The Times of India

Sir Geoffrey Boycott has high praise for Harry Brook's exceptional batting skills but expresses concern that Brook isn't fully harnessing his potential in Test cricket. He believes Brook's style is too reminiscent of white-ball play, suggesting it could hinder his development. Boycott sees similarities between Brook and legendary players like Lara and Tendulkar but laments that his advice went unheeded.

Deep Dasgupta, the former Indian cricketer, emphasised the profound influence of Sourav Ganguly on the team's culture. Ganguly's commanding 'I am the king' mindset instilled confidence, encouraging players to stand up to sledging. This pivotal shift fostered a new combative spirit within the Indian cricket team, leading to notable victories both at home and abroad during his captaincy.

India's hockey captain expressed regret over the team's eighth-place finish at the World Cup, emphasizing the need for improved defense against elite rivals. Although showing promise against Belgium, the overall outcome fell short of expectations. The squad's immediate goal is to capture gold at the Asian Games, securing their spot in the Los Angeles Olympics.

Test matches are wrapping up more swiftly than they did in earlier years. The rise of aggressive T20-style batting and enhanced performances from fast bowlers are driving this trend. Additionally, the preparation of bowler-friendly pitches for the World Test Championship and the impact of DRS technology on umpiring decisions, particularly LBWs, are significant factors. Statistics reveal a noticeable increase in matches concluding within a three-day timeframe.

As the country celebrates National Sports Day on Saturday, for youngsters to choose the playground over the PlayStation, there first needs to be a playground left to choose.

Carlos Alcaraz returns to competitive tennis at the US Open after a four-month injury break. He faces Roman Safiullin in his opening match at the New York tournament. Alcaraz aims to regain his top form and confidence following his wrist recovery. Other top players like Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic are also competing. The tennis world watches Alcaraz's comeback with keen interest and anticipation.

MJ Gopalan found himself at a crossroads in 1936, forced to choose between the promise of Olympic hockey and a cricket tour. He chose cricket, which meant missing out on the Olympic gold as India's hockey squad achieved greatness. Though his first-class statistics were impressive, Gopalan's international experience was limited to a single Test appearance.

Bengaluru FC's Ryan Williams reflects on his transformative three years with Bengaluru FC and the Indian national team, expressing pride in helping Indian football grow. He discusses the club's title ambitions under Pep Muoz, adapting to Indian football, mentoring younger players, supporting OCI reforms for national team progress, and explains why Bengaluru's relaxed lifestyle has made it feel like home.

Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra's 2026 season has ended prematurely due to an ankle injury. He sustained the ligament tear during training after a season's best throw. Chopra will now miss the Diamond League Final and the Asian Games. This setback comes as he felt he was regaining his competitive momentum. His focus is now on rehabilitation and a stronger comeback.

A startling collapse saw Pakistan's batting lineup bowled out for a mere 110 runs in their first innings at Lord's. Michael Vaughan, the former England captain, sharply criticized the performance, remarking that Englands bowlers faced no real challenge, comparing the batting quality to that of second division county teams. England is now in a dominant position in the Test match.

On August 29, National Sports Day commemorates Major Dhyan Chand, the iconic figure in Indian hockey whose brilliance led to three Olympic gold medals. This day not only celebrates his legacy, but also promotes the spirit of sportsmanship, fitness, and healthy living among the youth, as well as acknowledging the accolades of India's sports heroes, fueling inspiration for future generations.

Pakistan's head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed stated players were unaware of a reported PCB threat. This controversy emerged during the lunch break on the first day. The interview featured Imran Khan's sons discussing their father's situation. Pakistan's players returned to the field after lunch and the Test continued. England ended the second day in a strong position.

India's spirited hockey fightback concluded with heartbreak against Belgium. The teams played to a thrilling 3-3 draw in regulation time. Belgium ultimately prevailed in a tense penalty shootout after the match. India had initially taken the lead through Abhishek's early field goal. Harmanpreet Singh scored twice to force the shootout, but Belgium won.

In a remarkable achievement, Hockey India has granted fifty lakh rupees to the women's team following their impressive fifth-place finish in the World Cup, their best in fifty-two years. The team successfully defeated Germany in their concluding match and only faced one defeat during the tournament. This honor not only rewards their dedication but also motivates them for future challenges.

In a thrilling opening match, Namibia triumphed over South Africa by an eighteen-run margin. Although the hosts set a target of 163 runs, they successfully defended it as their bowlers limited the Proteas to just 145 runs. Dewald Brevis fought valiantly with a score of 75, but it fell short.

Anaya Bangar's comeback in cricket reignites discussions on transgender athletes worldwide. The involvement of Laurel Hubbard in the Olympics represented a historic moment for diversity in sports. Lia Thomas's NCAA victory sparked intense conversations about eligibility in collegiate athletics. Meanwhile, the case of Emily Bridges in cycling has catalyzed shifts in international policies.

Anaya Bangar has achieved a significant milestone as a trans athlete, gaining the green light from Cricket Australia to compete in women's cricket. Reflecting on her transition journey, which has been marked by loneliness and emotional hurdles, she graciously acknowledges this opportunity following her gender-affirming surgery earlier this year. This clearance represents a long-awaited chance for her to showcase her talent on the field.

Chungreng Korens Road to UFC campaign ended with a unanimous decision loss to Ryo Tajima in the bantamweight semifinal in Shanghai. Koren controlled large stretches of the contest and finished with more than eight minutes of control time, but Tajima stayed active with short punches and knees to sway the judges. The defeat ended Korens hopes of reaching the final and earning a UFC contract.

Coach Sjoerd Marijne stood firm on his leave during the World Cup, emphasising that his participation remained steady. He highlighted that the team's readiness was intact throughout his time away. India secured an impressive fifth place at the FIH World Cup, and Marijne inspired the squad to maintain their drive and elevate their standards. He envisions their achievements motivating more young girls to take up hockey.

Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins has thrown his weight behind a call for better medical treatment for Imran Khan amid growing concerns for Khans health since his incarceration in 2023. Former international cricket captains are uniting to demand humane care and judicial oversight for Khan. With an emphasis on dignity, Cummins envisions a future where Khan can access independent medical assessments and maintain family connections during this challenging time.

Cricket Australia has cleared Anaya Bangar for a return to competitive women's cricket. She can play community cricket until March 2027, meeting policy requirements. After this date, elite cricket eligibility depends on sustained testosterone levels. South African player Marizanne Kapp criticised the decision as unacceptable and unwarranted. Bangar emphasised that eligibility does not guarantee selection for any team.