Episodes

  • From Youth Leagues to World Cups with Saiteja Mukkamalla
    Jan 26 2026

    From his humble beginnings in New Jersey to opening the batting for the USA at international tournaments, Saiteja Mukkamalla is quickly becoming one of the most reliable young faces in American cricket.

    In this episode of Game On with Grace, host Grace Hayden chats with Saiteja about his journey through a still-growing cricket system in the U.S., what it's like preparing for the T20 World Cup, and how moments with international greats like Faf du Plessis and Devon Conway helped shape his game. He opens up about growing the sport at home, what drives him off the field, and the underrated power of staying humble.

    It’s an honest, insightful look at the athlete behind the stats and the future of cricket in America.


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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    34 mins
  • Balancing College and Cricket with Sanjay Krishnamurthi
    Jan 19 2026

    Balancing a degree in computer science with international cricket isn’t exactly common, but that’s just a regular week for Team USA all-rounder Sanjay Krishnamurthi.

    In this episode of Game On with Grace, host Grace Hayden speaks with the rising star about growing up across two continents, adjusting to life in the U.S. after years in India, and how his love for both coding and cricket has shaped who he is today. From his first call-up to Team USA during a chaotic COVID window to playing in Major League Cricket alongside global names, this is a conversation that brings out the steady drive behind the quiet talent.

    This is an episode for anyone curious about the new generation of cricketers making their mark in the U.S. and figuring out what it takes to build something from the ground up.


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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    43 mins
  • The Next Gen of U.S. Cricket with Utkarsh Srivastava
    Jan 12 2026

    In this episode of Game On with Grace, we get to know one of the brightest all-rounders in American cricket, on and off the field. Grace sits down with Utkarsh to talk about everything from his move from Pune to North Carolina, to becoming vice-captain of the U19 USA squad, and the unlikely rise of cricket in a country where the sport is still growing.

    They discuss his international debut at just 16, his thoughts on the upcoming Under-19 World Cup, and what it felt like to become the youngest U.S. men’s player to score a 50 in international cricket. But it’s not all stats and scorecards. We also learn about his competitive streak in pickleball, why fielding is his first love, and how a concrete pitch in his backyard kept him going during the pandemic.

    This is a candid look at a rising talent who’s as thoughtful as he is driven. Tune in now!


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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    39 mins
  • From Canada to the World Stage with Harsh Thaker
    Dec 29 2025

    From backyard cricket in suburban Toronto to scoring an ODI century and walking out at a World Cup, this is a story about building a career from the ground up, in a country still finding its place in global cricket.

    In this episode of Game On with Grace, Grace Hayden sits down with Canadian all-rounder Harsh Thaker to talk about life on and off the field. Born in India but raised in Canada, Harsh shares how a neighbor introduced him to the game, how his dad became his fiercest coach and critic, and how it feels to represent a rising cricket nation.

    They cover the emotional toll of missing a World Cup through injury, the pride of earning ODI status for Canada, and why ODI cricket still holds a special place in his heart. There’s also plenty of chat about movies on tour, weather obsessions, card game rivalries and what it really means to wear the Maple Leaf on the world stage.


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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    50 mins
  • Golf, Grit, and Global Cricket with Jason Holder
    Dec 15 2025

    For more than a decade, one of cricket’s most consistent forces has been showing up on the biggest stages. But it’s what happens beyond the boundary that reveals the full story, a deep connection to Barbados, the friendships that kept him grounded, the weight of early leadership, and the calm he’s found far from the spotlight.

    In this episode of Game On with Grace, I sit down with former West Indies captain and world-class all-rounder Jason Holder for a real conversation about the ups, downs, and everything in between. We get into the pressure of taking over the national team at 23, how losing the captaincy hit him harder than expected, and what it showed him about loyalty and character, both on and off the field. He also shares his thoughts on honesty in sport, leadership dynamics, and why some lessons only come when the spotlight dims.

    This one’s full of perspective, grit, and the kind of conversation that reminds you sport is only part of the story.


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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    53 mins
  • World Cup Wins and T10 Thrills with Phil Salt
    Dec 1 2025

    In this episode of Game On with Grace, host Grace Hayden chats with England’s fearless opener Phil Salt, fresh off back-to-back T20I hundreds, IPL glory, and his latest stint in the Abu Dhabi T10. Known for his aggressive batting style and confident presence at the crease, Phil has become one of the most exciting players in modern cricket.

    Grace and Phil talk about growing up between Wales and Barbados, the early influences that shaped his game, and how fatherhood has shifted his perspective on life and cricket.

    Phil opens up about the highs of winning the World Cup, the pressure of global tournaments, and what it’s really like sharing the pitch, and the dressing room with cricket’s biggest names. They also dive into the chaos and thrill of franchise cricket, his love for music, and how he stays grounded while living life on the road.

    It’s an honest and entertaining chat that captures Phil’s competitive edge, sense of humor, and the discipline behind his success.


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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    49 mins
  • From Test Captain to Cricket Commissioner with Graeme Smith
    Nov 17 2025

    In this episode of Game On with Grace, host Grace Hayden sits down with former South African captain and current SA20 League Commissioner Graeme Smith. Graeme became the youngest Test captain in South African history at just 22 and went on to lead his country for more than a decade, guiding his team to over 50 Test victories.

    Grace and Graeme talk about growing up in the South African cricket system, navigating pressure at a young age, and learning how to lead during periods of transition and scrutiny. Graeme shares stories from his early tours, what it was like facing Australia's dominant era, and how relationships formed off the field have lasted long after retirement. He also speaks candidly about the challenges of stepping away from cricket, finding new direction, and shaping the SA20 as a platform for the next generation of players.

    This conversation brings forward the competitor, the leader, and the person behind one of cricket’s significant modern careers.


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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    40 mins
  • The Cricket Life of Andre Fletcher
    Nov 3 2025

    Andre Fletcher has played cricket in every corner of the world. But it’s what drives him off the field, faith, family, cooking, and a lifelong love of Grenada — that shapes who he really is.

    In this episode of Game On with Grace, I chat with the man they call "The Spiceman" about the real stuff. The 2016 T20 World Cup win, growing up in a hyper-competitive family of athletes, and what it’s like opening the batting with legends like Chris Gayle. We talk about what keeps him fit, grounded, and grateful through it all — even when travel is brutal and the rum punch is too strong.

    We also get into food, fishing, and faith, plus the surprising game he’d rather play than cricket (spoiler: he’s competitive even there). This is a proper sit-down with one of the Caribbean's most authentic and entertaining cricketers.


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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    56 mins