Venkatpathy Raju Breaks Silence on Selection Calls, Dhoni’s Rise & Indo-Pak Pressure

In this exclusive conversation in the Long Innings Podcast, former India spinner Venkatapathy Raju opens up on the toughest selection calls, MS Dhoni’s selection as captain, and the pressure of playing Indo-Pak matches. From personal highs to untold dressing room stories - this episode dives deep into what it truly means to represent India at the highest level. #VenkapathyRaju #MSDhoni #IndianCricket #CricketPodcast #TheHookPodcast #CricketIndia #IndvsPak #TeamIndia #CricketStories #SportsPodcast #DhoniFans #IndianTeam #cricketinsights Chapters of the conversation: 0:00 – 0:47– Discussion on Individual Performances in 90's , Biggest call in Indian cricket and Pressure matches 0:48 – 3:41 – The Spin Trio that made India Invincible and Kuldeep's rise in Spin! 3:42 – 4:41 – Why Was Venkatapathy Raju Dropped? 4:42 – 9:17 –The Greatest bowlers of Indian Cricket (Anil Kumble, R Ashwin, J Srinath) 9:18 – 10:30– Team work started after Ganguly became captain and How Communication is Key 10:31- 13:06– Sledging off the field back in the day & Australian threat! 13:07 - 14:09 – Best Wicket Keeper of Indian Cricket before MS Dhoni 14:10 – 15:00 – Rishab Pant or Ishan Kishan - Current Best Wicket keeper batsman? 15:01 – 19:31 – Why did we chose Dhoni as the Captain over Yuvraj Singh and Ind-Pak Pressure! 19:32 – 21:35 – Rohit Sharma's selection in 2007 and Dhoni's big calls 21:36 – 24:06 – Historic Eden Garden Test Match 24:07 – 26:38 – Rapid Fire - Important Questions of Cricket & Nervous energy on field