The Last Wicket

Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement from international cricket marks the end of an era for Indian cricket, and this episode delves deep into his illustrious career. The hosts Benny and Mayank, along with special guest Shayan, explore the nuances of Ashwin's contributions to the game, from his remarkable bowling feats to his strategic mind on the field. They discuss key moments from his career, including standout performances in pivotal matches and his unique approach to the game, which has often set him apart as a thinker and innovator. The conversation also touches on the complexities of his persona, the challenges he faced within the team dynamics, and how his analytical nature has influenced both his playing style and leadership potential. Join them as they celebrate the remarkable journey of one of cricket's greatest off-spinners and reflect on what his legacy means for the future of Indian cricket.

Ravichandran Ashwin's cricketing journey is a testament to talent, intelligence, and relentless pursuit of excellence. This episode takes listeners through the various milestones of Ashwin's career, from his early days in the IPL with Chennai Super Kings to his pivotal role in the Indian Test team. The hosts, Benny, Mayank, and guest Shayan, engage in a rich discussion about Ashwin's unique contributions to cricket, emphasizing his strategic acumen and ability to adapt his game to different formats and conditions. They explore the nuances of his retirement announcement, made mid-series during a challenging tour of Australia, raising important questions about the timing and its implications for the team dynamics.

The episode highlights key performances that defined Ashwin's career, including his impactful spells in crucial matches such as the 2011 World Cup quarter-finals and the 2013 Champions Trophy final. The hosts delve into statistical analysis to underscore Ashwin's effectiveness as a bowler, discussing his ability to exploit batsmen's weaknesses and his evolution as an all-rounder. They reflect on his batting contributions, which, while sometimes overlooked, have been crucial in many match situations. This multifaceted approach provides a comprehensive understanding of Ashwin as a player who not only excels in bowling but also provides valuable runs when needed most.

As the conversation unfolds, the hosts celebrate Ashwin's legacy and the indelible mark he has left on Indian cricket. They reminisce about memorable moments and the sheer joy he has brought to fans across the globe. The episode calls for listeners to appreciate Ashwin's achievements in the context of his unique playing style and his impact on the sport, urging a focus on the celebration of his career rather than the controversies surrounding his retirement. By the end, listeners are left with a profound appreciation for Ashwin's contributions to cricket and an understanding of what makes him one of the game's greats.

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Shayan Khan (@TweetsByShayan) / X

Daniel Beswick - Co-Founder of Emerging Cricket, and Digital and Editorial content contributor for the ICC - joins The Last Wicket to talk all things Under 19 Women's Cricket. We discuss why we should be excited about the first edition of the ongoing under 19 women's World Cup, the emerging cricketing talent in Indonesia and Rwanda, the participation of senior cricketers in the under 19 World Cup, and even the rising incidence of bowlers running out batsmen at the non-striker's end.

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Daniel Beswick (@DGBeswick1) / Twitter

Daniel Beswick | Twitter, Facebook | Linktree

The ongoing IPL season has elicited a fervent discourse among hosts Benny and Mayank, who engage with special guest Ben Brettell to delve into the intricacies of the tournament. A salient point of discussion revolves around the contentious issue of pitch preparation and its implications for teams seeking home advantage. The hosts explore the contrasting strategies employed by various franchises, mainly the dissatisfaction expressed by teams such as Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders regarding their curators' decisions. Furthermore, they highlight standout performances from players such as Sai Sudarshan and Mohammed Siraj, illuminating the evolving dynamics of the league. As the conversation unfolds, the trio contemplates the broader ramifications of these developments on team strategies and the overall competitive landscape of IPL 2025.

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CricInspo by Ben Brettell | Substack

Special guest Aaaman Patel (Aaman Patel (@APSportsNews_) / X) joins The Last Wicket to talk through an eventful phase of cricket in the USA - the recent T20 World Cup and the ongoing second season of Major League Cricket. We talk about his journey to becoming a commentator in American cricket, the US team's campaign in the World Cup, the outlook for cricket in the USA, and much more.

The Last Wicket boys are joined by Prashant DP to discuss cricket documentaries - best, worst and everything in between. We discuss our personal favorites, the stories and agendas they contain, the relevance of documentaries in sports, and our wishlist for potential cricket documentaries.

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Prashant DP (@prashantdptweet) / X

Prashant DP – Medium