket analysts sit down to break down what went wrong, whether Shreyas was ever truly ready for the captaincy role, and where Indian cricket goes from here.

From heavy reliance on Jasprit Bumrah to questionable selection calls like resting Sanju Samson, we dissect the internal challenges facing Team India, the dynamic between the head coach and the captain, and what the future holds for Shreyas' leadership.

S...

Babar Azam’s Test captaincy reappointment has triggered intense debate across the cricket world! Is PCB running out of options, or is Babar genuinely the best leader to take Pakistan Test cricket forward?

In this episode of Cricktake, our 4-panel debate featuring 2 Indian and 2 Pakistani voices dives deep into the leadership vacuum, squad dynamics, and what this decision means for the Pakistan National Cricket Team ahead of the Test series.

Special Guest:

Abu Bakar from Cricwick - Host & Creator joining us for a deep dive into Pakistan cricket!

Zimbabwean cricket isn’t just a story of the 1990s triumphs, it is a machine forged in a deep, hidden history of colonial and minority struggles.

In this episode of Cricktake, we breaCricktakee unknown stories that defined the early game - the shadow leagues, the forgotten legends, and the structural blueprints that set the stage for independent Zimbabwe's rise.

00:00 - Introduction: The Colonial Era

02:03 - The Currie Cup Furnace

03:34 - Shadow Minority Leagues

05:20 - Duncan Fletcher’s Blueprints

06:37 - Football & Athletics Ecosystems

09:24 - The Indian Dias...

The 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup gave us a few stories that we believe defined the tournament.

In this episode of Cricktake, we break down the underdog stories that stood out - the performances, the turning points, and the players who made this tournament unforgettable.

00:00 - Introduction: The Unsung Stories of the World Cup

01:54 - Caroline de Lange: The Doctor Who Chased a Dream

07:01 - Orla Prendergast & Ireland's Historic 21-Match Streak-Breaker

10:32 - Shreyanka Patil: Injury, Resilience, & Breaking Mental Health Taboos

16:34 - Juairiya Ferdous: Bangladesh's Multi-Sport Gold Medalist...

The dust has settled on IPL 2026, and it’s time to pick our Team of the Tournament 🔥

In this episode of Cricktake, we select our Best XI based purely on performances throughout the season - consistency, impact, and match-winning moments. From explosive batters to clutch bowlers, these are the players who truly defined IPL 2026.

🎧 Listen, Read, Follow: https://ecosystem.cricktake.com/

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Instagram, TikTok, Substack & Medium.

#ipl2026 #bestxi #teamofthetournament #rajatpatidar #viratkohli #bhuvneshwarkumar #ishankishan #vaibhavsuryavanshi  #tataipl #krunalpandya #sunilnarine

In this episode of Cricktake, Sharan and Abhishek break down RCB’s championship run from every angle, specifically, the underlying system that helped them defend their IPL '25 title.

We go deep into RCB’s season across multiple dimensions, from management decisions and auction strategy to team culture and dressing room environment. We also break down batting consistency, bowling execution under pressure, fielding standards, overall intent, and the key moments that defined their championship run.

Was this win the result of key individual execution, or did RCB field a structurally stronger team than they did last...

The T20 World Cup 2026 is over. We cover four topics: Bumrah's legacy and what his career numbers mean for pace bowling, New Zealand's collapse pattern compared to the Proteas, cricket's Olympic inclusion and the distribution of benefits, and the ICC's finance model for associate nations.

#T20WorldCup2026 #CricketPodcast #JaspritBumrah #NewZealandCricket #Proteas #CricketOlympics #AssociateCricket #ICC #T20Cricket #Cricktake

Pakistan cricket has gone through constant captaincy changes over the last decade across formats, players, and management regimes.

In this URDU episode of Cricktake, we look at how these frequent changes have impacted team stability, decision-making, and overall performance. Instead of reacting to one recent change, we step back and look at the bigger pattern.

We also discuss how management decisions have played a role, and whether Pakistan cricket can realistically move towards a more stable leadership structure.

🎧 Listen, Read, Follow: https://ecosystem.cricktake.com/

Available on Spotify, App...

Netherlands’ performance review for the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026.

In this episode, we break down where the Dutch excelled, where they fell short, and what this campaign says about the future of associate cricket. We analyse the all-round brilliance of Bas de Leede, the bowling consistency led by Logan van Beek, and the areas of concern including middle-order fragility, catching lapses, and over-reliance on key individuals.

We also discuss emerging talent like Zach Lion-Cachet, structural growth in Dutch cricket, and whether the Netherlands can transition from giant-killers to consistent contenders in global tour...

Nepal’s group-stage campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 was anything but linear.

In this episode of Cricktake, we review Nepal’s performances against England, Italy, West Indies, and Scotland - analyzing their batting breakthroughs, bowling inconsistencies, and elite fielding standards.

#nepalcricket #cricketassociationofnepal #nepalpremierleague #dipendrasinghairee #lamichhane #icc #t20worldcup2026

England’s squad review for the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026.

We analyse England’s explosive batting depth led by Jos Buttler and Phil Salt, their aggressive approach, and the impact of IPL exposure in subcontinent conditions.

We also examine concerns around spin depth beyond Adil Rashid, death bowling consistency, and how Harry Brook handles captaincy pressure in a World Cup year.

With a favourable group but tactical questions to answer, can England turn attacking intent into tournament success?

01:21 - Strengths

04:12 - Weak spots

0...

Afghanistan’s squad review for the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026.

We break down Afghanistan’s biggest strengths, including their elite spin trio of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad, along with their explosive top order.

We also examine middle-order concerns, fielding lapses, over-reliance on Rashid Khan, and the tactical questions surrounding their Plan B.

With matches in spin-friendly conditions and a “group of death” featuring South Africa and New Zealand, can Afghanistan once again play the role of giant killers?

00:34 – Strengths  

02:49 – Weaknesses / Wea...

Sri Lanka’s squad review for the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026.

We analyse Sri Lanka’s batting structure, recurring middle-order issues, and their reliance on spin-heavy bowling in home conditions. The discussion also covers recent form, leadership pressure, and whether Sri Lanka can finally translate home advantage into tournament success.

00:45 – Batting strengths & top order  

01:45 – Middle-order concerns  

04:30 – Spin bowling strength & conditions  

07:20 – Bowling balance & fifth bowler question  

08:24 – Recent form, pressure & expectations

#t20worldcup2026 #icct20worldcup #icc #srilankacricket #sanathjayasuriya #hasaranga #shanaka #maheeshtheekshana #pathirana

Australia’s squad review for the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026.

We discuss Australia’s strengths, mentality, explosive top order, and their challenges against spin in subcontinent conditions. The episode also looks at bowling balance, over-reliance on key players, bench strength, and settles on a best possible XI.

Note: This episode was recorded before the latest squad update. At the time of recording, Josh Hazlewood was part of the squad. He has since been dropped from the final group, a decision that directly relates to several concerns discussed in this episode regarding balance, fitnes...

Pakistan’s squad review for the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026.

We break down the full squad composition, batting and bowling depth, role clarity, and selection balance. The discussion focuses on batting combinations, Babar Azam’s ideal role and position, and why Pakistan’s spin attack could be a major advantage in Sri Lankan conditions.

01:07 – Openers and Middle Order

07:39 – Babar Azam and his role in the team

14:38 – Wicket-keeping batters  

22:41 – Bowlers  

26:05 – Best XI  

#t20worldcup2026 #icct20worldcup #icc #pakistancricket #pcb #babarazam #salmanaliagha #saimayub

India’s squad review for the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026. We break down the selected players, balance, roles, and key selection calls heading into the tournament.

Note: This episode was recorded before the final squad update. At the time, Mohammad Siraj was not part of the announced squad. Following Harshit Rana’s injury, Siraj has since been added to the team.

00:23 - Strengths

04:49 - Weak Spots

06:49 - Opportunities

08:42 - Threats

12:15 - Best XI

#t20worldcup2026 #icct20worldcup #icc #teamindia #indian...

West Indies’ decline was not sudden. It was structural, political, and quietly inevitable.

Part 2 of this two-part series examines the point of inflexion from 1995 onwards, when dominance faded, governance fractures widened, and cricket slowly stopped binding the Caribbean together.

From contractual disputes, player walkouts, and the rise of the freelance cricketer, to statistical decay across formats and repeated failures to qualify for global tournaments, this episode looks beyond scorecards to understand what truly unraveled behind the scenes.

#westindiescricket #icc #testcricket #odicricket #t20cricket #cricketgoverningbody #cricketwestindies 

00:25 - Intro: The Inflexion Point (1995)

0...

What really makes a fast bowler dangerous? It’s not just speed, it’s the physics, biomechanics, and body sequencing behind every delivery. 

In this deep-dive episode of Cricktake, we break down the science of fast bowling, one concept at a time. From ground reaction force to the Ian Pont's “Four Tent Pegs” model, we explore how elite pace is created and what most people miss.

Whether you're a fan, a player, or just a cricket nerd, this episode will change how you see bowling forever.

0:00 – Introduction

21:35 – Tent Peg 1

3...

Cricket has never been just about skill or results. Behind every tournament, format shift, and scheduling decision lies a deeper game of money, incentives, and power. From revenue concentration to unequal growth, the modern structure of cricket tells a story that fans rarely pause to question.

This episode of Cricktake breaks down the economics behind ICC’s decisions. Joined by our first-ever guest, an Economics PhD Student, we examine how cricket’s financial boom reshaped governance, why money doesn’t automatically improve quality, how associate nations are left behind, and whether ICC today acts more like a govern...

After decades of dominance at home, India’s Test fortress has finally cracked. From historic collapses and selection puzzles to dressing-room tensions hiding in plain sight, this downturn has a face, and it belongs to Gautam Gambhir.

This episode of Cricktake dissects the most turbulent stretch of India’s red-ball era. We break down the missteps, the ignored performers, the shifting power equations, and the staggering numbers behind a decline few saw coming. A raw, unfiltered look at the man, the moment, and the meltdown reshaping Indian Test cricket.

01:13 - India’s Red-Ball Collapse

01:5...

West Indies weren’t just a cricket team, they were a symbol of unity, resistance, and Caribbean identity.

Part 1 of this two-part series explores how a scattered group of islands stitched together a cricketing civilization and created one of the most dominant teams in sports history.

01:17 - The Birth of West Indies Cricket

01:40 - Frank Worrell & the First Revolution

16:31 - Clive Lloyd’s Golden Era

22:21 - Sir Vivian Richards: The Aura

29:53 - The Fall Begins

Fifty years after the first Women’s World Cup, India are champions.

This episode of Cricktake dives into the 2025 Women’s World Cup - the richest and most-watched edition ever. From Mandira Bedi’s sponsorship in 2005 to India’s record-breaking chase and South Africa’s fearless run, we explore the power shifts that redefined women’s cricket.

00:00 – Intro: 50 years since 1975 and the most watched Women’s World Cup ever

02:18 – Segment 1: In The Middle – Power shifts and turning points

02:33 – South Africa’s journey: fearless, emotional and unbreakable

16:05 – Australia’s journey: human this time but still for...

Before the men lifted their first World Cup in 1975, the women had already done it in 1973. Yet that story was quietly forgotten.

This episode of Cricktake revisits the rise, neglect, and revival of women’s cricket - from Rachael Heyhoe Flint’s pioneering World Cup to the WPL’s packed stadiums and Australia’s blueprint for professionalization. We explore how gender-bland sexism, selective memory, and structural bias shaped the sport’s past, and ask a simple question that still echoes today:

When will women’s cricket truly be seen as equal and not exceptional?

The Asia Cup 2025 reminded us how form, rhythm, and temperament define success in the subcontinent. India’s expected dominance was finally challenged by a late Pakistani surge, though not enough to shift the pundits’ predictions. Cricktake unwraps the tournament through its turning points, from Afghanistan’s struggle and Sri Lanka’s rise to the determined efforts of the UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong, revealing how structure and skill continue to shape Asian cricket’s story.

They were never on the team sheet but their voices shaped the game. From radio epics and velvet baritones to tactical dissections and chaotic one-liners, commentators have turned cricket into conversation. This episode of Cricktake charts the evolution of the mic, the masters who knew when to speak, the ones who didn’t, and the soundbites that became folklore. We break down the greats, the gimmicks, and the future of commentary in an age of AI and overload. And we ask the question most fans haven’t dared to voice. Who really deserves the mic today?

In an age of instant gratification and booming T20 leagues, is there still room for Test cricket, the format that defined the game? This episode of Cricktake explores the past, present, and uncertain future of the longest format. From five-day epics and Bazball experiments to collapsing boards and Gen Z apathy, we ask the question no one wants to answer: Is Test cricket dying or is it just evolving?

In June 2025, South Africa finally lifted the World Test Championship trophy, breaking decades of doubt and the weight of the “chokers” tag. This episode of Cricktake looks at how the Proteas’ victory rewrites their past, reshapes their present, and opens new questions about what comes next.

They came from different playbooks but collided on the same stage. One side was G² with Gill’s runs and Gambhir’s edge, the other driven by the bravado of Bazball. Across 25 days the first Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy gave us records, heartbreak and defiance, from Gill’s run-fest to Jadeja’s resilience, from England’s theatre to Siraj’s final roar. This episode of Cricktake relives the drama, unpacks the turning points and asks the question left hanging at The Oval. Who really won this 2–2?

After 18 long years, the wait is finally over. From flamboyant beginnings and near misses to heartbreaks that hardened into memes, RCB’s journey has defined the IPL in ways trophies never could. This episode of Cricktake traces the arc of a franchise that turned pain into cult, chaos into identity, and belief into silverware. We relive the stars, the scars, and the season that changed everything.