Sports / The Economic Times
IND vs SA Playing 11: India is set to host South Africa in the first Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, starting November 14. Led by Shubman Gill, India aims to leverage their strong home form against the reigning World Test Championship holders. The pitch is expected to offer a balanced contest, with favorable weather predicted for the match.
South Korean Ryu Hae-ran has taken the lead at the LGPA Annika at Pelican tournament in Florida. She shot a remarkable six-under par 64 on Thursday. Australian Grace Kim is one shot behind in second place. Jennifer Kupcho is in third. Kai Trump, granddaughter of Donald Trump, had a challenging debut.
Football star Cristiano Ronaldo risks missing Portugal's opening match in the 2026 World Cup. He received a red card for elbowing an opponent during a recent qualifying game. This action could lead to a ban. Ronaldo is aiming for a record sixth World Cup appearance. Portugal is currently on track to qualify for the tournament.
In a twist of fate, Indian tennis ace Sumit Nagal triumphed over bureaucratic hurdles, obtaining a Chinese visa just in time for the coveted Australian Open wild-card playoff. After facing an initial rejection, Nagal's passionate appeal to the Chinese ambassador proved effective, resulting in a prompt approval.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta announced plans for a statue of Lionel Messi at the Camp Nou. Messi recently visited the renovated stadium and expressed a desire to return. The club aims to honor its record scorer with a permanent tribute. This comes as the Camp Nou reopens after extensive renovations.
South Africa arrives in India aiming to replicate New Zealand's success by securing a rare away Test series victory. Despite past struggles on Indian soil, the Proteas, fresh off a strong run, are determined to challenge India's formidable home record. Their spin attack, having recently excelled, will be key to their ambitions.
Jannik Sinner defeated Alexander Zverev at the ATP Finals. Zverev felt the score did not reflect his game. He had more break points but could not convert them. Sinner used his chances effectively. Zverev hopes to meet Sinner again in the tournament. He aims to advance from his group.
In a significant IPL trade ahead of the retention deadline, all-rounder Shardul Thakur has moved from Lucknow Super Giants to Mumbai Indians. Thakur, who was acquired by LSG for INR 2 crore as an injury replacement, will now play for MI at the same fee.
Crunchyroll, the global anime streaming leader, has been named the Associate Team Sponsor for the Proteas Men's tour of India. Their branding will be featured on the team's jerseys across all formats. This partnership highlights the natural alignment between anime and cricket's passionate fan bases and strengthens Crunchyroll's strategy in growing entertainment markets.
Kolkata Knight Riders have appointed Shane Watson as their assistant coach for the upcoming IPL 2026 season. Watson brings extensive experience from his playing career with Australia and in the IPL. He has also transitioned into coaching roles globally.
Indian compound archers achieved significant success at the Asian Championships. They secured two gold medals and one silver. The women's team defeated Korea for gold. Abhishek Verma and Deepshikha won gold in the mixed team event. The men's team earned a silver medal after a close match against Kazakhstan.
Birla Estates will be the Principal Sponsor for Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League 2026 season. This partnership aligns with Birla Estates' focus on innovation and community. Gujarat Titans welcomes the legacy brand, expecting a powerful synergy. The collaboration aims to connect with millions of fans and extend Birla Estates' brand reach beyond real estate.
In the upcoming Test series, India's batting prowess faces a stern challenge from South Africa's powerful spin trio. Remembering their previous troubles with spin bowlers, India knows the stakes are high. The pitch at Eden Gardens will play a pivotal role in determining the game's outcome, and India is determined to set formidable targets to clinch the win.
Rishabh Pant is back in India whites for the first Test against South Africa. He returns after a four-month injury break. Pant expressed happiness and gratitude for his comeback. He focused on controllables during rehabilitation. He believes tough times are educative. He aims to enjoy the moment and give his best.
Birla Estates, a subsidiary of Aditya Birla Real Estate, has inked a deal to become the Principal Sponsor for the Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 season. This collaboration signifies a significant step in the brand's growth, aligning with its belief in teamwork and ambition.
India is set to host South Africa for a comprehensive multi-format tour commencing November 14, with Shubman Gill leading the Indian side as captain. The series includes two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is, with the first Test scheduled for Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Fans can follow the action live on Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar.
The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics competition schedule was unveiled on Wednesday by organizers, including a showcase spot for the women's 100 meters and a Super Saturday session. A Super Saturday schedule on July 29 includes 26 finals sessions in 23 sports, including 15 gold and bronze medal team matches and finals in 15 individual sports.
South Africa faces a tough Test series in India starting November 14. The team expresses a strong desire to win their first Test match in India in 15 years. Spinner Keshav Maharaj believes the pitches will be good and deteriorate over time. South Africa carries momentum from their recent series in Pakistan.
Golfer Rory McIlroy has achieved his career's biggest goal. He now focuses on enjoying the game and adding to his achievements. McIlroy is nearing a seventh Race to Dubai title. He also looks forward to future tournaments and playing for Europe. His priorities remain the majors, but the chase is over.
India's assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate confirmed Dhruv Jurel will play the opening Test against South Africa. Nitish Kumar Reddy will miss out. Jurel's recent first-class form has been exceptional. The team is clear on its combination for the upcoming match. This decision highlights India's strategic approach to the series. The squad shows significant depth.
With the India-South Africa Test cricket match set to electrify fans at Eden Gardens, Kolkata Police are taking major steps to ensure a safe and smooth event. They have fortified security protocols, particularly focusing on the safety of the teams during their travels.
In light of recent events in Islamabad where a suicide bombing occurred, eight members of the Sri Lankan cricket squad are heading back to their homeland, prioritizing their safety. The future of the second ODI against Pakistan is now uncertain.
Nitish Kumar Reddy has been released from the Test squad. He will now play in the ODI series against South Africa A starting Thursday in Rajkot. Dhruv Jurel will replace Reddy in the playing XI as a specialist batter. Rishabh Pant is also back after recovering from injury. This assignment provides Reddy with valuable match time.
South Africa's head coach, Shukri Conrad, has described the upcoming two Tests in India as the iggest challenge, ranking the series alongside the World Test Championship final against Australia.
India faces world champions South Africa in a Test series starting Friday in Kolkata. India aims to continue its strong home record. Shubman Gill leads the Indian team. South Africa is a formidable opponent. The series is crucial for the new World Test Championship cycle. Rishabh Pant returns for India. Several South African players will debut in India.
The Indian Premier League auction is set to take place in Abu Dhabi in mid-December, likely on the 15th or 16th. This marks the third consecutive year the auction will be held overseas. Following a mega auction last year, this event will be a mini auction.
Olympic champions Abhinav Bindra and Leander Paes are reportedly set to be honored with the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award. Bindra, India's first individual Olympic gold medalist, and tennis legend Paes, an 18-time Grand Slam champion, have been recommended by their respective sports bodies. Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra has been recommended for the Padma Bhushan.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI Playing 11: Pakistan and Sri Lanka face off in the first ODI on November 11 in Rawalpindi. Both teams are in good form, setting up an exciting series. Pakistan aims to continue its winning momentum. Sri Lanka, ranked higher, also comes with recent series victories. This match is crucial for Champions Trophy preparations. The pitch is expected to favor batsmen.
In a stunning display at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Lando Norris has claimed victory, further solidifying his lead in the Formula One standings. Meanwhile, teammate Oscar Piastri faced a setback with a penalty due to an on-track collision.
In a strong endorsement, Sourav Ganguly champions Mohammed Shami's inclusion in India's cricket lineup across all formats. Despite selectors raising concerns about fitness following Shami's stellar Ranji Trophy showing, Ganguly argues that the pacer's undeniable skills and competitive edge make him a valuable asset.
In a recent statement, Indian cricket team coach Gautam Gambhir expressed that the squad is still striving to reach its peak performance ahead of the T20 World Cup. He pointed out the pressing need for improved player fitness and the addition of versatile bowling options. Gambhir believes in an aggressive approach, particularly endorsing Jasprit Bumrah's role in the early overs.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir declared that he would ever celebrate a series loss while citing the Men in Blue's recent 2-1 ODI series defeat in Australia.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi will be dismantled to make way for a state-of-the-art Sports City featuring facilities for multiple disciplines and on-site accommodation for athletes, a sports ministry source said.
The World Cup-winning Indian womens cricket team is likely to get its first foreign strength and conditioning coach soon. The BCCI is in advanced talks with Bangladesh mens team S&C coach Nathan Kiely to join its Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru.
In the lead-up to the T20 World Cup, Gautam Gambhir, head coach of the Indian cricket team, is focused on ensuring the squad is fit and cohesive. He reassures fans that theres ample time to polish their performance to peak levels before the championship begins.
In an electrifying display of talent, Akash Kumar Choudhary from Meghalaya set the cricketing world ablaze with his astonishing performance in First-Class cricket. Smashing eight consecutive sixes, he secured the fastest fifty in just 11 balls, leaving spectators in awe.
Indian cricketer Shafali Verma shared her journey of overcoming challenges to achieve World Cup victory. She highlighted her dedication and hard work in improving her game. Verma's performance in the final earned her player of the match.
Novak Djokovic secured his 101st career title by defeating Lorenzo Musetti in Athens. At 38, he becomes the oldest tournament winner since Ken Rosewall. Musetti's loss means Felix Auger-Aliassime will compete in the ATP Finals instead.
Elena Rybakina clinched her biggest title since Wimbledon in 2022 by defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 7-6(7/0) at the WTA Finals in Riyadh on Saturday. Having gone 3-0 in round-robin play, Rybakina earned a record $5.235 million and will finish the year ranked number five in the world.
Mamata Banerjee voiced strong support for Sourav Ganguly. She stated he should have been the International Cricket Council president by now. Banerjee believes it is not easy to stop Ganguly's progress. She made these remarks at Eden Gardens. The Chief Minister also praised cricketer Richa Ghosh. This highlights ongoing discussions about cricket administration in India.
Abhishek Sharma has been named Player of the Series for his stellar performance against Australia, scoring 163 runs. He also became the fastest batter among full-member nations to reach 1000 T20I runs, achieving the milestone in just 528 balls. Sharma's remarkable feat places him ahead of Suryakumar Yadav and Phil Salt in this record.
Team India opener Abhishek Sharma surpassed captain Suryakumar Yadav to become he fastest batter to reach 1000 T20I runs among full-member nations, achieving the milestone in just 528 balls. He surpassed Suryakumar Yadav (573 balls) and England's Phil Salt (599) on the list of quickest to the mark by balls faced.
Rishabh Pant retired hurt after being struck multiple times by South African pacer Tshepo Moraki on the third day of the four-day match. Physios are monitoring him, and he may bat again if the match situation requires it. Pant is part of the India squad for the upcoming Test series against South Africa.
Australia's seasoned bowler Josh Hazlewood asserts that their veteran bowling lineup is a crucial advantage heading into the Ashes series. He emphasized that their shared insights and synergy are vital strengths for the team. Meanwhile, Captain Pat Cummins is poised to make his comeback for the second Test, having recovered from his injury.
India's path-breaking women cricketers are set to see their brand valuations soar by over 50 percent following their World Cup triumph. Top performers like Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma can now expect endorsement deals exceeding one crore rupees individually, attracting a diverse range of brands.
India vs Australia 5th T20I Playing 11 Prediction: India faces Australia in the final T20I in Brisbane today. Having secured a 2-1 series lead, India aims for another overseas victory. Potential lineup changes include Sanju Samson, Nitish Reddy, and Rinku Singh. Jasprit Bumrah might be rested ahead of the South Africa series. Australia is expected to field a similar squad.
Jonty Rhodes will make his Indian television debut pitching for sports wellness brand UpUrFit on Ideabaaz. Rhodes, alongside co-founders Munish Vig and Vikram Gunjal, presented their performance, recovery, and hygiene products to investors. The company, launched in 2023, is seeking $0.5 million in funding.
Kranti Goud, a young pacer, never knew about the Indian women's cricket team. She started playing by chance with boys in her village. Now, she is a World Cup champion. Goud contributed significantly to India's maiden title win. She met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu. Her journey inspires many from rural backgrounds.
India's women's cricket team secured its first World Cup title defeating South Africa. Head coach Amol Muzumdar believes this victory is a significant moment for Indian sports. The team overcame early losses to reach the final. This triumph is being compared to the men's 1983 World Cup win. The players and support staff are credited for this achievement.
India's victorious women's cricket team met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The team shared their World Cup win and discussed personal topics. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur expressed pride in bringing the trophy home. Deepti Sharma spoke about her Lord Hanuman tattoo. Harleen Deol humorously asked about the Prime Minister's skincare routine. The players also reflected on past inspirations and team unity.

19 C