81 All Out

In this episode, we talk to S Giridhar and VJ Raghunath, authors of the book Mid-wicket Tales: From Trumper to Tendulkar. Giri and Raghu take us through their lifelong journey as cricket fans - and help us understand the magic and aura that surrounded some of the greats from the past. Memories, anecdotes, technique, literature: the stories never stop. Talking Points: Learning about the game through books, radio commentary and at stadiums The singular Mr Venkataraghavan - a breed apart in Tamil Nadu cricket The joy of watching close-in catchers as India's great spin quartet spun a web Why Neil Harvey is so revered among old-timers in Madras Gundappa Viswanath - batting side-on, oozing class against the greatest attacks Bedi's poetry, Chandra's electricity, Prasanna's flight The extraordinary Kapil Dev and his ability to rotate strike at will The great slip catchers - and Azhar pouching them without a sound An all-time XI from the guests' experience of following the game Participants: S Giridh