The Times of India

Lakshya Sen defeated Chinas Shi Yu Qi 23-21, 19-21, 21-17 in a tough three-game match, marking his first BWF World Tour win over the former world No. 1. Praised for staying very calm and composed, Lakshya showed strong defence and attack to seal a very confidence boosting win. Malvika Bansod lost, while KapilaCrasto won in mixed doubles.

Indias high intensity training session at Wankhede Stadium

Indias womens cricket team has been nominated for the 2026 Laureus World Team of the Year Award after winning their maiden World Cup title. They are the first womens cricket team to earn this honour, highlighted by a record 339-run chase against Australia. The winners will be announced in Madrid on April 20 by the Laureus World Sports Academy jury.

Senior selection committee member Aleem Dar has resigned from the Pakistan Cricket Board. This follows the national team's failure to reach the T20 World Cup semifinals. Dar reportedly cited concerns over head coach Mike Hesson's influence in team selection. Pakistan's disappointing performance has led to player fines. Financial benefits will now be tied to performance.

Hardik Pandya reaches Wankhede in a sports car for Team India nets

Ahead of their AFC Womens Asian Cup opener in Perth, Indias women footballers complained about ill-fitting kits and poor training gear. In a strongly worded letter, all 26 players said the incorrect sizes reportedly too small for most of the squad hurt morale. They demanded immediate replacements. The AIFF later confirmed new kits were provided and cleared.

Mohun Bagan Super Giants have been fined and hit with a full stadium closure for their upcoming game against Odisha FC on March 6. The Kolkata giants have been found guilty of 'spectator misconduct' during their season opener against the Kerala Blasters on February 14.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will host five of their seven home matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru for the 2026 IPL season. This comes after extensive coordination with authorities to ensure matches can be held in the city. The remaining two home fixtures will be played in Raipur.

The T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals feature India vs England in Mumbai and South Africa vs New Zealand in Kolkata. Though the forecast is clear, rain concerns remain after earlier washouts. The ICC has reserve days and extra time in place. If a semi-final is abandoned, the higher Super 8 team advances meaning England and South Africa would qualify.

Virat Kohli, currently on a break from cricket, was spotted with his son Akaay in London. The former captain is prioritizing family time and privacy for his children. Kohli also shared Holi wishes on social media and is gearing up for his return in the IPL 2026 season with RCB.

Sixteen-year-old Aarav Dengla has become Indias 93rd Grandmaster (GM). Guided by his mother Shipra, who quit her job to support his career, Aarav rose rapidly from prodigy to champion. Initially trained by GM Pravin Thipsay and then under Vishnu Prasanna, and balancing rigorous academics, he sealed his final GM norm in 2026, emerging as Mumbais third Grandmaster.

Mithun Manhas reflects on his emotions when Paras Dogra-led Jammu and Kashmir won the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy title. He traces J&Ks revival to the 2021 BCCI-appointed sub-committee, credits stability and discipline for the turnaround, backs Auqib Nabi as a product of domestic grind, and expresses full faith in Suryakumar Yadav-led India to deliver in front of home crowd in the T20 World Cup.

The ICC is facilitating the return of the West Indies and Zimbabwe cricket teams from India following their T20 World Cup exit. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have led to widespread flight cancellations, delaying the teams' departures.

After a COVID-induced withdrawal in 2022, India's women's football team has qualified for the AFC Women's Asian Cup on merit. Under new coach Amelia Valverde, the team faces a tough challenge in Australia against Japan, Vietnam, and Chinese Taipei, aiming to compete and showcase their capabilities on the international stage. The dream is clear: qualify for the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Indian cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and VVS Laxman extended warm Holi wishes, emphasising joy, positivity, and togetherness. Other stars, including Yuzvendra Chahal, Rishabh Pant, Anil Kumble, and Jhulan Goswami, also shared festive greetings, with some reminding fans to celebrate safely and reflect on the festival's deeper meanings.

Can India beat England and reach T20 World Cup final? Greenstone Lobo makes bold prediction

Indian badminton star PV Sindhu has returned to Bengaluru safely. She was stranded in Dubai amid escalating Middle East conflict. Sindhu expressed gratitude to ground teams and Dubai authorities for their support. The athlete and her coach experienced a close call after an explosion nearby. She is now resting and planning her next steps.

Indian umpire Nitin Menon has earned a spot on the elite panel for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup semifinals. He will serve as the third umpire for the Kolkata clash between South Africa and New Zealand on March 4. The following day, India faces England in Mumbai, with a separate officiating team in place.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia calls J&K's Ranji Trophy triumph a 'landmark moment born out of structural reform and belief'. He credits the 2021 sub-committee for stabilising the Association, promises infrastructure upgrades, including indoor facilities and a stadium, and also praised Auqib Nabis rise.

Controversy surrounds the Boxing Federation of India's selection for the Asian Championships. Top boxers Neeraj Phogat and Jyoti Gulia claim favouritism and manipulation. They allege the new evaluation process unfairly benefits certain athletes. Both boxers missed selection for the Ulaanbaatar meet. They have lodged complaints seeking an impartial inquiry and a review of the selection procedures.

Mohammad Amir's prediction that India would miss the T20 World Cup semifinals backfired as Sanju Samson's unbeaten 97 guided them to a five-wicket win over the West Indies. Despite this, Amir maintains India won't reach the final, citing bowling form and batting collapses, though Samson's knock set a new record for India in a successful T20 World Cup run-chase.

Mithun Manhas exclusive: Where was Aquib Nabi all these years? BCCI president reveals

Aiden Markram, once a dejected captain, has now led South Africa to their maiden World Test Championship title, a stark contrast to a previous T20 World Cup final loss. His composed leadership and stellar batting performance against Australia have earned him widespread praise from coaches, highlighting his crucial role in the team's success and his focused approach.

Sanju Samson delivered a stellar performance with 97 runs against the West Indies. His brilliant innings secured India's victory by five wickets. This win propels India into the semifinals of the T20 World Cup 2026. Captain Suryakumar Yadav praised Samson's courageous and timely contribution. The team now prepares to face England.

South Africa, aiming to break their limited-overs World Cup jinx, have reached their ninth semifinal. Despite the 'chokers' tag, coach Shukri Conrad remains unfazed, highlighting the team's ability to win under pressure. With both batting and pace bowling excelling on Indian wickets, the unbeaten Proteas are favorites against New Zealand.

Former Australian pacer Glenn McGrath predicts an India-South Africa T20 World Cup final. He warns India to be wary of England in the semi-finals, despite their inconsistent campaign. McGrath praised South Africa's T20 focus and highlighted Jasprit Bumrah as a crucial 'big-game player' for India's knockout chances. He also expressed little surprise at Australia's early exit.

Zimbabwe's cricket team faces a travel delay from India after West Asian airspace closures disrupted their planned return via Dubai. The squad, safe in Delhi, awaits new arrangements as the ICC works with carriers to secure alternative routes. Tensions in the Middle East have impacted flights, leaving the team temporarily stranded following their T20 World Cup campaign.

Sanju Samson's spectacular unbeaten 97 against the West Indies has propelled India into the T20 World Cup semifinals. This match-winning knock, hailed as a career-defining performance, saw Samson single-handedly steer India through a challenging chase. Head coach Gautam Gambhir expressed confidence that this innings marks a turning point for the talented batter.

Sanju Samson's match-winning 97 against the West Indies fulfilled a promise made by captain Rohit Sharma, who encouraged him not to be disheartened when initially left out of the T20 World Cup playing XI. Samson's resilient knock, his highest in T20 World Cups, secured India's highest successful chase and propelled them to the semifinals.

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi strongly opposes fines for players after their T20 World Cup exit. He calls the proposed PKR 5 million penalty small thinking. Afridi suggests sending underperforming players to first-class cricket. Some players, he believes, should be out of the Pakistan team for two years. He also calls for better workload management and player changes.

Sanju Samson's unbeaten 97 guided India to the semi-finals, a performance head coach Gautam Gambhir attributed to a strategic break after a tough series against New Zealand. Gambhir highlighted Samson's composure and classical shots, expressing hope that this match-winning knock marks a turning point for the talented batter.

While Sanju's 97 in Kolkata will be remembered, his short-lived but significant innings against Zimbabwe three days prior had brought momentum to India's T20 World Cup campaign.

PV Sindhu has withdrawn from the All England Championships due to travel disruptions in Dubai, but will compete in the Swiss Open next week. The rest of the Indian contingent is in Birmingham, aiming to break a 25-year jinx at the prestigious event. Several Indian players face tough opening rounds against top international opponents.

Team India arrives in Mumbai after sealing semifinal spot | T20 World Cup 2026

Wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow is stranded in Dubai with his family due to halted commercial flights amid rising Middle East tensions. He expressed distress over ensuring their safety and seeking a route home, while cricket schedules have also been disrupted. The UK government advises British nationals in the UAE to shelter in place.

Former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev is among a small group of players and team members the ATP Tour is assisting to leave Dubai due to widespread travel disruptions caused by the war in the Middle East. The ATP is providing support and accommodation for those affected, ensuring their safety as they await conditions to travel to their next tournaments.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup exit has sparked debate over leadership, with former captain Shahid Afridi criticizing all-rounder Shadab Khan's performance and suitability for captaincy. Afridi advocates for an aggressive leader like Fakhar Zaman to steer the team forward after another disappointing ICC event.

Rohit Sharma cherishes the 2007 T20 World Cup final against Pakistan as his most memorable encounter. He also highlighted the thrilling 2022 MCG clash, where Virat Kohli's extraordinary innings secured a dramatic win from a dire situation. Sharma emphasized that nerves remained a constant throughout his career, fueling his desire to perform.

Sanju Samson's unbeaten 97 guided India to a five-wicket victory over West Indies, securing a T20 World Cup semifinal spot. Captain Suryakumar Yadav's heartfelt bow to Samson after the win symbolized immense respect and acknowledged the batter's crucial match-winning performance under pressure.

Sourav Ganguly lauded Sanju Samson's unbeaten 97 as 'outstanding,' propelling India into the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals. Samson's brilliant chase secured a crucial win against the West Indies, setting up a clash with England. Ganguly emphasized Samson's value and consistent role in India's white-ball plans.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to take the most bizarre of actions after the Pakistan team's average performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup.

IPL 2026 preparations commenced in Chennai with MS Dhoni joining Ruturaj Gaikwad and the Chennai Super Kings squad for their first practice session. Dhoni's playful antics during nets brought laughter, while Gaikwad showcased sharp batting. New signings and domestic players participated as the franchise unveiled their new jersey.

Sanju Samson's spectacular unbeaten 97 powered India to a thrilling five-wicket victory over West Indies, securing a T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal spot. His match-winning knock, the highest in an Indian T20 World Cup chase, earned him immense praise from skipper Suryakumar Yadav, highlighting Samson's crucial contribution under pressure.

Indian cricket team leaves from Kolkata, fans go mad for Sanju Samson

How Mr Cool Sanju Samson fired India into World Cup semis

Team India is set to host Afghanistan for a multi-format cricket series in June 2026, featuring a one-off Test and three ODIs. The tour, spanning June 6-20, will see matches played in New Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Lucknow, and Chennai. This series offers vital preparation for both nations ahead of a busy international schedule.

West Indies captain Shai Hope accepted blame for his team's T20 World Cup exit, admitting his slow start against India stalled their momentum. Despite a late surge, the 196-run target proved insufficient. Hope highlighted the dew factor and his winless toss record as challenges, while praising India's Sanju Samson's match-winning knock.

Team India secures a thrilling semi-final spot in the T20 World Cup 2026, setting up a high-voltage clash against England on March 5 in Mumbai. South Africa will face New Zealand in the first semi-final on March 4 in Kolkata. The winners will battle for the championship title on March 8 in Ahmedabad.

Gautam Gambhir praised Sanju Samson's match-winning 97 against the West Indies, highlighting his potential. However, the focus now shifts to the T20 World Cup semi-final against a formidable England side in Mumbai. Gambhir emphasized that India will require a 'special effort' and flawless execution to overcome the unbeaten English team.

Sanju Samson's brilliant unbeaten 97 powered India into the T20 World Cup semifinals with a five-wicket victory over the West Indies. Despite a challenging target, Samson anchored the chase, showcasing his talent. Earlier, Jason Holder and Rovman Powell's late surge helped West Indies post a competitive 195.