About this episode
Rajdeep and Nikhil Naz rewind the 2019 world cup for you. The stage was set for a historic showdown, one that promised to crown a new world champion from either New Zealand or England. It was a momentous occasion because, for the first time, neither India nor any of the traditional cricketing giants were in contention for the coveted title. Before delving into the thrilling drama of the World Cup, the conversation harked back to India's journey. Just like the heartbreak of the 2015 World Cup, India had stumbled at the semi-final hurdle. The nation had high hopes, but fate had other plans. The build-up to the World Cup had been marred by controversy, with one name dominating the headlines – Ambati Rayudu. The omission of this exceptional white-ball player baffled cricket enthusiasts worldwide, leaving them wondering about the mysterious reasons behind his exclusion. India's Achilles' heel had always been the No. 4 spot in the batting lineup. While they boasted a formidable top three, the search for a dependable fourth batsman remained elusive. This deficiency added an air of uncertainty to their campaign. Rohit Sharma emerged as a shining star, scoring an incredible five centuries throughout the tournament. But it wasn't just his cricketing prowess that captured attention; it was also his dry sense of humor, providing moments of levity amidst intense matches. Rajdeep, an ardent cricket enthusiast, fondly recalled a timeless memory of Rohit Sharma, a testament to the indelible mark he had left on the cricketing world. However, it was New Zealand who had consistently overachieved on the global stage. The semifinal clash between India and New Zealand was etched in cricketing history. India found themselves in dire straits at 5-3, with all three top-order batters back in the pavilion. It was a moment of despair. In the end, it was a bridge too far for India, and their World Cup dream slipped away. The gripping climax was reserved for the nail-biting final between New Zealand and England. Rajdeep and Nikhil passionately narrated the epic showdown, encapsulating the tension, drama, and spirit of the game. Tune in to find out! Produced by Anna Priyadarshini Sound Mix by Kapil Dev Singh