The Times of India

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in India squad: Father gets emotional, Samastipur goes WILD

KL Rahul's patient century and Sai Sudharsan's fluent 81 guided India to a strong position on Day 1 of the one-off Test against Afghanistan. Both batsmen successfully transitioned from T20 to Test cricket, overcoming initial rustiness and justifying the team management's faith. Their partnership laid a solid foundation for India's dominance.

Ajit Agarkar press conference: Why SKY was sacked, on new captain Shreyas & Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

For nearly two years, Shreyas Iyer kept knocking on the door. As Suryakumar Yadav's returns dipped in both IPL and international cricket, Iyer's weight of runs and consistency at No. 4 made him the obvious successor as India's T20I captain.

Shreyas Iyer has been appointed captain for India's upcoming T20 tours of Ireland and England, marking his return to the T20 setup. Teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also earned a historic maiden call-up as the youngest player ever selected for an Indian team. This signals a new direction for India's T20 squad.

India's T20I squad for Ireland and England tours sees Shreyas Iyer appointed captain, with Tilak Varma as vice-captain. Six players from the T20 World Cup squad are out, including Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya, while six new faces, notably 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, have been included, signaling a new era for Indian white-ball cricket.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday named Shreyas Iyer as India's new T20I captain, replacing Suryakumar Yadav. Soon after the announcement, Suryakumar posted an Instagram story backing the team.

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has earned his maiden senior national call-up, potentially becoming India's youngest male debutant. After a stellar U-19 World Cup and a remarkable IPL season, the batting sensation is included in squads for upcoming T20I tours and the Asian Games, poised to break Sachin Tendulkar's long-standing record.

Dhruv Jurel will captain India A in their upcoming two multi-day matches against Sri Lanka A, with Devdutt Padikkal as vice-captain. The squad features new faces like Auqib Nabi, a standout fast-bowling all-rounder, alongside established domestic performers. This tour is crucial for developing emerging red-ball talent in challenging spin-friendly conditions.

Shreyas Iyer has been appointed captain of India's men's squad for the 2026 Asian Games, signaling a shift in leadership. The squad also features the maiden senior T20 call-up for 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose exceptional performances in the U-19 World Cup and IPL earned him a spot.

Virat Kohli will miss the upcoming Afghanistan ODI series due to a hamstring injury sustained in the IPL final. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed the setback, stating Kohli might be fit for the England tour starting July 14. Yashasvi Jaiswal has been named as his replacement for the Afghanistan series, which begins June 13.

Shreyas Iyer will captain India's T20I squad against Ireland and England, with 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi earning a maiden call-up. Jasprit Bumrah is rested for workload management, while Hardik Pandya is undergoing rehabilitation. Both are included in the Asian Games squad.

Shreyas Iyer has been appointed as India's new T20I captain, replacing Suryakumar Yadav. Tilak Varma is the new vice-captain. The squads for Ireland, England, and Asian Games were announced, with Jasprit Bumrah returning for the latter. Young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also earned a spot in both squads.

Shreyas Iyer will captain India's men's cricket squad at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, with 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi earning a maiden call-up. This selection signals a new direction for India's white-ball strategy, blending experienced players like Jasprit Bumrah with emerging talent for the continental event.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's childhood coach Manish Ojha says the 15-year-old's maiden India call-up is the result of talent, hard work and destiny. Fresh off a record-breaking IPL 2026 season, the Bihar teenager has earned praise from Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill, and has now received a maiden India call-up.

Shreyas Iyer's journey from overlooked talent to India's T20I captain is a testament to resilience. Overcoming injuries and selector doubts, his consistent performances in domestic and IPL cricket, coupled with leadership acumen, have finally earned him a prominent role. Iyer's unwavering determination shines through his remarkable comeback.

Rishabh Pant achieved a significant milestone, becoming the third Indian wicketkeeper to play 50 Test matches. At 28, he joins legends Dhoni and Kirmani. Despite recent career challenges, Pant's Test record remains exceptional, marked by match-winning performances and a strong batting average. This achievement underscores his enduring value in the longest format of the game.

Teenage midfield sensation Lennart Karl has been ruled out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after sustaining a serious thigh injury in training. The 18-year-old Bayern Munich prodigy's torn muscle bundle ends his tournament hopes, with RB Leipzig's Assan Oudraogo called up as his replacement.

Carlo Ancelotti, a seasoned coach, takes on the monumental task of reviving Brazil's footballing fortunes in the US. Facing skepticism, he aims to instill discipline and control, reminiscent of the pragmatic 1994 team, to overcome a generation's struggles and reclaim glory. His focus is on decisive moments over pure flair.

R Praggnanandhaa has made history, becoming the first Indian to clinch the prestigious Norway Chess title. He secured the championship with a stunning final-round victory over Vincent Keymer, overcoming a deficit to claim the crown. This remarkable win earns him 700,000 Norwegian Kroner, approximately Rs 70.5 lakh.

Manav Suthar received his first India Test cap on Saturday. The Rajasthan all-rounder was presented with the cap before the Afghanistan Test. Suthar is a 23-year-old left-arm spinner and lower-order batsman. He earned his call-up after strong domestic performances. This debut marks a significant step for the young cricketer.

After a season that rewrote IPL batting records - 27,450 runs, 1,426 sixes, 65 scores of 200-plus and nine successful 220-plus chases - the 2026 final produced a modest aggregate of 316 runs. Was it an anomaly or part of a larger trend? The TOI Data Desk analysis of all 19 IPL finals reveals that the belief that finals are traditionally low-scoring is largely a myth. Yet recent seasons suggest title deciders may be gradually trending below the scoring pace set during the league stage.

R Praggnanandhaa made history, becoming the first Indian to clinch the prestigious Norway Chess title. His mother's timely encouragement proved prophetic as he secured a remarkable comeback victory. A change in his playing strategy, focusing on faster, controlled moves, was key to his triumph.

Iran's national football team has secured U.S. visas for the FIFA World Cup 2026, resolving diplomatic hurdles just before their opening match. Despite political tensions, all players and essential staff received approval, though some applicants were denied. The team will now base their operations in Mexico for the tournament.

Indian cricket is poised for a significant shift as the selection committee meets to pick squads for upcoming T20I tours. Shreyas Iyer is reportedly set to become the new T20 captain, replacing Suryakumar Yadav, whose form has dipped. The selectors are also considering a maiden call-up for 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Ahead of the Afghanistan Test, coach Gautam Gambhir stressed the importance of this match for the World Test Championship roadmap. He highlighted the need to identify a fourth spinner for the Sri Lanka tour and expressed confidence in Sai Sudharsan's potential at number three, emphasizing a long-term approach to player development.

Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa has achieved a historic victory at Norway Chess, becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious tournament. He secured the title by defeating Vincent Keymer in a classical game, with a draw between Wesley So and Alireza Firouzja sealing his win. This triumph marks a significant moment for Indian chess.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain believes India should fast-track Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's international debut. The young batter's record-breaking IPL 2026 season has impressed many. Hussain feels Sooryavanshi's extraordinary performances make him impossible to ignore for the national team. His talent is undeniable and he is set for further challenges.

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif strongly backs Shreyas Iyer for the T20I captaincy, citing his IPL success with Gautam Gambhir and leading franchises to finals. Kaif believes Iyer's leadership and batting prowess make him the top choice, ahead of others like Jasprit Bumrah. He also suggested the team has moved past Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill for the role.

Alexander Zverev advanced to the French Open final after a four-set victory over Jakub Mensik. The German second seed, now a strong favorite with top contenders eliminated, will compete for his maiden Grand Slam title. Zverev overcame a brief resurgence from Mensik to secure his place in the championship match.

Nepal's Kushal Bhurtel is on a record-breaking spree at the Asian Games qualifiers, smashing back-to-back T20I centuries. Days after hitting six sixes in an over, he delivered another stunning century, powering Nepal to a massive win. This remarkable feat places him in an elite group of cricketers with consecutive T20I hundreds.

England opener Emilio Gay marked his Test debut against New Zealand at Lord's with a composed 57 in the second innings. His crucial half-century anchored the hosts against a disciplined pace attack. With this knock, Gay became the first England men's opener to score a debut fifty on home soil since Andrew Strauss in 2004, stabilising the top order.

Captain Shubman Gill emphasizes Test cricket's unparalleled satisfaction as India prepares for their one-off Test against Afghanistan. Acknowledging the challenging transition from IPL, Gill expressed confidence in young talents and highlighted the significance of this match for building momentum ahead of crucial World Test Championship fixtures. He stressed Afghanistan's formidable progress, urging against underestimation.

The BCCI will announce India's squads for the Ireland and England white-ball tours, after a selection meeting on Saturday. A press conference led by Ajit Agarkar and Devajit Saikia will begin at 1 PM IST. Shreyas Iyer is expected to become T20 captain, while youngsters Tilak Varma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could earn major roles.

Parisian sensation Maja Chwalinska, a surprise Roland Garros finalist, credits her simple routine and a 'free' mindset for her meteoric rise. The unseeded Pole, battling past depression, now stands one match from a historic title, her imaginative, left-handed game captivating fans and defying expectations after a year of qualifying struggles.

Rohit Sharma prediction: Greenstone Lobos bold take on 2027 World Cup and future

FIFA has cancelled around 60 World Cup tickets that were mistakenly issued for free because of a website checkout error. The affected fans have been asked to pay the correct amount to keep their reserved seats. The incident adds to ongoing scrutiny of FIFA's ticketing system, which has faced criticism over pricing, resale policies and consumer protection concerns.

India's renowned shooting coach Jaspal Rana underwent a stent procedure after falling ill on a flight returning from the ISSF World Cup in Munich. Rana, who mentors Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and several top Indian shooters, was taken to a Delhi hospital after landing. A Dronacharya Award winner, he currently serves as India's high-performance coach for pistol shooting.

Ravichandran Ashwin advocates for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to pursue Test cricket, despite the 15-year-old's phenomenal white-ball success. Sooryavanshi's record-breaking IPL 2026 campaign, where he won the Orange Cap with 776 runs, has sparked debate about his future format. Ashwin acknowledges the changing landscape of cricket and the difficulty in forcing a player's hand.

Ravichandran Ashwin stresses that revitalizing first-class cricket is crucial for Test cricket's future, a global concern. He noted that while the BCCI has improved domestic salaries, players need stronger incentives to choose the demanding red-ball game. Ashwin, a legendary spinner, emphasized the unparalleled rewards of Test cricket and the importance of traditional coaching for aspiring players.

Praggnanandhaa remains firmly in contention for the Norway Chess 2026 title heading into the final round. The Indian grandmaster trails leader Wesley So by just half a point, with Alireza Firouzja also in the mix. A classical victory in his final game could propel Praggnanandhaa to the top, though the outcome will also depend on results involving So and Firouzja.

Rohit injured his hamstring during the IPL and was picked for the ODIs, subject to fitness clearance.

India's upcoming Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh, while outside the WTC cycle, serves as crucial preparation. The Shubman Gill-led side will use the match to reconnect with red-ball cricket and fine-tune strategies before a demanding WTC schedule. For Afghanistan, it's a historic second Test against India, offering a valuable opportunity to compete against a traditional powerhouse.

India ready for Test challenge; Gautam Gambhir upbeat on WTC final

ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) is making a significant return to sports broadcasting by acquiring rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and future tournaments. The company has launched Unite8 Sports channels and offering content on Zee5. Bavesh Janavlekar, Chief Business Officer of Unite8 Sports, speaks about the acquisition and long-term vision.

India's Test transition is entering a new phase. Gautam Gambhir believes the rebuilding process that began in England is still well underway, and the focus must now shift from experimentation to stability. From backing Sai Sudharsan and identifying a fourth spinner for future tours to stressing better red-ball preparation and mental toughness, the India coach outlined how the team plans to navigate a crucial phase of the World Test Championship cycle.

World Champion D Gukesh faces a crucial final-round clash against Magnus Carlsen at Norway Chess 2026. Currently last with eight points, Gukesh must defeat Carlsen in their classical game to move ahead of the Norwegian and avoid finishing at the bottom. Meanwhile, Wesley So, Praggnanandhaa, and Alireza Firouzja remain locked in a thrilling three-way battle for the tournament title.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir supports the ICC's new rule allowing a pink ball under floodlights to combat bad light in Test matches. He believes this proactive measure will help ensure matches reach a conclusion, especially in crucial World Test Championship scenarios, preventing teams from being denied results due to weather.