The Times of India

Hardik Pandya is out of India's upcoming ODI series due to a quadriceps injury, needing more time to recover for the format. Virat Kohli, recovering from a hamstring issue, is likely to be included subject to a fitness test on June 22. The team selection for the July series is imminent, with both players' availability crucial for future plans.

The incident took place just before half-time with Paraguay leading 1-0.

Rishabh Pant is reportedly set for a homecoming to Delhi Capitals, potentially involving a trade with Kuldeep Yadav moving to Lucknow Super Giants. Amidst this, former India cricketer Dodda Ganesh has advised KL Rahul to seek an auction if Pant returns. Rahul has excelled for Delhi Capitals, while Pant's stint with Lucknow was less successful, prompting Ganesh's suggestion for Rahul to consider his options.

Ishan, playing ODIs after nearly three years, first chipped in with 34 runs at No. 3 in the series opener against Afghanistan. In the second ODI, at No. 4, he went several steps further, producing a superb 125 off 79 balls to make a compelling case in a series where India are experimenting with batting roles.

Shubman Gill's captaincy has coincided with a remarkable surge in his batting prowess across formats. Since taking charge, he's transformed into a dependable scorer, notching centuries at an impressive rate. This leadership role appears to have unlocked a new level, with his Test average nearly doubling and his run-scoring significantly boosted, raising questions about the impact of the armband on his game.

Messi had already put Argentina ahead before the challenge and later went on to score a hat-trick.

Kuldeep Yadav's place may not be under immediate threat, but his form has become a talking point. As India begin building towards the 2027 ODI World Cup, the team management is backing the left-arm wrist spinner to rediscover his wicket-taking touch and lead the middle overs once again.

Morocco opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a 1-0 win over Scotland, but Ismael Saibaris 71-second strike stole the headlines. The PSV midfielder set a new fastest-goal record, secured back-to-back World Cup scoring history, and lifted Morocco to four points from two matches, significantly strengthening their chances of reaching the Round of 32.

Tensions between Harbhajan Singh and S Sreesanth have reignited, nearly 18 years after the infamous IPL 2008 slapgate. Sreesanth challenged Harbhajan to a fight, citing a recent advertisement he believes exploits the incident. Despite past reconciliations and apologies, Sreesanth feels the controversy, which deeply affected his family, is being revisited for financial gain, leading him to block the spinner.

Cristiano Ronaldo's effectiveness for Portugal is under intense scrutiny following a goalless draw against DR Congo. Despite his legendary status, the 41-year-old's limited touches and lack of decisive impact raise questions about his role in the 2026 World Cup. The team's attacking rhythm and statistics suggest a need for tactical evolution.

The United States booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 with a composed 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle. Goals from a Cameron Burgess own goal and Alex Freeman secured a second consecutive Group D win, marking the Americans' first back-to-back men's World Cup victories since 1930 and underlining their growing tournament credentials.

Neeraj Chopra made a strong return to competition at the Doha Diamond League, securing a fourth-place finish with a season-best throw of 85.69 meters. Despite missing a podium spot after an injury layoff, the Olympic champion's performance comfortably met the Commonwealth Games qualification standard. Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage clinched the victory with an impressive 88.68 meters, highlighting a competitive field.

Henry Nicholls marked his return with a stellar unbeaten century, guiding New Zealand to a commanding 252 for 3 on day three against England at The Oval. His 119, coupled with Rachin Ravindra's 76, forged a record partnership, extending New Zealand's lead to 352. This dominant display, built on Matt Henry's five-wicket haul, puts the hosts in a precarious position for a challenging fourth-innings chase.

India XI set to undergo massive changes | One senior player likely to be rested

Team India's assistant coach has made it clear that India's top three -- Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma and captain Shubman Gill will remain intact. Left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh is likely to be rested. Between Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul one will miss out as management wants all-rounders Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy to get a fair run.

Cristiano Ronaldo's blank outing against DR Congo reignited questions over his place in Portugal's World Cup side. But the numbers paint a more complicated picture. While the 41-year-old failed to register a shot on target, FIFA tracking data shows he made 47 off-ball runs and was found only 10 times. His finishing deserves scrutiny, but Portugal's lack of service and creativity may have been just as responsible for a frustrating opening night.

Portugal's FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against DR Congo ended in a surprising 1-1 draw, sparking online backlash against several teammates of Cristiano Ronaldo. Fans accused them of deliberately ignoring the veteran forward, a sentiment echoed by Ronaldo's sister. Despite playing the full match, Ronaldo had limited touches, and his sister's cryptic post fueled speculation about team dynamics.

WATCH: Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal gear up for 3rd ODI vs Afghanistan

Matt Renshaw was the hero for Australia, smashing an unbeaten 89 and taking a crucial wicket to guide them to a seven-run victory over Bangladesh in the second T20I. His stellar performance powered Australia to a record 196/5, a total Bangladesh narrowly missed in a thrilling chase. This win secures the series for Australia with a 2-0 lead.

India to rotate squad! Ryan ten Doeschate reveals selection plans for 3rd ODI

Former pacer S Sreesanth has questioned head coach Gautam Gambhir's significant contribution to India's recent white-ball triumphs, emphasizing the crucial roles played by players like Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav. Sreesanth argued that on-field leaders and players made key decisions, contrasting this with a more involved coach like Ashish Nehra. He also linked India's Test struggles to Gambhir's tenure, advocating for a mentor over a coach.

Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi has received clearance to travel to Canada for the World Cup match against Germany, despite facing an investigation in France for alleged betting offenses. The Ivorian Football Federation confirmed the necessary permissions were secured, allowing the player to join his team. Wahi was previously detained and questioned in France regarding suspicious betting activity linked to a Ligue 1 match.

India has secured the ODI series against Afghanistan, using the matches to test new player combinations. While Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill impressed at number three, former captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth questioned KL Rahul's deployment in a lower batting order, advocating for him to bat higher. Srikkanth also raised concerns about player fatigue due to the demanding schedule.

Iran's football federation is lodging a formal complaint with FIFA, citing travel restrictions that disadvantage their national team during the World Cup. Officials claim denied requests for extended stays and forced immediate departures after matches have disrupted preparations and player recovery, impacting competitive fairness.

Kuldeep Yadav is set to join the Lucknow Super Giants for the 2027 IPL season. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant is strongly expected to make a return to his former team, the Delhi Capitals, with the specifics of his move still being finalised. Both players had a torrid campaign in IPL 2026 for their respective teams.

Virat Kohli delivered another strong IPL season, finishing as RCBs top run-scorer in IPL 2026 with 675 runs at a strike rate of 165.84 - his highest-ever in a single edition. In the final, he played a key unbeaten 75-run knock that helped RCB become only the third team after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians to successfully defend their title.

Former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh is set to join the Delhi Capitals support staff from the 2027 IPL season. This marks his first formal coaching role in the league, building on his extensive mentorship of young players. His hands-on approach and impact on careers has been considered to be highly valued.

Shivang Kumar defied convention by transforming from a top-order batter into a chinaman bowler, a move initially met with skepticism. This unique skill set, coupled with his explosive batting, earned him blockbuster contracts in the Madhya Pradesh League (MPLT20) and then with the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL.

Brazil faces Haiti in their second World Cup 2026 match without star forward Neymar. The 34-year-old is sidelined with a calf strain, remaining in New Jersey for rehabilitation. Coach Ancelotti is prioritizing his long-term fitness, aiming for his return in the knockout rounds. Brazil, under pressure after a draw, will rely on Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.

Faf du Plessis has just redefined age in T20 cricket, setting a record as the oldest centurion at 41 years and 340 days. His remarkable unbeaten score of 104 propelled the Texas Super Kings to a thrilling six-wicket victory over the Seattle Orcas in the electrifying MLC 2026 season debut.

Former India pacer S Sreesanth has challenged Harbhajan Singh to an in-ring fight, reigniting their 2008 'Slapgate' feud. Sreesanth accused Harbhajan of profiting from the incident and urged him to settle their differences through genuine combat rather than advertisements. The challenge comes after a recent ad featuring Harbhajan reportedly reopened old wounds for Sreesanth.

Another youngster from the Sooryavanshi household is beginning to attract attention. Ten-year-old Ashirvad Sooryavanshi, who started playing cricket only six months ago, smashed 103 off 87 balls in his first match for Cricket Academy Tajpur. A right-handed batting all-rounder and fish lover, Ashirvad trains on the same pitches where elder brother Vaibhav honed his skills and dreams of watching him score a century in the UK.

England captain Ben Stokes might return for the third Test against New Zealand as investigations into a nightclub incident near conclusion. Optimism is growing within the team for his comeback. The ECB has cleared him for competitive cricket, with a decision on his immediate future pending the Cricket Regulator's findings.

Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth believes teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could spearhead a Test cricket revival if he realises his vast potential. Srikkanth urged patience, highlighting the 15-year-old's dominant style and unique aura, stating he is simply outstanding for Indian cricket and he son of God in cricketing terms.

Germany's legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer confirmed his international retirement post-World Cup 2026. The 40-year-old, a 2014 World Cup winner, cited the physical and mental toll of continued national duty. Neuer's return to the squad, after a brief hiatus, was driven by strong club form, and he emphasized team unity despite initial selection debates.

Faf du Plessis, at 41, smashed an unbeaten 113 off 52 balls to lead Texas Super Kings to a thrilling six-wicket victory over Seattle Orcas. His historic century, the oldest in T20 history, guided TSK in their pursuit of 221, securing a winning start to their MLC 2026 campaign.

Virat Kohli is making significant progress in his hamstring injury recovery and is on track to return for India's upcoming ODI series in England. He has begun rehabilitation and is expected to undergo a fitness assessment soon. The Indian ODI squad for the England tour will be selected later this week.

Lionel Messi's father, Jorge Messi, is receiving medical treatment for an undisclosed illness. The Messi family has issued an emotional appeal for privacy and restraint from media and the public. They confirmed Jorge Messi is stable and progressing well. This comes after Lionel Messi spoke of personal difficulties following Argentina's World Cup win.

Glenn Phillips achieved a historic maiden Test century, propelling New Zealand to a strong 391 against England. Despite a fighting half-century from Emilio Gay, England faltered, losing key wickets to Matt Henry. At stumps on Day 2, the hosts trail by 169 runs, facing a tough challenge to stay in the game.

Fast bowler Harshit Rana has joined the India squad for the third ODI against Afghanistan after completing his rehabilitation. This move provides the team management with an extra pace option as they assess combinations for future tournaments. Rana's inclusion signals his importance in the selectors' long-term plans, aiming to build depth in the all-rounder department.

Mexico have secured a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea. A goalkeeping blunder gifted Luis Romo the decisive goal, while goalkeeper Ral Rangel's crucial saves sealed the win. This marks a strong tournament start for El Tri, guaranteeing them a place in the knockout stages.

Gurnoor Brar, a 26-year-old Punjab pacer, has ignited excitement in Indian cricket with his consistent 140+ kmph pace and ability to hit the deck hard. He recently impressed by taking six wickets against Afghanistan in two ODIs. Brar emphasizes preparation over results and has learned valuable lessons from his IPL experiences, even without playing, by observing senior bowlers.