The Economic Times

The 19-year-old Italian pulled clear of an entertaining battle between Russell and the two Ferraris to take a commanding win at the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday and share the podium with his teammate and Hamilton, the seven-time champion he replaced last year. Im speechless. Im about to cry, to be honest, Antonelli said, holding back tears. Thank you so much to my team because they helped me to achieve this dream.

Shubman Gill and Smriti Mandhana received top honours at the BCCI Naman Awards 2026. They were named Best International Cricketers for their outstanding performances in the 2024-2025 season. India's five trophy-winning teams were also celebrated. Former stars Roger Binny, Rahul Dravid, and Mithali Raj received the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Indian men's football team will play their final AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifier against Hong Kong in Kochi on March 31. This match marks the team's return to Kochi after a decade. Although the game is a dead rubber for qualification, it offers FIFA ranking points.

Youngster Kimi Antonelli shattered records, clinching pole position at the Chinese Grand Prix, leading a stunning Mercedes front-row sweep. George Russell secured second despite qualifying challenges, while Ferrari's Hamilton and Leclerc will start from the second row. Max Verstappen faced a difficult session, qualifying eighth. Russell extended his championship lead after winning the earlier sprint race.

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir supported batter Abhishek Sharma during a tough phase in the T20 World Cup. Gambhir stated Sharma was merely 'out of runs' and not 'out of form'. He encouraged Sharma to play aggressively and fearlessly. The team had full faith in all selected players. India successfully defended their T20 World Cup title.

Kerala will honor cricketer Sanju Samson with an official reception in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday. Samson was instrumental in India's ICC Men's T20 World Cup victory and was named Player of the Tournament. The event will be held at Central Stadium. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the function.

Daniil Medvedev ended Carlos Alcaraz's Indian Wells title defense with a 6-3, 7-6(3) victory, advancing to a final against Jannik Sinner. Sinner, who defeated Alexander Zverev 6-2, 6-4, remains undefeated in sets this tournament. Medvedev's smart play and Alcaraz's errors were key in the first semifinal, while Sinner's consistent performance secured his dominant win.

Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli has made history by becoming the youngest Formula One driver to secure pole position for a Grand Prix. He achieved this feat in China for Mercedes. His teammate George Russell encountered significant car issues during qualifying. Lewis Hamilton secured third place for Ferrari, setting up an exciting race ahead.

Messi-Trump meeting: On social media, in newspapers and on radio and television programs, Argentines have engaged in a near-forensic examination of Messi's body language during his appearance with Trump to dissect how uncomfortable, or at ease, he seemed during Trump's saber-rattling speech.

After a challenging week plagued by lower back muscle spasms, Rory McIlroy has secured his spot for the weekend at The Players Championship. His impressive performance on the last hole not only secured his cut but has also eased his concerns about adjusting his upcoming Masters schedule.

The IPL 2026 is starting on March 28 with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

India's 2026 T20 World Cup victory underscores the Indian Premier League's impact. Players developed in the IPL formed the core of the winning squad. This franchise league now serves as a talent pool and tactical testing ground. The IPL generation is comfortable with high-pressure situations and aggressive cricket.

The study found that the proportion of women who say they play cricket has risen from 5% in 2020 to 10%. Participation among young women aged 15 to 24 has grown even more sharply, with 16% now saying they play cricket compared with 6% in 2020.

Former India cricketer VVS Laxman recalled his legendary partnership with Rahul Dravid in the 2001 Kolkata Test. This stand, built on belief and resilience, led to one of cricket's greatest comebacks. Australia, on a winning streak, was defeated by India after being forced to follow on. The duo's monumental partnership defied challenges and turned the match around.

The BCCI will host the Naman Awards 2026 in New Delhi on March 15, 2026. Roger Binny and Rahul Dravid will receive the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award. Mithali Raj will be honoured with the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women.

Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav marks five years in international cricket. He made his debut on March 14, 2021. Yadav has achieved significant milestones, including leading India to a T20 World Cup title. He holds numerous batting records and has a strong winning record as captain. His journey showcases remarkable growth and success in the shortest format of the game.

During high-stakes international sports events, athletes occasionally embark on the brave journey of seeking asylum. In a striking recent example, Iranian women's football players opted for Australia, turning their backs on the uncertainties of home.

In a pre-match press conference, Pep Guardiola, the mastermind behind Manchester City, has stated that a loss against West Ham could seal the fate of their Premier League title aspirations. Sitting potentially ten points adrift from leaders Arsenal, City faces an uphill battle after a recent setback in the Champions League.

Russell led every phase of the session at the Shanghai circuit to take his first career sprint pole in a time of one minute 31.520 seconds. Antonelli was 0.289 slower.

IPL Rajasthan Royals: Under the guidance of RR's Head Coach and Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara, the camp will focus on fostering team bonding, intensive training and planning along with strength and training sessions.

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla stated the board has no involvement in overseas leagues like The Hundred, downplaying Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed's acquisition by Indian-owned Sunrisers Leeds. This development is separate from the IPL, where Pakistani players haven't been signed since 2009 due to diplomatic ties.

Chennai Super Kings has assured the Madras High Court it will cease using songs from Rajinikanth films, including 'Jailer', in promotions without a license from copyright holder Sun Pictures. This undertaking follows a petition by Sun TV Network alleging copyright infringement. CSK will seek permission or a license before using the music.

Bangladesh vs Pakistan 2nd ODI predicted playing 11: Bangladesh leads Pakistan one-nil in the ODI series. The second match is on Friday in Dhaka. Bangladesh won the first game convincingly. Pakistan's batting struggled. Bangladesh chased the target easily. Captain Shaheen Afridi wants his team to build partnerships. Fans can watch the match live on FanCode.

Former President Donald Trump suggested Iran's national soccer team should withdraw from the FIFA World Cup for their own safety, despite matches being scheduled in the U.S. This comes after Iran's supreme leader was reportedly killed in U.S. airstrikes, leading to claims the country might not participate. Trump's stance appears to contradict previous assurances of the team's welcome.

Federico Valverde's sensational hat-trick against Manchester City helped Real Madrid put one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals, but his words after the game may prove more crucial still. Everyone will remember Valverde's goals, but scoring is not his forte -- Ancelotti even had a bet with him to try and provoke more from him in the final third.

In a surprising turn of events, Sunrisers Leeds has secured the services of leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed for a whopping 190,000 at The Hundred auction. This move defies earlier speculation that Indian-owned franchises may steer clear of Pakistani talents. The England and Wales Cricket Board has been adamant that nationality should play no role in player selection.

The new jersey follows Punjab Kings' signature red and blue brand colours, a combination that has come to represent the energy, pride and fearless attitude of the franchise. The updated design introduces a distinctive pattern that begins with the lion motif at the centre, the symbol of Punjab Kings, and gradually transitions into diamond-shaped elements across the fabric

In a thrilling encounter, India takes on Italy in the semifinal of the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup Qualifiers. With a World Cup spot already secured, the Indian team looks to claim the coveted title. They've demonstrated impressive performance throughout the qualifiers, highlighted by standout player Navneet Kaur's scoring prowess.

Players from South Africa and the West Indies have finally left India after being stranded post the T20 World Cup. Their departure was delayed due to the closure of airspaces amid the West Asia conflict. The International Cricket Council confirmed the safe travel of all remaining players. This concludes a complex logistical operation under challenging global travel conditions.

The Indian Premier League is closely watching the West Asia Conflict's effect on player travel. Tournament operations remain under control. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has released the initial schedule for the 2026 IPL. Matches will begin on March 28. The full schedule will be announced after state election dates are confirmed.

The Indian Premier League 2026 season is confirmed to proceed as planned. The Board of Control for Cricket in India will release the full schedule for the remaining matches once the Election Commission of India announces state election dates. The tournament begins March 28, 2026, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad.

On March 15, the BCCI awards night will shine the spotlight on Shubman Gill as he takes home the prestigious Cricketer of the Year title, celebrating his stellar performances in both Tests and ODIs. Additionally, cricket legend Rahul Dravid will be celebrated with the Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring his invaluable contributions to the sport.

Gujarat Titans have appointed Vijay Dahiya as Assistant Coach for the upcoming IPL 2026 season. This move strengthens their coaching staff. Dahiya brings extensive experience from his playing and coaching careers. The IPL 2026 season will begin on March 28, 2026. The first phase schedule has been announced by the BCCI.

In a recent ruling, the BCCI Ethics Officer cleared former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni of any conflict of interest regarding his involvement in the IPL. It was determined that Dhoni's cricket academies were established prior to the BCCI's guidelines, and there was no proof of bias or favoritism. Consequently, the complaint has been officially dismissed.

Kolkata Knight Riders Indian Premier League 2026 Full Schedule: As fans gear up for an electrifying IPL 2026 season, the Kolkata Knight Riders will launch their journey with a much-anticipated clash versus the Mumbai Indians on March 29. Following this high-stakes opener, the team will host a trio of home matches at Eden Gardens, taking on the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, and the Lucknow Super Giants.

IPL 2026 Schedule: The countdown to the 2026 Indian Premier League has begun! Opening the season, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru will go head-to-head with the Sunrisers Hyderabad in an epic clash. This year boasts a record 84 matches, raising the stakes higher than ever. Keep your eyes peeled for the complete match schedule dropping soon.

Cricket fans, get ready for an expanded Indian Premier League 2026. The tournament kicks off on March 28 in Bengaluru. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will play Sunrisers Hyderabad. This season is the largest ever with 84 matches. The league runs for over two months, concluding on May 31. Playoffs begin May 26.

Team India Head Coach Gautam Gambhir has spoken out against social media's negative influence. He believes protecting players from outside distractions was key to their T20 World Cup victory. Gambhir stressed that players need freedom to make mistakes without fear of online criticism. His focus remains on supporting his team and genuine fans, not social media opinions.

Adani Sportsline has appointed Randhir Singh Sehrawat as the new head coach for Gujarat Giants. Sehrawat, a seasoned kabaddi coach, brings extensive experience to the Pro Kabaddi League. He aims to guide the Gujarat Giants to a championship title in the upcoming season. His appointment signals a strong focus on building a competitive team for the next PKL season.

As the T20 World Cup winds down, players find themselves stuck in India. In response, the ICC is seeking alternative travel solutions, ensuring that safety and welfare take precedence. The unrest in West Asia has severely impacted air travel routes, prompting the ICC to work closely with airlines and travel agencies to guarantee that every player can return home safely.

Abhishek Sharma's father shared immense joy over his son's match-winning knock in the T20 World Cup final. India secured a commanding victory, defending their title. The community celebrated Abhishek's success and India's triumph. This win marks a significant achievement for Indian cricket, showcasing its global strength. The nation celebrates its third T20 World Cup title.

Fans will have to wait a bit longer for the anticipated cricket showdown between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, originally scheduled for March in the UAE. Due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, securing transportation and other necessary arrangements has proven too challenging.

West Indies cricket players are now flying home from India on commercial flights. Their departure was delayed due to international airspace closures amid Middle East conflict. A planned charter flight was cancelled. Some players and staff have already left, with others scheduled to depart soon. The Caribbean side's governing body confirmed the situation.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is set to commence on March 28, with the initial 20-day schedule to be released shortly, factoring in state assembly elections. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will play some home matches at their traditional Chinnaswamy Stadium, which will also host the IPL final and a playoff game.

Sanju Samson completed a remarkable journey in the T20 World Cup, transforming from a fringe player to a tournament star with crucial knocks in India's knockout matches. Jasprit Bumrah also delivered a stellar performance, proving to be a national treasure with his match-winning spells. India's victory marks a significant achievement in cricket history.

Ishan Kishan delivered a stellar performance in the T20 World Cup final, scoring 241 runs. His success followed a call from Suryakumar Yadav and a personal loss. Kishan's cousin sister passed away days before the match.

Suryakumar Yadav praises head coach Gautam Gambhir. Their partnership built on mutual trust has led to success. They always agreed on team selections. Suryakumar believes in supporting players through tough times. Freedom of speech in the dressing room is key. Honesty and understanding individual players are vital for leadership. This approach has guided the team to victories.

India's T20 World Cup win sparks talk of white-ball dominance. Head coach Gautam Gambhir disagrees. He points to recent ODI series losses. Gambhir stresses daily performance matters more than eras. He believes representing India is a privilege. Players must never take their position for granted. Every match demands full commitment.

Gautam Gambhir, India's T20 World Cup winning coach, prioritizes team trophies over individual achievements. He stresses that winning is the ultimate goal, not personal records. Gambhir believes in building teams on trust and faith, not hope. His philosophy focuses on the collective success of the squad. This approach has guided India to their third T20 World Cup title.

India secured its third Twenty20 World Cup title by defeating New Zealand in the final. The team overcame an early setback against South Africa to find its winning form. Strong performances from players like Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma were key. Jasprit Bumrah's bowling was exceptional. This victory marks a significant achievement for Indian cricket.