The Cricket Library

Nikhil Kulkarni | Every Day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy | A Fan’s Journey

What does it mean to truly love cricket?

In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, host Matt Ellis sits down with author and cricket tragic Nikhil Kulkarni to explore his deeply personal book, My Summer of Cricket.

From a village in North Karnataka in India to the grand stadiums of Australia, Nikhil’s journey is one that will resonate with cricket lovers everywhere. This is a story of early morning radio commentaries, lifelong devotion, and the moments that define us as fans of the game. At the heart of the book is an extraordinary pilgrimage during the 2024–25 summer, where Nikhil attended every single day of the Border–Gavaskar Trophy, travelling between the Gabba, Melbourne Cricket Ground, and Sydney Cricket Ground to follow one of cricket’s greatest rivalries. In this conversation, we explore: 🏏 Growing up with cricket in India and finding a new home in Australia

🏏 The emotional pull of the Border–Gavaskar Trophy

🏏 Witnessing Sachin Tendulkar’s final Test match

🏏 The stories, people and moments that make cricket more than just a game

🏏 How cricket connects cultures, generations, and communities

To close the episode, Nikhil faces “The Final Over” — six quick-fire questions to finish the innings.

If you’ve ever set an alarm for a 3am Test match, followed a series ball by ball, or felt cricket shape your life, this episode is for you.

About Nikhil Kulkarni:

Nikhil Kulkarni is a Sydney-based tech leader, community builder, and lifelong cricket tragic who has followed the game across India and Australia for over three decades. His debut book, My Summer of Cricket, chronicles the dramatic 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, blending match-day moments and personal reflections from thirty years of fandom. https://mysummerofcricket.com/

Gavin Dovey - From the Australian Team to Leading NT Cricket

What does it take to build a life in cricket at the highest level? In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, host Matt Ellis sits down with Gavin Dovey to explore a remarkable journey through Australian sport.

Now the CEO of Northern Territory Cricket, Gavin has spent decades working behind the scenes of the game we all love so dearly. Before moving into administration, Gavin served as team manager of the Australia national cricket team, offering a unique perspective on the culture, leadership, and pressure that comes with representing Australia.

In this wide-ranging conversation we discuss:

🏏 Gavin’s love of sport growing up in Sydney in the 80s

🏏 What it’s really like managing the Australian men’s team

🏏 Lessons from working alongside players and coaches at the highest level

🏏 Growing and strengthening cricket in the Northern Territory

🏏 The unique role the Territory plays in the Australian cricket landscape

🏏 The future vision for cricket in the Top End

Plus, Gavin faces “The Final Over” — six quick questions to finish the innings.

If you love the stories behind the game, this episode offers a fascinating look at the people and decisions that shape Australian cricket. Subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast for more conversations with the players, writers, thinkers and administrators who have helped build the game.

Tammy Bartaia - Bollywood Dreams

Tammy Bartaia is an International actress, TV presenter and author. From the age of seven her dream was to become an actress. She studied screen acting at the National Institute of Dramatic Art ( Nida) in Sydney, Australia. She is well known to cricket fans around the world for her role in the Bollywood film UnIndian starring Australian fast bowler Brett Lee. Tammy sat down with Matt Ellis to share what it was like working with Brett and the parallels between performing on set and cricketers performing on their stage, the cricket stadium. Tammy has a passion for Bollywood and has a deep connection to India through her time working on various projects, including the popular Hindi film Chola, which explores themes such as self discovery and the power of letting go of ego. Tammy always loved to write. It allowed her to use her imagination to create something special. -Even when there is no pen and paper in my hand, I always write in my mind," she says. Tammy is the author of the books: "The Young Woman with an Old Soul" and "A Pink House On Wheels."Tammy always loved to write. It allowed her to use her imagination to create something special. Join us as we open the window into the life of a gifted performer for whom the best is yet to come!

Anupam Sharma - When Bollywood Meets the Baggy Green

Anupam Sharma sits down with MJ Ellis & shares the origins of his deep love for cricket, reflecting on how the game shaped his early life and continues to inspire his storytelling. We hear how his journey into the film industry began, including a remarkable encounter with Bollywood icon Feroz Khan — a moment that changed the trajectory of his creative life.

With a unique perspective on the intersection of sport and cinema, Anupam reflects on his experiences working with cricketing legends like Adam Gilchrist, Brett Lee, Virat Kohli, and Sachin Tendulkar, revealing the humanity behind the heroes. He also shares insights into his latest milestone: the release of his powerful documentary, Brand Bollywood: Down Under, now streaming on Netflix — a film that explores the influence of Bollywood in Australia and the stories that shape our cultural landscape.

This episode is a rich celebration of cricket, culture, and the stories that bind us.

 

Elsa Hunter - WBBL Vibes

In this uplifting episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, Sydney Sixers rising star Elsa Hunter joins us for a vibrant conversation during a crucial stretch of the WBBL season. Elsa shares her insights on the Sixers' strong team vibe, the calm and powerful leadership of new captain Ash Gardner, and what it’s like learning from icons such as Ellyse Perry, Alyssa Healy, and the squad’s international talent.

She reflects on her journey from playing local boys’ cricket in Malaysia to becoming a WNCL champion with the NSW Breakers, opening up about finding joy in the game, coping with pressure on the big stage, and navigating the friendly but fierce Sixers–Thunder rivalry.

Elsa also talks about the influence of different coaches, the importance of the mental side of cricket, and her dream of one day representing Australia.

A warm, inspiring, and engaging chat with one of the brightest young talents in the game.

Tune in and enjoy!

Dr John Orchard - New Chapters in Cricket & Medicine

In this must-listen episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, Matt Ellis chats with Dr John Orchard, one of the world’s most respected voices in sports medicine. With decades of experience treating elite cricketers, Dr Orchard shares stories from his journey in the game, the evolution of injury management, and the driving forces behind his newly released book, Cricket Sports Medicine.

What you’ll learn in this episode: Insights into injury prevention, management, and recovery in elite sport What goes on behind the scenes when star players get injured The collaborative effort behind Cricket Sports Medicine — a first-of-its-kind comprehensive resource Why cricket-specific care needs a multidisciplinary approach.

About the Book: Cricket Sports Medicine This groundbreaking text brings together leading experts from around the globe to provide a holistic, evidence-based guide to managing cricketers’ health. Covering everything from biomechanics and load management to lumbar stress fractures, nutrition, and mental well-being, it’s an essential resource for any healthcare professional working in cricket — from grassroots to international level.

Whether you’re a cricket tragic, a sports medicine enthusiast, or someone working in athlete care, this episode is packed with wisdom, experience, and forward-thinking.

Faye Tunnicliffe - Pursuing Excellence

Faye Tunnicliffe is our latest guest on the Cricket Library Podcast!

Delve into the world of someone dedicated to pursuing excellence and getting the best out of herself as a cricketer and human being.

Faye shares with us the origins of her passion for cricket, her health and fitness journey, and learning to solve the Rubik's Cube.

She delivers insights into her progression into the South African team and the personal growth that has helped shape her along the way.

The world record holder for the longest net session opens up about the incredible achievement and reveals her invitation list for her dream cricket net.

This is an episode that you do not want to miss!

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