Kicks for Free
107 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 months ago -This is a podcast where Dhiman Sarkar and Vivek Krishnan of the Hindustan Times sports desk talk about the beautiful game. From transfers to tournaments, their discussions will cover what matters in football, in India and abroad. So, join them every week on Kicks For Free, if football is a matter of life and death -- or more -- for you.
This is a Hindustan Times production brought to you by HT Smartcast.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
FIFA World Cup: Substitutes shine in Spain vs Germany
November 28, 2022 08:28 - 18 minutes - 16.5 MBIn this episode, hosts Vivek Krishnan and Dhiman Sarkar discuss the 1-1 draw between Spain and Germany and why this is Brazil's chance to show they are not overdependent on Neymar.
Messi magic rescues Argentina
November 27, 2022 08:25 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MBWe discuss individual brilliance from Lionel Messi for Argentina and Kylian Mbappe for France.
FIFA World Cup: Argentina face must-win clash against Mexico
November 26, 2022 08:52 - 18 minutes - 17.3 MBAfter a loss to Saudi Arabia, Argentina will seek all three points in their second game. Can Messi & Co deliver?
FIFA World Cup: Germany stumble, Spain cruise
November 24, 2022 11:14 - 22 minutes - 20.8 MBIn this episode, hosts Vivek Krishan and Dhiman Sarkar talk about how the Germans may be heading for another early exit after a defeat to Japan and how Spain has set a marker with a 7-0 demolition of Costa Rica.
Argentina get Saudi shock, France overcome Australia
November 23, 2022 10:17 - 20 minutes - 19 MBIn this episode hosts Vivek Krishnan and Dhiman Sarkar talk about the initial games where Argentina went wrong in their loss to Saudi Arabia and what Giroud brings to the table for France.
The opening night of the 2022 FIFA World Cup
November 21, 2022 11:05 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MBTune in to this episode to know why hosts Qatar may have been overawed by the occasion in the opener against Ecuador.
FIFA World Cup: Time for football to take centre stage
November 20, 2022 08:56 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MBWe look ahead to the opening game of the World Cup between Qatar and Ecuador. We also discuss FIFA chief Gianni Infantino's explosive press conference on the eve of the World Cup
FIFA World Cup 2022: What to expect in Qatar
November 17, 2022 08:40 - 22 minutes - 20.3 MBIn the first episode of Season 2, hosts Vivek Krishnan & Dhiman Sarkar look at why France may find it difficult to retain the World Cup and why the Brazilians seem to have the ammunition to go all the way. Tune in for the FIFA WORLD CUP 2022 PREVIEW.
Are you ready for the Kick Off ? | Season 2 Trailer
November 15, 2022 06:56 - 1 minute - 1010 KBLet’s kick off this season head-to-head with the FIFA World cup 2022. Tune in so that you’re prepped upright and up to speed with headlines on and off the pitch before all the big tournaments.
A tale of few transfers
July 29, 2021 09:51 - 18 minutes - 17.1 MBVarane and Sancho have moved. Here's looking at some others who might.
The Tokyo Olympics football competition
July 21, 2021 17:08 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MBWhy Spain could go all the way, why the all-conquering USA women's team may not and more as the big ball begins to bounce in Japan
On Mancini's renaissance and Messi's reward
July 16, 2021 04:36 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MBWhy continental champions Italy and Argentina would be among the teams to look out for in Qatar 2022
Euro 2020 final: Managers Mancini and Southgate get a second chance
July 10, 2021 01:57 - 25 minutes - 23.6 MBBoth know what it is to lose major games at Wembley but have built teams who know how to win
Looking ahead to the Euro quarters
July 02, 2021 00:56 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MBOn the eight remaining teams in the European Championship and how the rest of the tournament could shape up after a dramatic round of 16
On the round of 16 at the European Championship
June 24, 2021 16:26 - 31 minutes - 28.6 MBPicking favourites for the quarters and beyond, not always agreeing except when it comes to predicting why England might stumble.
From Italy's new look, Christian Eriksen and Kalvin Phillips to French flair
June 16, 2021 16:34 - 36 minutes - 33.8 MBThe talking points of Euro 2020 after all teams have played at least once
The European championship
June 11, 2021 12:59 - 36 minutes - 33.7 MBIn this episode, Dhiman & Bhargab pick their favourite teams and why they agree that England may not be greater than the sum of their parts.
On India's qualifiers in Doha
June 02, 2021 09:08 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MBAhead of the games against Qatar, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, we look a possible starting line-up; the problems of a short Indian season and try to understand Igor Stimac's grumpiness.
The Philipp Lahm interview
May 28, 2021 10:08 - 17 minutes - 16.3 MBIn this episode, Germany and Bayern Munich great Philipp Lahm speaks to Hindustan Times in an exclusive interview. Captain of World Cup-winning and Champions League-winning teams during his glittering career, Lahm discusses a range of topics in this interview, including Robert Lewandowski’s Bundesliga record, Joachim Loew’s final bow with Germany, among other things.
On Messi and his future
May 21, 2021 10:47 - 16 minutes - 14.7 MBWill LM10 end his association of two decades with the club and the city that made him a household name or will he renew his vows?
Covid-19 hits football in India
May 14, 2021 02:55 - 18 minutes - 16.7 MBIn this episode, we discuss the implications of a bubble breach, quarantine in Qatar and how the women's game got another setback
An English affair
May 09, 2021 10:48 - 22 minutes - 21 MBRevisiting the semi-finals of the Champions League and Europa League to understand a tale of two cities: Manchester and London
An unusual Champions League in an unusual season
May 01, 2021 08:21 - 16 minutes - 14.8 MBNo Messi, no Ronaldo in the Champions League quarter-finals but that isn't the only reason why this could be the start of a new order in European club football.
Premiership top four race heats up amid Super League announcement
April 20, 2021 12:32 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MBAs the Premier League top-4 race enters its final stretch, the announcement of a breakaway Super League prompts fury across Europe. Spurs boss Jose Mourinho, meanwhile, gets the boot.
The Gurpreet Singh Sandhu interview
April 13, 2021 15:25 - 38 minutes - 35 MBAhead of his club's AFC Cup qualifier, the India and Bengaluru FC goalkeeper spoke about the season; the club's coach; India's 0-6 defeat to UAE and even shared his thoughts on the continuing farmers' strike.
Juan Ferrando’s plans for the AFC Champions League
April 06, 2021 12:58 - 28 minutes - 25.8 MBFC Goa are set to make history next week when they become the first Indian club to play in the group stages of the AFC Champions League. In this episode, the club’s head coach Juan Ferrando joins Dhiman and Bhargab to discuss the challenge ahead and his expectations from the upcoming campaign.
The recipe behind Gokulam Kerala’s I-League success
March 31, 2021 10:20 - 37 minutes - 34.2 MBAfter leading Gokulam Kerala to their maiden I-League triumph, the club’s Italian head coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese joins Bhargab and Dhiman to discuss the highs and lows of the season, the key players in his squad and his coaching career that has spanned over 10 countries across the globe.
I-League set for a photo finish
March 23, 2021 10:01 - 18 minutes - 17.4 MBFor the fifth time in seven seasons, the I-League title race is heading into the final day of the season. TRAU, Gokulam Kerala and Churchill Brothers are all in the fray for the title. TRAU play Gokulam and Churchill face Roundglass Punjab on the final day. Bhargab and Dhiman discuss the season so far and look ahead to Saturday’s games.
The ISL final: here's looking at you teams
March 12, 2021 10:07 - 22 minutes - 20.3 MBThe hurly-burly is done and Mumbai City FC and ATK Mohun Bagan will play for the title. An analysis of who's ahead of where, from goalkeepers to forwards, and more ahead of Saturday's showdown.
Looking ahead to the ISL play-off games
March 12, 2021 10:05 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MBCan Sergio Lobera's team go all the way or will it be a third title for Antonio Lopez Habas. Or a first for either of Juan Ferrando and Khalid Jamil who is the odd one among three Spanish coaches?
23: Some are putting their hands up to the question of after-Chhetri, who?
February 23, 2021 14:50 - 24 minutes - 22.2 MBISL7 has shown that a few young Indians have a nose for goal. Even if they are a work in progress, it could mean good news for the national team.
22: In conversation with Ishan Pandita, ISL's impact sub
February 16, 2021 12:58 - 25 minutes - 23.4 MBFrom growing up in New Delhi, Manila and Bengaluru; from playing the Gothia Cup and opting for sunny Spain and from consistently scoring late, late goals, this FC Goa striker is having a ball.
21: Why ISL clubs should head to Mizoram?
February 09, 2021 14:59 - 39 minutes - 35.9 MBCovid-19 felt like a tackle from behind in the tiny state and there are issues with the Mizoram Premier League but dearth of footballers is not one of them, says Lalnghinglova 'Tetea' Hmar, the state association's honorary secretary, in this episode.
21: Why ISL clubs should head to Mizoram?
February 09, 2021 14:59 - 39 minutes - 35.9 MBCovid-19 felt like a tackle from behind in the tiny state and there are issues with the Mizoram Premier League but dearth of footballers is not one of them, says Lalnghinglova 'Tetea' Hmar, the state association's honorary secretary, in this episode.
20: Why Mumbai City FC's march could be good news for Indian football?
February 02, 2021 12:03 - 20 minutes - 18.5 MBBeing part of City Football Group, a consortium headlined by Manchester City, has helped Mumbai maintain pole position in ISL this season but things could get hot on the homestretch.
19: Liverpool on slippery slope as United march on
January 26, 2021 05:30 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MBUnited winning the FA Cup tie mirrored the fortunes of both teams and defending Premier League champions Liverpool now have all to do to get their campaign back on track.
18: Igor Stimac’s plans for 2021
January 21, 2021 15:53 - 34 minutes - 31.3 MBDespite losing the entirety of 2020 to the pandemic, India head coach Igor Stimac is upbeat about 2021. The 53-year-old former Croatia international has been closely following the Indian Super League season from back home in Split. In this discussion with Bhargab and Dhiman, he names some of the youngsters he has been impressed by, India’s remaining World Cup qualifiers, his views on the I-League, among other things.
17: Why are Bengaluru FC getting the blues?
January 12, 2021 14:32 - 18 minutes - 17.2 MBBengaluru FC are struggling for form this season, losing their last four games in the Indian Super League and failing to score a goal from open play in six of their 10 games. The club has sacked head coach Carles Cuadrat, with Naushad Moosa taking over as interim head coach. In this episode, Dhiman and Bhargab discuss the reasons behind Bengaluru’s struggles and the challenges that lie ahead for the club.
17: Why are Bengaluru FC getting the blues?
January 12, 2021 14:32 - 18 minutes - 17.2 MBBengaluru FC are struggling for form this season, losing their last four games in the Indian Super League and failing to score a goal from open play in six of their 10 games. The club has sacked head coach Carles Cuadrat, with Naushad Moosa taking over as interim head coach. In this episode, Dhiman and Bhargab discuss the reasons behind Bengaluru’s struggles and the challenges that lie ahead for the club.
16: What I-League football means for Delhi – Part 1
January 06, 2021 05:15 - 35 minutes - 32.2 MBThe national capital has never had a team playing in the I-League. That changes this season with Sudeva Delhi FC making their debut in the competition. In this episode, Dhiman and Bhargab discuss the season ahead with the club’s president Anuj Gupta.
16: What I-League football means for Delhi – Part 1
January 06, 2021 05:15 - 35 minutes - 32.2 MBThe national capital has never had a team playing in the I-League. That changes this season with Sudeva Delhi FC making their debut in the competition. In this episode, Dhiman and Bhargab discuss the season ahead with the club’s president Anuj Gupta.
15: What I-League football means for Delhi | Part 2
January 06, 2021 05:12 - 33 minutes - 30.2 MBCan a Delhi club’s entry to the I-League change the city’s footballing fortunes? Dhiman and Bhargab discuss the significance of Sudeva’s rise with Football Delhi president and former FIFA development officer Shaji Prabhakaran.
14: Arsenal's youth, Everton's turnaround and the January window
December 29, 2020 13:02 - 20 minutes - 18.4 MBMissed chances to consolidate their position could see top teams scour the market and Arsenal trying to solve the Oezil puzzle.
14: Arsenal's youth, Everton's turnaround and the January window
December 29, 2020 13:02 - 20 minutes - 18.4 MBMissed chances to consolidate their position could see top teams scour the market and Arsenal trying to solve the Oezil puzzle.
13: SC East Bengal's winter of discontent
December 22, 2020 12:36 - 20 minutes - 19.1 MBWhy can't the 100-year-old club that has won everything in Indian football get off the blocks in its debut ISL season under Robbie Fowler?
12: Sandesh Jhingan unplugged
December 15, 2020 12:28 - 35 minutes - 32.5 MBAfter missing a year’s action due to a serious knee injury, Sandesh Jhingan is back on the football field. Having moved from Kerala Blasters to ATK Mohun Bagan, the India centre-back hasn’t taken long to fit into Antonio Lopez Habas’s side. In this episode, the Chandigarh-born footballer joins Bhargab and Dhiman to discuss his career and his challenge at ATK Mohun Bagan, among other things.
12: Sandesh Jhingan unplugged
December 15, 2020 12:28 - 35 minutes - 32.5 MBAfter missing a year’s action due to a serious knee injury, Sandesh Jhingan is back on the football field. Having moved from Kerala Blasters to ATK Mohun Bagan, the India centre-back hasn’t taken long to fit into Antonio Lopez Habas’s side. In this episode, the Chandigarh-born footballer joins Bhargab and Dhiman to discuss his career and his challenge at ATK Mohun Bagan, among other things.
11: Bala Devi makes a mark in Scotland
December 09, 2020 09:43 - 18 minutes - 16.9 MBShe has been a prolific scorer in India and for India. And now Bala is showing Scotland she can do it there now. We discuss what Bala's goal means for football in India.
10: Thank you, Diego Maradona
November 28, 2020 14:35 - 18 minutes - 17.1 MBRecollections of the genius; his visits to India, playing football with Sourav Ganguly and watching him at World Cups in South Africa and Russia.
9: The Kolkata derby, football's most storied rivalry in India
November 24, 2020 13:42 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MBWhy SC East Bengal's Eugeneson Lyngdoh is looking forward to Friday's ISL game against ATK Mohun Bagan and why 2020-21 could end two seasons of hurt for the midfielder before which he used to be a regular player for India.