Can data models predict the World Test Championship, and will algorithms eventually replace on-field captaincy instinct?  

In Part 2 of our deep dive on Cricktake, data analyst and entrepreneur Soumajit Chail shares break down of his real-world cricket analytics projects - from building WTC dynamic race bar charts and simulation models to optimizing IPL match scheduling and broadcast revenue using Excel solvers.  

We also debate the clash between data-informed and data-driven captaincy, the commercial reality of league cricket, and why too much data can lead to dangerous "analysis paralysis" for international players under extreme pressure.  

Special Guest:

Soumajit Chail – Data Analyst & Entrepreneur

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soumajitchail/

WTC Simulation & Race Bar Chart: 

https://lnkd.in/p/g2naTQ7a

https://lnkd.in/dpCzCafP

IPL Schedule Optimization Model: 

https://lnkd.in/p/gwAS7ExR

https://lnkd.in/g5WuvBsX

Watch Part 1 (The Roadmap & Fundamentals): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGxUjF92YR4&t=1s

00:00 - Introduction & Recap

00:57 - WTC Simulation & Race Bar Chart

06:17 - IPL Schedule Optimization Model

10:21 - Travel Fatigue & Multimodal Modeling

14:22 - League Cricket & Sports Economics

18:57 - Data-Informed vs Data-Driven Captains

22:16 - Will AI Replace Cricket Captains?

30:34 - Analysis Paralysis & Player Psychology

38:17 - Outro & Final Thoughts  

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

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

#cricketanalytics #sportsanalytics #wtc #ipl #dataanalytics #cricktake #machinelearning #cricketpodcast #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 franchises, tech providers, and global media houses.  

Special Guest:

Soumajit Chail – Data Analyst & Entrepreneur

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soumajitchail/  

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

01:38 - Meet Soumajit Chail

03:57 - What is Sports Analytics?

06:16 - The 4 Analytics Branches

13:35 - Neural Networks in Cricket

21:20 - Career Roadmap & Portfolio

25:37 - How to Land an Analyst Role

32:51 - Tech Stack & Must-Learn Tools

37:41 - Outro & Part 2 Preview  

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

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

#cricketanalytics #sportsanalytics #ipl #dataanalytics #cricktake #python #machinelearning #careerinsports

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.

Special Guest:

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

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

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

#indiancricket #t20icaptain #gautamgambhir #sarpanchsaab #rohitsharma

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!

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

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

#babarazamcaptain #pakistancricket #pakvswi #pakvseng #worldtestchampionship #Cricktake

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 Diaspora Influx

13:48 - The Oriental Cricket Club

15:45 - Segregated Club Realities

20:15 - The Ramabhai Trophy

23:16 - The 1959 Sunrise Club Split

28:17 - UDI & Global Isolation

35:06 - Systemic Facility Divides

37:21 - Lancaster House & Mugabe

39:06 - ICC Membership & Outro

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

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

#ZimbabweCricket #CricketHistory #Cricktake

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 Prodigy

19:18 - Darcey Carter: The 19-Year-Old Chasing Down the World's Best

22:21 - Nilakshi De Silva: Leading from the Front & middle-order Rescues

27:26 - Bonus Story: Sophie Molineux's Journey From Dark Rehab to World Cup Glory

29:21 - Fatima Sana: True Strength & Pure Passion

33:14 - Final Thoughts: How the ICC Must Market the Women's Game Better

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

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

#womenst20worldcup2026 #cricketpodcast #underdogstories #Cricktake #womenincricket

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 year?

This episode analyzes the specific strategies behind RCB's championship win.

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

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

#ipl2026 #royalchallengersbengaluru #rajatpatidar #viratkohli #dineshkarthik #mobobat #andyflower #tataipl #ipl2026winner

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, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Instagram, TikTok, Substack & Medium.

#pakistan #pakcricket #pcb #babarazam #salmanaliagha #shaheenafridi #saudshakeel #mohammadrizwan #pakistancaptain #pakistancricketteamcaptain 

#پاکستان_کرکٹ #پی_سی_بی #کپتان #کپتانی #کرکٹ_تجزیہ #پاکستان_ٹیم

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 tournaments.

Is this the beginning of a long-term Dutch blueprint or are deeper systemic changes still needed?

#netherlandscricket #basdeleede #loganvanbeek #roelofvandermerwe #aryandutt #TKcricket #t20worldcup2026

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

07:26 - Opportunities

10:22 - Threats

#icct20worldcup2026 #josbuttler #philsalt #adilrashid #englandcricket

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 / Weak Spots  

04:48 – Tactical Concerns  

06:38 – Threats (Group of Death & Over-Reliance)  

07:58 – Best XI 

#afghanistancricket #icct20worldcup2026 #rashidkhan #rahmanullahgurbaz #azmatullahomarzai

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, fitness, and fast-bowling depth.

02:15 - Batting firepower & all-rounders

05:35 - Weakness against spin

07:46 - Fast bowling & Hazlewood 

14:05 - Best XI

#t20worldcup2026 #icct20worldcup #cricketaustralia #australiacricket #travishead #adamzampa #mitchellmarsh #maxwell #joshhazlewood #squadreview

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 #faheemashraf

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 #indiancricket #suryakumaryadav #dspsiraj #hardikpandya

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)

03:09 - Commercialization & Board–Player Breakdown (1995–2004)

15:26 - The Freelance Era Begins (2005–2014)

22:42 - Decline Across Formats (2014–2019)

23:46 - Collapse and Missed World Cups (2020–2025)

29:20 - What Comes Next?

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

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

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

30:07 – Tent Peg 2

38:40 – Tent Peg 3

59:56 – Tent Peg 4

01:07:04 – Applying the model to women's fast bowling

01:17:01 – Imran Khan: Changing his action mid-career

01:31:44 – Can the Four Tent Pegs work for spin bowling?