The episode that really matters

In this episode of the 81allout podcast, we zero in on the cliche that makes an appearance in all sporting contests: the moments that mattered. We discuss how for fans some moments take on more significance than others, why writers need to guard against falling into narrative traps, and how the struggling media ecosystem is fertile ground for turning cricketing stories into those of heroism and villainy.

We also discuss how one approaches writing about selection, and predict what sportswriting might look like five or ten years down the line.

Participants:

Sidharth Monga, assistant editor, ESPNcricinfo

Kartikeya Date (@cricketingview)

Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (@sidvee)

Related pieces:

Against narratives - Kartikeya Date

What's the story, Morning Glory - 81allout podcast

Rahul Tewatia and the romance of the struggle - Sidharth Monga

Who removed my spinner - Sidharth Monga

The mother of all myths - Tom Eaton, The Cricket Monthly

Why there is no such thing as a finisher in ODI cricket - by Kartikeya Date

Clock ticking on Dhoni, the T20 finisher - Sidharth Monga