The Cerebral Cricketer

Tanzim Alam
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The Cerebral Cricketer Podcast is a deep dive into the psychological side of cricket. Through exclusive interviews with cricketers, coaches, and experts, we explore the mindset, thought processes, and mental resilience behind success. This podcast unpacks the cerebral side of the game - one conversation at a time. Decode The Mind, Master Your Temperament!

  1. 18 OCT

    Ep 18 - How I Hit a T20 Hundred: Dutch Opener Michael Levitt on Power Game Secrets & Mental Clarity

    Netherland's Opener Michael Levitt opens up on the simple blueprint behind a T20 hundred, powerplay intent, and mental clarity. We cover how he backs himself under pressure, reads bowlers, sets clear plans, and turns tempo into boundaries. He breaks down the Namibia 135, the communication with partners, and the drills that sharpen bat speed and contact quality. You will hear practical routines you can copy in your next innings, from pre ball cues to breathing and visualization.  What we cover • Power game basics, intent in the first six, boundary percentage, strike rotation • Process over outcome, confidence, trusting your instincts when plans wobble • Reading matchups, field manipulation, scoring options by length and line • Flow state in cricket, mental recovery between balls, clearing noise • Training ideas, bat speed and contact drills, video review, simple KPIs • Netherlands culture, leadership, and what the team expects from an opener Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:01:07 England vs South Africa pathways and conditions 00:03:03 Early technique talk and field awareness 00:08:50 Simple plans, why simplifying works 00:10:31 Process over outcome 00:13:33 Visualization and mental routines 00:14:30 Simplicity in decision making 00:16:02 Confidence and backing yourself 00:32:15 Matchup science and reading bowlers 00:33:07 Setting up the hundred, cues before the surge 00:34:08 The Namibia 135, shot choices and momentum 00:34:52 Flow and keeping tempo 00:37:41 Scotland tri series lessons 00:43:26 World Cup surfaces, Sri Lanka warm up, New York wicket 00:47:44 Backing yourself, selection and role clarity 00:58:23 Back yourself, closing the loop on confidence 01:00:14 Drills, training ideas and simple KPIs

    1h 14m

  2. 1 OCT

    Ep 17 - The Triple Century Blueprint: Antum Naqvi on Batting IQ, Flowstate & the Subconscious

    Antum Naqvi joins The Cerebral Cricketer to unpack his historic 300 not out in Zimbabwe domestic cricket, the decision making that sustained the innings, and the repeatable routines behind big scores.  We cover debut 140*, captaincy with Mid West Rhinos, white ball gears, and how a commercial pilot license shaped his preparation and discipline. What you will learn: • Phase plan for a triple century, early options, middle consolidation, late acceleration • Risk management near milestones, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300 • Strike rotation, boundary percentage, dot ball control  • Reading bowlers and fields, adjustments to spin and seam  • World class batting coaches he has worked with • Communication and partnerships that keep tempo steady If you enjoyed this episode, like the video, comment with your favourite insight, and subscribe for more deep dives into the mental side of cricket.  #AntumNaqvi #TripleCentury #300NotOut #LoganCup #ZimbabweCricket #MidWestRhinos #FirstClassCricket #BattingMindset #CricketStrategy #CricketPodcast #CerebralCricketer #BattingDrills #CricketAnalysis #RedBallCricket #CricketSkills

    1h 56m

  3. 17 SEPT

    Ep 16 - No Excuses, Just Runs – Domestic Legend Mark Cosgrove's Road to 36 First-Class Centuries

    From the Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year in 2005 to scoring 36 first-class centuries, Mark Cosgrove has lived the highs and challenges of professional cricket. Known for his fearless batting and natural stroke play, Cosgrove represented South Australia, Tasmania, Glamorgan, Leicestershire, and even wore the green and gold for Australia in 2006, scoring 74 on ODI debut against Bangladesh. In this episode of The Cerebral Cricketer Podcast, Mark opens up about: His early days in cricket, balancing footy, soccer, and batting in tough Adelaide nets. Lessons from mentors like Russell Thompson, Andy Flower, and Darren Lehmann. Winning the 2002 U19 World Cup alongside Sean Marsh, Cameron White, and Mitchell Johnson. Dealing with pressure, setbacks, and public scrutiny while staying true to his attacking style. His transition into coaching with the South Australian Cricket Association, and what excites him about the next generation of talent. Whether you're a fan of domestic cricket, county cricket, or just love hearing the mental side of batting, this deep-dive with Cosgrove gives a raw and honest look at the game. 🎙️ Listen, learn, and get inside the mind of one of Australia's most entertaining batters.

    1h 30m

  4. 3 SEPT

    EP 15 - Self-Belief, Optimism & Less Ego: Victorian Superstar Fergus O'Neill's Mindset for Success

    Fergus O'Neill joins The Cerebral Cricketer to talk self belief, optimism, and why more love, less ego keeps him grounded. We dig into his fast bowling process, judging by execution not outcomes, and the shoe cue that keeps him present, TG, today's game. He breaks down the hat trick that kick started belief, lessons from Scott Boland and Peter Siddle, and how he plans dismissals with analysts. We get into adapting to flat decks versus green seamers, Kookaburra versus Dukes in England, and the mental routines that help him cash in when rhythm arrives. You will hear inside stories on bowling to Steve Smith at the MCG, facing real pace as a batter, moving from participating to contributing to match winning, and how fun, golf, and balance protect performance across a long season. If you care about seam, length, fields, patience, and building an elite mindset, this one is gold. 00:00 Intro, why mindset matters for wicket takers 00:45 Early sport, golf crossover, backyard skills 03:00 Dad's tough love, Cameron White's tactical lessons 06:55 Skill over style, taped ball swing, simple action 10:20 Self belief, optimism, and more love, less ego 16:10 Execution over outcomes, what the best judge 18:00 Hat trick for Melbourne, 6 for 25, belief clicks  20:30 Consistency, showing up, pressure from both ends 22:40 Cues on the boot, TG, staying present 24:45 Adjusting to conditions, flat versus nibble 25:30 Victoria debut, phone call, handling nerves 27:30 Role clarity, from second string to match winner 29:00 Shield debut, wickets of Head and Carey 38:20 Batting against pace, Stark at the MCG 39:30 NSW at the G, planning for big names, backing plans 41:00 Getting Smith, then Henriques, and celebrating the team win 42:20 Forty in a season, what actually changed 43:40 Thirty eight next season, aiming for low variance 47:15 Nottinghamshire, early season conditions, having fun 49:20 Dukes versus Kookaburra, what truly feels different 52:30 Are Shield wickets tougher now, thoughts on pitches 54:50 Off days, finding a way when rhythm is missing 57:40 Analyst work, recurring dismissal patterns, top of off 59:10 The wizard, Farhan Ahmed, and young guns to watch

    1h 14m

  5. 15 AUG

    Ep 14 - Accuracy, Strategy & Instincts: Kyle Klein's Blueprint as Netherlands' Opening Pacer

    In this episode of The Cerebral Cricketer, we sit down with Kyle Klein, Netherlands' emerging opening pacer, to unpack the mindset, preparation, and tactical thought behind his recent success with the new ball in international cricket. From mastering his run-up through eyes-closed drills to learning how to channel nerves into focus, Kyle gives us a rare look into the process that underpins his performance. He reflects on key moments like his 4 for 16 against Oman, his tactical approach against seasoned players like Joe Burns and the Menenti brothers, and what it's like to open the bowling on the world stage. We also explore: How visualisation helps him mentally rehearse match scenarios  Why rhythm is central to his consistency and execution The importance of muscle memory and repetition in building confidence  The transition from South African backyard cricket to international pressure Navigating nerves, pre-game rituals, and being mentally present at the top of his mark The evolution of his bowling style from swing to accuracy-driven quarter seam deliveries His gym routines, injury prevention mindset, and why feeling "tense" helps him perform Whether you're a bowler refining your craft, a coach shaping young players, or simply a cricket fan fascinated by the inner game, this conversation offers valuable insights into what it takes to thrive as a modern-day fast bowler.

    1h 35m

  6. 29 JUL

    Ep 13 - Big Bash Sixes & Shield Centuries: Inside Sam Heazlett's Batting Philosophy

    In this episode of The Cerebral Cricketer Podcast, we sit down with Sam Heazlett, a talented left-handed batsman who has represented Queensland in Sheffield Shield and One Day Cup cricket, starred for the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL), and proudly earned an Australian ODI cap in 2017. Sam opens up about his journey through the ranks of Australian cricket, from scoring a century on Sheffield Shield debut to sharing the dressing room with global superstars like AB de Villiers at the Brisbane Heat. He reflects on the mental side of cricket, building self-belief as a young player, and adapting his game across formats including first-class, List A, and T20 cricket. We explore: 🏏 Sam's breakout performances for Queensland and Australia 🔥 Lessons from playing alongside cricket legends in the BBL 🎯 The challenges of transitioning between red-ball and white-ball formats 🧠 Insights into mindset, mental toughness, and coaching younger players through his Perform Cricket program 🎓 How physiotherapy and exercise science shaped his approach to training and recovery Whether you're a fan of the Big Bash League, follow Queensland cricket closely, or want to learn what it takes to succeed at the top level of the game, this episode is packed with stories and advice you won't want to miss. 📌 Subscribe to The Cerebral Cricketer for more deep-dive conversations with professional cricketers about the mental side of the game, preparation, and performance. Sam Heazlett's Socials https://www.instagram.com/performcricket/ https://www.instagram.com/samh_snaps/

    1h 49m

  7. 18 JUL

    Ep 12 - Faith, Firepower & Fearless Cricket: How Stephan Myburgh Achieved The Impossible

    In this episode of The Cerebral Cricketer, we sit down with Stephan Myburgh, the South African-born Dutch cricketer known for his fearless approach at the top of the order. From his iconic 17-ball fifty in the 2014 T20 World Cup to helping the Netherlands pull off giant-killing performances against cricketing powerhouses, Stephan shares the mindset, faith, and preparation that shaped his career.  We explore: ✅ The story behind his move from South Africa to the Netherlands ✅ His mental approach to batting under pressure in T20s ✅ The unforgettable chase against Ireland in the 2014 T20 World Cup ✅ How faith and courage fueled his performances ✅ Lessons from facing world-class bowlers like Dale Steyn and Trent Boult ✅ Reflections on retirement and inspiring the next generation of cricketers Whether you're an aspiring cricketer, a fan of Associate cricket, or someone fascinated by the mental side of elite sport, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration. 🎧 Listen now and discover how faith, mindset, and hard work turned a dreamer into a history-maker. 👇 Subscribe for more episodes on the psychology of cricket https://youtube.com/@thecerebralcricketer

    54 min

  8. 2 JUL

    Ep 11 - Curtis Campher: The Crisis Man of Irish Cricket

    In this episode of The Cerebral Cricketer, we sit down with Curtis Campher, Ireland's all-format all-rounder. From his early days playing backyard cricket in Johannesburg to delivering clutch performances for Ireland on the world stage, Curtis shares an unfiltered look into what fuels his game, both mentally and technically. We cover everything from his South African upbringing and multi-sport background (hockey and golf), to the psychological lessons passed down by his parents. Curtis reflects on why he never chased personal glory, what it means to be a true team-first player, and how his identity was shaped through adversity. Some of the standout moments include: ✅ The mental side of switching between formats – Tests, ODIs, T20s ✅ How his hockey background shaped his sweep shot mastery ✅ Facing world-class spinners like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi ✅ His unforgettable 4 wickets in 4 balls at the 2021 T20 World Cup ✅ Detailed insights into bowling strategy, planning for batters, and how to balance data with instinct ✅ Why range-hitting drills come down to just 3 technical cues ✅ His debut against England and how he mentally prepared for a 5-for-28 crisis situation ✅ The psychological cost of performance-based validation and how he grounds himself outside of cricket Curtis also shares rare insights into the role of team culture, the importance of preparation routines, and what separates good cricketers from great ones when it comes to decision-making under pressure. If you're a fan of cricket psychology, clutch performances, and learning how elite players think, prepare and adapt, this is an episode you don't want to miss. 👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more deep-dive conversations into the minds of cricketers.

    1h 60m
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About

The Cerebral Cricketer Podcast is a deep dive into the psychological side of cricket. Through exclusive interviews with cricketers, coaches, and experts, we explore the mindset, thought processes, and mental resilience behind success. This podcast unpacks the cerebral side of the game - one conversation at a time. Decode The Mind, Master Your Temperament!

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