81 All Out

In the latest 81allout podcast we rewind to the World Cup in 1987 – when Australia pulled off a sensational triumph. We talk about Allan Lamb taking on Courtney Walsh in Gujranwala, Gavaskar scorching a hundred, Dave Houghton blasting 142, Navjot "Sixer" Sidhu clattering the big ones, Gooch sweeping India out of the World Cup, Gatting reverse-sweeping to his doom, and a young Australian side enjoying a fairytale ride all the way to the summit.  Also included: The behind-the-scenes stories to bring the World Cup to the subcontinent, Australia v Pakistan in Lahore being the cricket equivalent of Italy v Brazil 1982, and Walsh going home with a special carpet.  Participants: Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (@sidvee), K Balakumar (@kbalakumar) Vijay Arumugam (@vijayarumugam) (Lead pic from here)

In the latest 81allout podcast we rewind to one of the mostly fondly remembered World Cups – from 1992. Why is this such a beloved tournament? Has there been a better collection of cricket jerseys at one event? We talk about Mark Greatbatch's sixes, Martin Crowe's innovative tactics, Srikkanth's duck against New Zealand, Raju's premature celebration, David Boon's square cuts, that Jonty Rhodes run-out, Srinath's ball to Miandad... Not to forget, the strange rain-rule. And those two balls from heaven. Participants: Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (@sidvee), Mahesh Sethuraman (@cornerd) Max (@maxdavinci) Anantha (@anantha)

In the latest episode of the 81allout podcast, we are delighted to be joined by ESPNcricinfo’s Bangladesh correspondent Mohammad Isam. Isam opens up about the terrorist attack in Christchurch, and how it has offered him a new perspective towards cricket. We go on to talk about Bangladesh's squad for the World Cup. And their problem with chasing big totals. Also featuring: Jersey-gate, the Imrul Kayes riddle and Rubel Hossain's Bradman-esque (bowling) average Participants: Mohammad Isam (@isam84), Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (@sidvee), Ashoka (@ABVan) Some of Isam's pieces: 'There's a shooting here, please save us' The story of the Dhaka Premier League On the campaign trail with Mashrafe Mortaza Mohammad Ashraful profile

In the latest episode of the 81allout podcast we discuss recent controversies around umpiring and the seemingly gradual erosion of umpires' authority. Was Dhoni justified in walking onto the field and arguing with the umpires?  Is there data to prove that umpiring standards in this IPL has been worse than in previous editions? We touch upon the effects of technology on assessing umpires, the role of commentators on shaping the narrative and how it is impossible to sometimes say whether an umpire got a decision right or wrong. Participants: Subash Jayaraman (@cricketcouch), Kartikeya Date (@cricketingview), Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (@sidvee), Max (@maxdavinci)

In the latest episode of the 81allout podcast, we are thrilled to be joined by podcaster and blogger Subash Jayaraman, as well as Kartikeya Date, a contributor for ESPNcricinfo, The Hindu and other publications. We talk about Andre Russell's 13-ball 48 for Kolkata Knight Riders against Royal Challengers Bangalore, and debate whether it was an "astonishing" innings or one that should have come as no surprise. Have we even learnt how to judge a T20 innings? Do we have the grammar and metrics to judge a T20 performance without veering into hyperbole? Will the "quality" of bowling eventually cease to matter in a format so heavily skewed in favour of the bat. Questions, questions, questions.... Participants: Subash Jayaraman (@cricketcouch), Kartikeya Date (@cricketingview), Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (@sidvee), Max (@maxdavinci)

 In the latest episode of the 81allout podcast, we are delighted to be joined by ESPNcricinfo's Sri Lanka correspondent Andrew Fidel Fernando. We talk about Fidel's experiences of covering Sri Lankan cricket and discuss the various aspects of putting together a piece on deadline. Fidel talks about what was going through his head when Kusal Perera was rewriting the history books in Durban, and the manner in which he 'joined the dots' after Sri Lanka's scarcely believable Test series win in Port Elizabeth. Also featuring: Sandpaper-gate, Rangana Herath, Sri Lankan cricket administration, and much more... Podcast participants: Andrew Fidel Fernando (@afidelf), Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (@sidvee), Ashoka (@ABVan)

In Part 2 of our fun preview we discuss: Rajasthan Royals' lack of spin options, Royal Challenger Bangalore's propensity for comedy, Mumbai Indians' ability to win tournaments every alternative year, and Sunrisers Hyderabad's terrific balance. We're delighted to be joined by Arnab Ray (@greatbong) with his insights and humor. Other podcast participants: @sidvee, @anantha and @maxdavinci

The IPL is here! And in Part 1 of our fun preview we discuss: Chennai Super Kings' chances to win another title with a team of golden oldies, Delhi Capitals' chances of winning their first IPL with a new team name, Kings XI Punjab's bizarre team combination, and Kolkata Knight Riders' bowling riches (and worries) We're delighted to be joined by Arnab Ray (@greatbong) with his insights and humour. Other podcast participants: @sidvee), @anantha and @maxdavinci

 In the second episode of the 81allout podcast, we are delighted to be joined by BBC Test Match Special commentator Daniel Norcross and Kartikeya Date, an essayist for ESPNcricinfo and other publications. We talk about the different ways in which we consume cricket and how our experiences have changed over time. What irks us the most when we watch the game? How easily are we drawn to cricketing arguments on Twitter? How do we react on hearing cliches on commentary? All this and much more come together in a lively discussion. Podcast participants: Daniel Norcross (@norcrosscricket), Kartikeya Date (@cricketingview), Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (@sidvee), Ashoka (@ABVan)

 In the second episode of the 81allout podcast, we chat with Saurabh Somani, Assistant Editor at ESPNcricinfo, on the recently concluded season of Ranji Trophy. We discuss the unprecedented scale of this year's Ranji Trophy, Vidarbha's impressive title defense, the controversial Karnataka-Saurashtra semifinal, and some fascinating stories that only a tournament of this magnitude can throw up. 

 In the first episode of the 81allout podcast, we talk to Vijay Arumugam, a cricket fan based in Sydney, and discuss the first-ever Test match at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. Vijay and a group of friends drove from Sydney to Canberra, and he shares some of their experiences from the recent Australia v Sri Lanka Test. Podcast participants: Vijay Arumugam (@vijayarumugam), Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (@sidvee), Mahesh Sethuraman (@cornerd )