304. Inside The Making Of ‘Net Flicks’ With Akshay & Vijay Lokapally

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 304 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. In a cricket-obsessed nation, how does another sport find its voice—and who tells that story?In this special crossover episode, we speak to Akshay and Vijay Lokapally, co-authors of Net Flicks: India’s Smashing Affair with the Shuttle. From Prakash Padukone’s legacy to PV Sindhu’s stardom, we explore the rise of Indian badminton and the challenges shuttlers overcame to break through the cricketing noise.Akshay and Vijay Sir walk us through the inspiration and writing process behind the book, shares stories that didn’t make the headlines, and reflects on how sport—and sportswriting—is evolving in India. Even if you live and breathe cricket, this conversation might just make you pick up a racquet—or at least, the book.Thank you so much for tuning in to today’s episode and for your incredible support. If you haven’t already, make sure to hit the follow button and tap the bell icon on Spotify to stay updated with every new episode.Stay connected with us on social media – follow @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram and Threads, and @neverontheback1 on Twitter (now X) for the latest cricket insights, fresh content, and much more throughout this action-packed season.You can also catch the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify for Podcasters, and many other streaming platforms. Plus, Never on the Backfoot is now on YouTube, so don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive, in-depth content coming your way.Thanks again for all your love and support. Until next time, stay safe, take care, and keep enjoying the game. Bye for now!